| PP: The message from Alex Storozynski was delivered by his delegate, Prof. Lidia Filus, President of Chicago Chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation. Dear Friends. I would like to congratulate Puls Polonii and all fans of Polonia in Australia for honoring Thaddeus Kosciuszko and Mt. Kosciuszko with Kozzi Fest. This being the 170th anniversary of the naming of Mt. Kosciuszko, as well as the 200th anniversary of the birth of Chopin, makes it an even more significant year.
Kosciuszko was a champion of human rights for all races and religions, and for the freedom for African slaves, European serfs, Jews, women and the indigenous Native-American tribes of the United States. For example, he tried to free Thomas Jefferson’s slaves, and he also spoke up for the Miami Indian tribe in America. In Poland, he stood up for the rights of peasants and Jews. His story should be shared with the peoples of Australia as well as those who ancestors immigrated to your country from around the world.
Just as the organizers of Kozzie Fest honor his memory, The Kosciuszko Foundation since 1925 has worked to promote Polish culture in the United States, and raise money for scholarships for students of Polish descent.
May you have a great festival, and Australians could not have chosen a more worthy figure than Kosciuszko after which to name the tallest mountain on your continent.
Sincerely,
Alex Storozynski
President & Executive Director
The Kosciuszko Foundation: The American Center of Polish Culture
New York City Office: 15 East 65th Street, New York, NY 10065-6501 · Tel. (212) 734-2130 Fax: (212) 628-4552
Washington, D.C. Office: 2025 O Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036-5913 (202) 785-2320 Fax: (202) 785 2159
Warsaw, Poland, Office: ul. Nowy Swiat 4, Room 118, 00-497 Warsaw, Poland · Tel./Fax:011-48-22-621-7067
Prof. Lidia Filus reading the message at Kozzie Fest 2010 celebrations in Cooma |
Monaro Traditional Dancers on the Cooma stage |
Prof. Lidia Filus with Aboriginal dancers and a clapstick/instrument |
From left: NPWS ranger Rod Mason, Ursula Lang & Prof. Lidia Filus. All photos Puls Polonii |
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