Barbara Janina Sikora
General Chairman
2008 Polish Heritage Festival
Dear Friends,
Today we celebrate our magnificent cultural heritage. That heritage has survived for centuries and across the great ocean, through peace and turmoil. The heritage of Poland first came to America in 1608 when, having braved the long voyage, Polish artisans came to Jamestown. Their glassblowing and other crafts made them essential members of the colony.
Three hundred years later, in the great wave of immigration from Eastern Europe, all my grandparents braved the voyage across the same ocean. They were teenagers when they left Poland, and how heartbreaking it must have been to leave home and family. Konstanty and Ludwika Zak Sobczyk, my maternal grandparents, met and married in America, as did my paternal grandparents Feliks and Mary Zak Sikora. Their story is also the story of millions of others. Though life was not easy, they practiced the Polish values of faith and family and the ethic of hard work, and left an indelible mark on America. As with my grandparents, many of that time never saw their beloved homeland again, nor heard the voices of those they had left behind. As a tribute to the land of their birth, they kept their heritage alive for future generations.
Although they now cross the ocean by air, today’s immigrants also face the challenges of life in a new land. Thousands of miles from their birthplace, they too are comforted by beautiful Polish customs. The indomitable spirit of the Polish people is alive here today, and we rejoice in sharing our heritage with each other and with all who attend this festival, celebrating the diversity of America.
It is my honor to thank all those who have helped to present this festival. First, heartfelt thanks to my sister Margaret Anne Sikora, whose love and support has made my own work possible. The Committee members give generously of their time and talent, and bring the festival to life. Special thanks goes to Dorothy Sowchuk, Chairman of the Polish American Heritage League, Festival Vice Chairman Peter Eagler, Arts Center Coordinator Cookie Santiago, and to all sponsors and contributors to the ad journal. I can never thank you enough, and express my deepest appreciation. Sto lat!
Sincerely,
General Chairman