Press Release - Tuesday, May 02, 2006
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QUINN COMMEMORATES POLISH CONSTITUTION DAY Adopted May 3, 1791, the Polish Constitution is the world's second written constitution
CHICAGO—Today, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn gathered with members of the Polish community on the eve of Polish Constitution Day - a day to commemorate the 215th Anniversary of the Polish Constitution which was adopted on May 3, 1791. The Polish Constitution is the world's second written constitution.
Quinn was joined by Jaroslaw Lasinski, Consul General of the Republic of Poland.
On October 6, 1788, one year after the Founding Fathers in Pennsylvania proposed a new constitution for the United States, the Polish Parliament began its deliberations to create a government that would defend and honor the rights of its people. On May 3, 1791, four years after the U. S. Constitution was adopted, the Polish Constitution was approved by King Stanislaw August Poniatowski.
Unfortunately, the Polish Constitution did not last. By 1795, Russia, Austria, and Prussia occupied the territories of Poland. Despite that fact, the Polish Constitution of 1791 is commemorated for what it represents - the Polish spirit devoted to truth, justice, and freedom.
Quinn was also joined by Illinois Army National Guard Colonel Steven Huber of Sycamore, Illinois. Commander of 108th Sustainment Brigade, Colonel Huber's unit served with Polish forces in the Global War on Terror.
The State of Illinois shares a longstanding partnership with the Republic of Poland under the auspices of the Partnership for Peace Program. Over the last twelve-plus years, the military forces of the Illinois National Guard and Poland have cooperated in numerous training events, exchange programs, and training exercises. The partnership has endured and developed over the years to enhance understanding, knowledge, and appreciation for the other's military capabilities.
The partnership between Illinois and Poland echoes the heroism of Brigadier General Casmir Pulaski, a Polish national who was the first Commander of the American Calvary during the Revolutionary War.
"On the eve of this special event in world history, we celebrate the Polish spirit of democracy," said Quinn. "As Polish and Illinois soldiers serve side-by-side in the Global War on Terror, they continue our history of a shared common devotion to the cause of liberty and freedom."
The celebration continues with the Polish Constitution Day Parade, which will be held this Saturday, May 6, at 11:30 a.m. on Columbus Drive, across from the Buckingham Fountain in Downtown Chicago. A festival will follow at Navy Pier.
Nearly one million Americans of Polish decent live in Illinois. For more information on Polish Constitution Day events, please visit www.polandonthepier.com.
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