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author: IRENA FRACZEK

Organized by the Polish American Congress, Wisconsin Division, this event was co-sponsored by the Polish Heritage Club, Madison

Polish Constitution Day at Wisconsin Capitol

Held on May 3, 2026, the Wisconsin Celebration Celebration of the Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791 was a truly historic event. Fittingly for the gathering around the Replica of the Liberty Bell at the gorgeous 1st floor Rotunda of the Wisconsin State Capitol, the event started with the original sound of the 1752 Liberty Bell, recreated by acoustic modeling in 1999.

The first part of the program began with the Governor Ever's Proclamation designating May 3, 2026 as POLISH CONSTITUTION DAY and commending its observance to all Wisconsin residents. The beautifully written Proclamation by State Secretary Sarah Godlewski added an accent of personal significance and recognition of the vibrant Polish American communities of Wisconsin.

Former Representative Ken Skowronski presented the Citation by the Wisconsin Assembly on behalf of Representative Robert Wittke, the co-sponsor of the event. Senator Melissa Ratcliff followed with remarks mentioning her membership in the Polish Heritage Club - Madison. There were also voices from Poland, as we heard from Regina Jurkowska, Consul General of the Republic of Poland, who brought along visitors from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the rest of the event, participants enjoyed hearing from Prof.Łukasz Wodzyński from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, renowned blacksmith artist and PAC Wisconsin member Bolesław Kochanowski, as well as Hubert Cioromski, National President of the Polish American Congress.

The event ended with the beloved song about the May 3rd Constitution, Mazurka of May Third (Mazurek 3 Maja) dating back to 1831. It was an uplifting and heartening experience to hear this joyous song rising gently to the Dome of the Wisconsin Capitol.