PNA HOLDS ANNUAL FLAG DAY CEREMONY

Chicago, Illinois - The Polish National Alliance celebrated the tradition of Flag Day on Tuesday, June 14, 2011, in honor of a symbol dear to our hearts and importance to our Nation - the Flag of the United States of America. It has been a symbol of our country since 1777. The event was attended by PNA leaders and officers, the PNA Employees, and guests. The event was held in front of the PNA Home office building on a beautiful sunny morning.

The program began with a welcome from PNA Vice President Paul C. Odrobina, who emceed the program. He read a poem "I Am Old Glory", written by Master Sergeant Percy Webb. The flag tribute was part of the "Our Flag" booklet which was first distributed at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. President Frank Spula addressed the group remarking about the importance of Flag Day. The flags were raised by PNA Sales Director Joseph Magielski, who is a Veteran of the Viet Nam war era, the Polish Flag was raised by Polish Army Veteran and Commissioner of District 12 Roman Bucon, and the PNA Flag was raised by Harwood Heights Trustee, Mark Dobrzycki. We then took a moment of silence to those who lost their lives defending our country and also to remember the passing of Former National Secretary Lottie Kubiak.

The congregation recited the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Commissioner of District 12 Barbara Wesolowski.. National Treasurer Marian Grabowski led the patrons in the singing of the National Anthem.

Mr. Odrobina introduced the PNA Officials including President Frank J. Spula, Vice President Teresa N. Abick, National Secretary Charles A. Komosa, Treasurer Marian Grabowski, PNA Directors Anna M. Wierzbicki, Christine Domalewski and Arthur Trybek, Commissioners Barbara Wesolowski and Roman Bucon (District 12), Irene Hercik and Zenon Olejniczak (District 13),  and Former Commissioner of District 13 Stanley Bogobowicz, and Harwood Heights Trustee Mark Dobrzycki, and newly elected 41st Ward Alderman Mary O'Connor.

In his closing remarks, Vice President Odrobina  thanked everyone attending the program and the staff who put this ceremony together. The singing of "God Bless America" closed the program. Everyone was invited to stay for a luncheon reception there 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, Adam Maj, Anna Burszczyk, John Benedetti, Sophie Gajda, and Wanda Penar.

Story and Phots by:
Robert M. Jadach

Total: 23 Photos from the event

.