|
Plans for Observance of 400th
Anniversary
To coincide with the commemorative ceremonies, the Polish American Congress will hold its Fall National Council of Directors Meeting and Elections in Williamsburg, VA, on Thursday, October 2, and Friday, October 3, if needed. Rooms at a rate of $129/night at the Marriott listed below have been reserved and the room rate will apply to Sept. 30 and October 3, as well as to the Oct. 1 & 2 dates. Marriott Williamsburg The hotel is ideally situated near Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown and Busch Gardens so participants may wish to make vacation plans and bring their children and grandchildren. Representatives of both the United States and Polish governments and Labor Union representatives are expected to attend this event, which will include a wreath laying ceremony at the remains of the original glasshouse, placement of a commemorative plaque at the historic Jamestown site and indoor ceremonies with prominent speakers, musical selections provided by the Polish Singers Alliance of America and a concluding reception. Publication of a commemorative journal is planned as well. All Polonia is invited to participate in this historic event. For more information, contact the Chairperson: Debbie Majka. |
Frank Spula, President, and Debbie Majka, Chairman,
confirm the 400th anniversary commemoration of the arrival of the first
Polish craftsmen in Jamestown, Virginia, on Wednesday, October 1, 2008,
at the historic Jamestown settlement. Polish craftsmen, skilled in the
production of potash, soap, tar and glass manufacturing, arrived at the
first English colony in the New World at the invitation of Captain John
Smith, who had become acquainted with them in Europe and knew of their
skills and industry. Eleven years after their arrival in 1619, the Poles
successfully led the first strike in the New World for equal rights.
They had contributed so much to ensure the survival of the colony that
when advised by the Governor that they would be excluded from voting in
an upcoming election, said, "no vote, no work". Such was their value to
the colony that they were granted the right to vote.