Veterans Monument moving to Poland’s Peterson Park

YOUNGSTOWN - May 10, 2011. Town One Streetscapes and Polish Youngstown are pleased to announce that they have come to an agreement that will bring the Polish War Veteran’s monument to Peterson Park in Poland, Ohio.

The magnificent granite memorial is dedicated to Polish émigré veterans of World Wars I and II. It was erected at its current location on South Avenue in 1970 by the Youngstown chapter of the Polish Army War Veterans of America. That group is now defunct and the former Krakusy Hall building has been vacant for several years.  

“To fully appreciate the sacrifices made to construct this monument and the sacrifices it stands  for we felt we needed to find a new location that was not only relevant to the monument, but  accessible to the general public,” explains Lisa Skomra Lotze, PolishYoungstown Monument  chair.

That goal was achieved with Peterson Park in Poland’s city center. The focal point of the  peninsular park is a statue depicting the two Polish generals for whom the village and township were named to honor. Created by local sculptor Tom Antonishak, the life size statue portrays Gens. Casimir Pułaski and Tadeusz Kościuszko. These two volunteer patriots fought alongside 
the colonialists during the American Revolutionary War. 

“I can think of no better home for this monument,” says Skomra Lotze. “In this one location, visitors can learn about the contributions of these Polish generals to the initial American fight for freedom and now, the sacrifices of Polish men and women during the World Wars, too.”

The monument is estimated to weigh several tons and is secured in two pieces, a tall, flat upright and a flat base. It is engraved in Polish with the inscription that translates to read:  “Honor and respect to soldiers, Polish heroes and heroines killed for honor and freedom on different fronts during the First and Second Great Wars.”

“We’re happy that this striking monument has found a home worthy of its heritage,” says Larry Warren, Town One Streetscapes president, adding that the groups have been working with several veterans’ organizations to facilitate the move for nearly a year.   “The monument honors the courage of patriots and a patriot’s struggle to be free transcends national, cultural and territorial bounds.”

Thanks to the promised donation of services from O.T. Beight Monument and monies from the District 9 of the Polish Army Veteran's Association of America, PolishYoungstown has raised sufficient money to relocate the monument.  However, considerable work needs to be done to complete the handicap accessibility of the park and add a flag pole near the structure. The groups are currently planning additional fundraising efforts to complete the project.   

A grand re-dedication of the monument is set for Saturday, June 25, 2011, during the Celebrate Poland weekend. More details are to follow.

CONTACT: For additional information, please call Lisa Skomra Lotze at 330-272-2210. For additional photos of both monuments contact Tom Antonishak at geagle007@zoominternet.net

polishyoungstown.com
330-646-4082