Welcome Message from Peter C. Eagler,
Chairman of the 37th Annual Polish Heritage Festival
Dear Friends,
Once again we gather to celebrate with great pride the wonderful Cultural and Heritage of Poland and her People. For the past thirty–seven years New Jersey Polonia has gathered on the first Sunday in June on these wonderful grounds of the Art Center in Holmdel to pray, sing, dance, watch some soccer and enjoy Polish cuisine. This year is no different.
However, this year we observe many anniversaries of some tragic and sad moments when the eyes of the whole world looked to our beloved Poland. Others when the sacrifice of so many helped to make Poland a Free and Independent Nation.
These events include:
- 90th Anniversary of the Second Republic of Poland
- 70th Anniversary of the Nazi Invasion of Poland
- 65th Anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino
- 65th Anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising
- 25th Anniversary of the Murder of Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko, The Solidarity Priest
- 20th Anniversary of First Free Elections and the ending of Communism in Poland
Many people have worked long hours to help in today's celebration. It takes many hours and months to present this festival. So I wish to thank the Polish Festival Committee, the Polish American Heritage League under the Presidency of Dorothy Sowchuk, Festival Vice Chair Danuta Sieminski, Arts Center Coordinator Cookie Santiago, and all of the staff of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and PNC Arts Center. In addition much thanks is expressed to all of our Sponsors and Contributors to the Ad Journal under the direction of Heidi Kopala and Tom Kazalski as well as all Polish and American Press for their help.
Enjoy the Day. Long Live Free Poland and God Bless America!
Sto Lat!
Peter C. Eagler
2009 Chairman