July 2022
Happy 4th of July
Wishing you a safe and healthy holiday spent with family and friends, enjoying each other's company in person!
Independence Day (United States)
In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776,
declaring the independence of the Thirteen Colonies from the United Kingdom of Great Britain.
The 4th of July is a national holiday marked by patriotic displays. Independence Day is a federal holiday, so all non-essential federal institutions (postal service, federal courts, etc.) are closed on that day. Many politicians make it a point to appear at public events to praise the nation's heritage, laws, history, society and people.
Maria Sklodowska-Curie (11/7/1867- 7/4/1934)
Maria Sklodowska-Curie (Madame Curie) who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity, was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in 1903 for Physics. She shared this honor with her husband, Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel. She again won a Nobel Prize in 1911 for Chemistry. She passed away on July 4th, 1934. The cause of death, aplastic anemia, is believed to have been caused by prolonged exposure to radiation. Her research was funded, in part, by the monetary support of Polish organizations based in the United States.
Help for Ukraine
The Republic of Poland has opened its hearts and arms to welcome its brothers and sisters to give them refuge. To date, there are now over 3,000,000 displaced citizens from Ukraine in Poland. With the atrocities of the Russian army bombing schools, apartment buildings, hospitals, and towns, numerous numbers of Ukrainian civilians are being hurt or killed in the conflict. During the conflict, it is always the most vulnerable - who suffer the most.
Many towns, humanitarian organizations, and the government in Poland are taking care of those who are in need, but Poland is on the edge of a humanitarian crisis.
The Polish American Congress Charitable Foundation has stepped forward and during a Special Board Meeting, the decision was made to support Polish humanitarian organizations Polski Czerwony Krzyz and Towarzystwo Przyjaciół Dzieci w Przemyślu.
The Lublin Regional Branch of the Polish Red Cross has provided camp beds, mattresses, and sleeping bags, which will allow many of the Ukrainian citizens in need at border crossings in the Lublin region. The Subcarpathian Regional Branch of the Polish Red Cross in Rzeszów is also preparing to provide needed assistance to those in need.
One of the goals of the Polish Red Cross is to always prevent suffering and their mitigation in all circumstances while maintaining impartiality, without any discrimination. To achieve this goal, the Polish Red Cross promotes knowledge of international humanitarian law and cooperates with public authorities to ensure that it is respected. The role of the Polish Red Cross is exceptional. It is the only humanitarian organization in Poland, which disseminates knowledge about international humanitarian law, which is one of the basic duties performed jointly by employees and volunteers.
The Society of Children's Friends in Przemysl, has been helping children and families with disabilities in Poland for over 100 years. Located on the border, they are currently fundraising to assist children and families fleeing from Ukraine to Poland to provide a safe space and shelter. Their goal is to provide support and help to children, youth, and families who are escaping into Przemyśl.
Displaced Ukrainian citizens, especially children and women, have been migrating to Polish cities from the first hours of the conflict. At the main railway station in Przemyśl, a reception point has been organized to help people coming from Ukraine. Many Polish families are providing strollers, food, clothing, and necessities to make their Ukrainian brothers and sisters feel safe and welcome.
The Polish American Congress Charitable Foundation is doing its part as well by donating $100,000.00 to assist our brothers and sisters in Poland to continue this great humanitarian mission they have chosen.
