Resolutions Accepted at PAC-MI Annual Meeting on March 18, 2017

1. Whereas, We call on all Poles worldwide to celebrate The Year of Kosciuszko as designated for 2017 by the Polish government, UNESCO, and other organizations, bringing specific attention to the life, accomplishments, and virtues of this Polish and American hero;
2. Whereas, We laud the Polish Catholic Church’s successful celebration of 1050 years of Poland’s Christianity last year; success in carrying out a most inspiring World Youth Day; and this year, join all faithful Poles as we celebrate 300 years of the coronation of the miraculous painting of Our Lady of Czestochowa at Her shrine at Jasna Gora, requesting Her intercession for the good of the faithful worldwide;
3. Whereas, We congratulate the new president of the United States, Donald J. Trump, wishing him and the new administration success in leading and serving our country and citizens, we anticipate that his governance will serve the Polish American community well, and that he remain mindful of Poland’s security as an independent nation and support her good standing in the free world;
4. Whereas, This year marks the 100^th anniversary of CzynZbrojny, the heroic and extraordinary formation of Haller’s army, where almost 25,000 Polish Americans volunteered and went to fight for Poland’s independence during WWI, we salute this huge military effort, the patriotism exhibited by these men and women, as well as the ultimate sacrifice discharged by many;
5. Whereas, Locally we recognize significant anniversaries of 2016 and 2017 celebrated by our division’s member organizations as well as those institutions and businesses serving the larger Polonia community: 125 years of Polish Falcons of America, Nest 31; 100 years of Queen of Apostles parish in Hamtramck; 100 years of Polish Century Club of Detroit; 80 years of Friends of Polish Art of Michigan; 50 years of KlubPolonia in Wyandotte,  25 years of American Polish Cultural Society in Troy; 20 years of Fr. Joseph Dabrowski Polish Language School at Orchard Lake School,10 years of St. John Paul Polish Language School at St. Florian parish in Hamtramck; the establishment and dedication of the Shrine of St. John Paul II at Orchard Lake; and Stan’s Grocery and Deli for years of service, we wish them all continued success in serving the community;
6. Whereas, We renew our appeal to Polish-Americans, to be informed and actively involved in social and political issues of the United States and in efforts promoting Polonian/Polish interests, e.g. the proposed Visa Waiver Program;
7. Whereas, we reaffirm the Polish American Congress national policy accepted in 1991, to stand neutral on issues relating to Poland’s internal politics, as a division we reserve the right to adopt positions, as approved by our membership, on political, social and cultural issues which effect, directly and indirectly, interests of Polonia, Poles, and Poland;
8. Whereas, We renew our appeal to members of Polonian organizations, as well as to anyone who is not yet part of organized Polonia, to actively support the work of the Polish American Congress, locally and nationally, and to join and become actively involved in work that can benefit us all and our community;
9. Whereas, We renew our appeal to parents to raise their children in a patriotic spirit through participation in Polish language programs and membership in youth organizations that foster and nurture our Polish values and instill an appreciation of our rich heritage and thus increase our children’s effectiveness to compete in American society;
10. Whereas, We continue to support efforts to promote books, films, and materials, which foster the good name and true history of Poland and our heritage;
11. Whereas, We again send best wishes to our local Polish media, for continued success in their efforts to keep Polonia informed and best serve our community: The Polish Weekly; Polish Varieties Radio Program; and Telewizja Detroit and appeal to Polonia to actively support these media and their sponsors.
12. Whereas, We renew our appeal to all who are of Polish descent, and to those who are supportive of our heritage, to stand united and in solidarity in promoting and protecting the good name and rich heritage of Poland and the Polish-American community, thus enriching American life;
13. Whereas, At this time of change in the Orchard Lake Schools, we thank Msgr. Thomas Michalski for his service as Chancellor and Recto,ralong with his leadership, and pray that the Schools find a leader able to achieve growth and a prosperous future in the tradition of its founder Fr. Joseph Dabrowski, for this great Polonian institution.

We therefore, as the Michigan division of the Polish American Congress, resolve to accept said resolutions, this 18^th day of March 2017, as agreed upon unanimously by the membership at its annual meeting of this day.

PAC-MI 2017 Resolution Committee: Ann Bańkowski; Władysław Bankowski; Dana Bielecki; Anna Huk-Glaeser