The Polish American Congress celebrates the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence with active participation of its New York Division
Washington, D.C. | September 24, 2026
In the historic halls of the Presidential Suite at Union Station in Washington, D.C., the Polish American Congress officially opened an exhibition and nationwide educational project titled “250 Years of America: The Polish Contribution.” The event, held to mark the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, brought together nearly 200 representatives of American and Polish authorities, diplomats, and Polish American community leaders.
The main purpose of the project is to recall the contribution of Poles and Americans of Polish descent to the founding, growth, and strengthening of the United States. From Generals Tadeusz Kościuszko and Kazimierz Pułaski, heroes of America’s fight for independence, to outstanding figures in science, culture, business, and public life, Poles have helped write the history of their American homeland.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the U.S. administration, members of the U.S. Congress, and a delegation of the Republic of Poland, including Minister Agnieszka Jędrzak of the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland, Deputy Speaker of the Polish Senate Rafał Grupiński, Senators Grzegorz Schetyna and Tomasz Grodzki, and representatives of the Polish diplomatic service. Participants also received commemorative messages from representatives of the highest authorities of both countries.
The Polish American Congress – Downstate New York Division took a particularly active part in the celebration. The Division was represented by its President, Andrew Kaminski, Esq., and by Bożena Kamińska, National Vice President of the Polish American Congress for Cultural Affairs.
Bożena and Andrew Kaminski also took part in the event as VIP donors whose personal financial support helped make this important project possible. Their commitment is another example of their many years of work for Polonia, for preserving Polish heritage, and for strengthening Polish-American relations.
The New York Division proudly joined the jubilee celebrations, highlighting the presence and achievements of New York’s Polish community in the life of the United States.
The centerpiece of the ceremony was the presentation of a multimedia exhibition featuring some 30 prominent figures of Polish descent whose achievements influenced the history of America. The project, co-financed by the Senate of the Republic of Poland under the “Senat–Polonia 2026” program, will continue to serve an educational purpose after the jubilee celebrations conclude.
The ceremony in Washington was not only a reminder of the historic merits of Poles, but also an expression of pride in the achievements of successive generations of Polish immigrants. The Polish American Congress – Downstate New York Division reaffirmed its commitment to cherishing Polish heritage and building a strong position for Polonia in America.
