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Polish hero
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Polish Youngstown's Marianne Poprik (left), director of community outreach, presented Youngstown and Mahoning County Public Library Development Director Deborah Liptak with two books for the Poland and main libraries. The book, "Twice a Hero" tells of story of Polish Revolutionary War heroes Thaddeus Kosciuszko and Casimir Pulaski.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Red and white balloons were released in Peterson Park Monday in memory of Gen. Casimir Pulaski. Strips of paper reading, "October 11, 2010 Peterson Park, Poland, Ohio" along with Pulaski's legacy were inside each balloon.
More than two centuries after his death, Gen. Casimir Pulaski is still in the public eye.
Polish Youngstown and members of the community gathered in Peterson Park Oct. 11 to celebrate Gen. Pulaski Memorial Day. The national day of observance was established by Congress in 1929. Pulaski was named as an honorary U.S. citizen, in November, by a joint resolution with the Senate and the House signed by President Barack Obama.
A wreath was placed on the placard of the monument, “American Freedom Fighters” created by Poland resident Tom Antonishak. The monument depicts Gen. Pulaski and Gen. Thaddeus Kosciuszko, both who are deemed as Revolutionary War heroes.
Polish Youngstown’s Marianne Poprik donated two books, “Twice a Hero” to the Poland and Youngstown public libraries. Library development director Deborah Liptak accepted the donations on the library’s behalf.
Red and white balloons were released into the air commemorating Pulaski’s life. Each balloon contained a strip of paper stating his legacy along with the date and location of the memorial celebration.
Members from Ohio’s division of the Polish American Congress, Poland Township city council and Town One Streetscapes were a few of the attendees at the event.
Polish American Congress, Ohio division, president John Borkowski traveled from Cleveland to Peterson Park for the tribute. He believes everyone needs to know the history and legacy of Gen. Pulaski.
“He was a great Polish and American hero,” Borkowski said.