PNA HOLDS ANNUAL FLAG DAY CEREMONY

Chicago, Illinois - The Polish National Alliance celebrated the traditional event of Flag Day on Friday, June 13, 2008, in honor of a symbol dear to our hearts and importance to our Nation - the Flag of the United States of America. The event was attended by PNA leaders and officers, the PNA Employees, community leaders and guests.

The program began with a welcome from PNA Vice President Paul C. Odrobina. He recalled that June 14th will mark the 231st Anniversary of our National Symbol. He called upon PNA President Frank J. Spula, who spoke of the importance of why we celebrate Flag Day. Mr. Odrobina then asked Peter Motolko, John Wojciechowski and Anna Bucon to raise the American, Polish and PNA Logo Flags.

Peter Motolko is a recent Veteran who served as a Paratrooper in the Iraq War and in Afghanistan, John Wojciechowski, a decorated Veteran who served in the Viet Nam War, and Anna Bucon is representing the Polish Army Veterans of America and World War II Veterans.

Mr. Charles Komosa, introduced four interns working at the PNA for the summer, Jakub Bialasiewicz, Gregory Srodon, Slavko Grcic, and Tomasz Ziemba to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Mrs. Camille Kopielski, President of the Illinois Division of the Polish American Congress led the congregation in the singing of the National Anthem. A moment of silence followed the playing of "Taps" as a tribute to the men and women who gave up their lives, so that we can enjoy our freedom.

Hon. Robert Fioretti made a special presentation to Peter Motolko with a proclamation, stating the Mayor Chicago and members of the City Council saluted Peter for his acts of bravery and commend him for his honorable and heroic service in the United States Army. President Frank Spula then presented Peter with a flag from Congressman Rahm Emanuel that flew over the Capital in Washington.

Mr. Odrobina introduced the PNA Officials and Mark Dobrzycki, a Trustee from the town of Harwood Heights introduced our civic officials that were attending the Flag Day Ceremony. Attending were PNA Officers President Frank J. Spula, Vice President Paul C. Odrobina, National Secretary Charles A. Komosa, Treasurer Marian Grabowski, PNA Director Christine Domalewski, Commissioners Barbara Wesolowski and Roman Bucon (District 12), and Zenon Olejniczak (District 13), Former Directors Loretta Chabalowski and Marian Nowacki, and Former Commissioner of District 13 Stanley Bogobowicz. Dignitaries also included Alderman Margaret Laurino (39th Ward), Robert Fioretti (2nd Ward), Patrick Levar (45th Ward) and State Representative Joseph Lyons. Mrs. Patricia Michalski read a letter from Maria Pappas, Cook County Treasurer. Each of the guests spoke and thanked the Polish National Alliance for keeping this tradition going.

In his closing remarks, Vice President Odrobina thanked those attending and those who put this ceremony together. He was thankful that it didn't rain during the ceremony.

The program closed with former PNA Director Loretta Chabalowski lead the singing of "God Bless America". Everyone was invited to attend a luncheon reception in the PNA cafeteria compliments from the PNA Executive Officers.

Vice President Odrobina would like to thank all the PNA Home Office Employees that volunteered their time to assist in the Flag Day Celebration including, Joan Oskorep, Robert M. Jadach, Krystyna Bialasiewicz, Victor Modlinski, Halina Kuczynski, Renata Lorenz, Grace Szelag, Sophie Pudlo, Adam Maj, Anna Burszczyk, Jakub Bialasiewicz, Gregory Srodon, Slavko Grcic and Tomasz Ziemba.

Story and Phots by:
Robert M. Jadach

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