November 2023
November - A Lesson in History
The Month of November is filled with numerous events of historical significance in both, the U.S. and Poland. Here are just a few.
November Uprising (1830-1831): The Uprising which began on November 29, 1830, was a major armed rebellion in the Russian-ruled Congress Poland. It aimed to restore Polish sovereignty and independence, but it ultimately failed.
November 19, 1863 - U.S. President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address during the American Civil War at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, PA. His famous speech emphasized the principles of equality and liberty.
November 7, 1916 - Jeannette Rankin of Montana became the first woman to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. She was a pioneering figure in the women's suffrage movement.
Poland Regains Independence (1918): On November 11, 1918, Poland regained its independence after over a century of partition and foreign rule. This date is celebrated as Independence Day in Poland.
on this same day...
November 11, 1918 - WWI ended with the signing of the Armistice of Compiegne, marking the cessation of hostilities between the Allied Powers and the Central Powers. This event is now commemorated as Veterans Day in the United States.
November 16, 1922 - Gabriel Narutowicz, the first President of Poland, was assassinated, just five days after taking office.
November 22, 1963 - President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, TX. His death had a profound impact on the nation, and V.P. Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as the 36th President of the United States.
Solidarity Movement (1980): In November 1980, the Solidarity labor movement was founded in Gdańsk, Poland. It played a crucial role in the eventual fall of communism in Poland.
Fall of Communism (1989): The Round Table Talks between the Polish government and the opposition, including Solidarity, began in February 1989 and concluded on April 5, 1989. However, it was in November 1989 when communism officially fell in Poland with the election of a non-communist government.
Poland's EU Accession (2004): - On November 11, 2004, Poland officially became a member of the European Union, along with several other Central and Eastern European countries.
November 4, 2008 - Barack Obama was elected as the 44th President of the United States, becoming the first African American to hold the office. His election was a historic moment in U.S. history.
Smolensk Air Disaster (2010): On November 10, 2010, a plane carrying high-ranking Polish officials, including President Lech Kaczyński, crashed in Smolensk, Russia, resulting in the death of all 96 people on board. This event had a significant impact on Polish politics and history.
November 8, 2016 - Donald Trump was elected as the 45th President of the United States, after winning the election against Hillary Clinton. This was a significant political event in modern U.S. history.
These are just a few notable and key events that occurred in the month of November in both the U.S. and Poland. There are many more noteworthy occurrences that have shaped both nations over the years.
Wishing you a Blessed & Happy Thanksgiving holiday
The year has turned its circle,
The seasons come and go.
The harvest all is gathered in
And chilly north winds blow.
Orchards have shared their treasures,
The fields, their yellow grain.
So open wide the doorway -
Thanksgiving comes again!
Author Unknown
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.
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. If you would like to help, donations can be made directly to:
Visit our website and click the "Donate" tab here