author: IRENA FRACZEK

 

POLISH HERITAGE MONTH
has begun in Wisconsin this year
early and with a fanfare

.....
"The memory of our common fate, Poles and Americans, intertwining both in times of peace and war, is perfectly reflected in memorials like this one. The allegory of work unveiled here today, For Our Freedom and Yours, becomes clear to anyone who knows the shared history of our two nations" - from the letter of Consul General of the Republic of Poland, Małgorzata Bąk-Guzik

The theme of interwoven history reverberated strongly throughout the dedication ceremony of the "Freedom" sculpture unveiled in Stevens Point on September 18, 2021. Its full name, For Your Freedom and Oours, derives from the Polish motto ”Za wolność naszą i waszą” that inspired generations of Poles fighting for freedom of Poland and other nations since the November Uprising (1830-1831). Unmistakably though, the Polish white eagle and the American bald eagle at the focal point of the monument spotlight the ties connecting Poland and the United States.

Speaking to the crowd gathered around the monument overlooking the Cultural Commons of the Pfiffner Pioneer Park, the sculpture's creator Bolesław Kochanowski elucidated, "The canted and skewed spires signify the difficulties of upholding and retaining justice and liberty. The cracked and broken tips of the spires indicate that freedom came with hardship and sacrifice.” The artist also explained his choice of materials, "Corten alloy and stainless steel are used for durability and permanence, signifying strength and longevity. These materials also differentiate the Polish white eagle and the American bald eagle." And finally, " The eagles are turned away from each other, signifying they’re guarding the other’s flank."

A picture-perfect dedication ceremony matched the immense significance of the monument to Polish Americans. The shimmer of the nearby Wisconsin River complemented the sunny reflections coming off the Menomonee wild ricing canoe sculpture adjacent to the Freedom monument. This proximity brings together the cultural heritage of the area's earliest inhabitants and its currently largest demographic group. In fact, "Portage County has more people of Polish descent per capita than any other county in America," as the WSAW-TV reported on that day and one can only add that this is a true birthplace of Wisconsin Polonia. The first Poles arrived here in 1857 and the Polish settlements they built were the first in Wisconsin and the second in the United States.

With over 300 guests in attendance, the ceremony began with a Polish Legion of American Veterans color guard setting the flags of Poland and the United States at the foot of the monument. In the unscripted but awe-inspiring development, the sudden appearance of a bald eagle overhead enthralled the audience and enhanced the ceremony's symbolism.

Greeting the audience and introducing speakers was Gayle Phillip, president of the Polish Heritage Awareness Society of Central Wisconsin. The speakers included Michael Wiza, the Polish American Mayor of Stevens Point; Consul Paulina Szafałowicz, delivering her greetings and a letter from Małgorzata Bąk-Guzik, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago; Frank Spula, President of the Polish National Alliance and of the Polish American Congress (PAC); JinMan Jo, professor of Fine Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; and David Rydzewski, President of PAC-Wisconsin Division and PAC National Director.

Before Father Janusz Kowalski of Saint Lawrence Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids gave the monument blessing - in both English and Polish - sources of the project's funding were named and honored. Thanks to the successful fund raising efforts of the board, under the deft leadership of Trisha Mrozek, the funds poured in from generous donors including the Lemke, Ostrowski, Pisarski, Gollon, and Belke families, as well as the charitable organization Heritage of Portage County. The donor families were then given the floor to showcase their Polish pride.

Introducing his own family at the ceremony, Bolesław Kochanowski characterized the monument itself as a true family effort because his three sons— Vincent, August, and Valerius —participated in the design, engineering, and installation of this massive undertaking (2000 man-hours to complete). The artists also paid a moving tribute to his wife Anna for managing the family business office and splendid Polish cooking, and to his late father Bolesław Sr., for being the most decisive influence in his life

During the interviews that followed, Kochanowski stressed that apart from the sculpture being his personal point of pride, he hopes that it will inspire many to get in touch with their roots and heritage. The meaning of his creation, however, extends well beyond the potential effect on individuals. Even before the ceremonial unveiling, David Rydzewski astutely remarked, “This monument is likely the most important work dedicated to Polonia since the Kościuszko monument dedication in Milwaukee in 1906.” As such, Kochanowski just wrote a new page in the history of Polish Americans.

Celebrate your heritage on this Polish Heritage Month!!!

Text and photo Irena Frączek