Polish War Veterans Society

Society Patron

 

Józef Klemens Piłsudski was a Polish statesman; Chief of State and "First Marshal of Poland" From mid-World War I he had a major influence in Poland's politics, and was an important figure on the European political scene. He was the person most responsible for the creation of the Second Republic of Poland in 1918, 123 years after it had been taken over by Russia, Austria and Prussia. - source: Wikipedia

 

During a meeting of the Society, on 22 May 1933. Julian Topolnicki made the proposal to add the name "Polish War Veterans Society" the words "of Marshal Jozef Pilsudski", the members unanimously voted in favor and the following request was sent to the Marshal to Poland:

 

"Commander,

We, Your Former Soldiers, gathered here in a distant land at the Polish War Veterans Society in Montreal, have decided unanimously to turn to "Your Fatherly Heart" with humility for acceptance of a protectorate over our Society. At the same time we vow that neither distance nor long years of separation will rip from our soldier's hearts this fervant devotion that we, your former soldiers feel for you and our Homeland, and will remain ever faithful to our principles and traditions as soldiers, and that we will worthily represent the good name of a Pole in a foreign land".

 

The reply from the Marshal was prompt, expressing his great joy and acceptance of the patronage of the Society.  Next, the design of the Society Banner was finalized, and it was sewn and embroidered in Warsaw, for the a cost of $60. The Banner arrived in Montreal on March 18, 1934, in time for the celebration of Marshal's Name-Day.

 

Sadly, 13 months later, the members of the Society attended the funeral mass for the soul of Marshal Jozef Pilsudski, who died on May 12 1935. Since then, every year in the month of May, the Society takes part in a Mass celebrated in memory of our Patron and deceased members of our organization.