POLISH HERITAGE DAY AT THE ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM

"Polish Heritage Day" – an event organized by the Canadian Polish Congress, took place at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto on Saturday, November 24, 2012. The theme was "Discover Poland" and accordingly, the displays and performances took the visitors through different points in Polish history and across its various regions. A main stage featured over two hours of non-stop folk dancing performances and the afternoon was filled by beautiful live renditions of classical music. The Polish Combatants' Association also had the opportunity to take part, with a poster exhibit summarizing the Polish experience during World War Two.

The display, titled "The Perseverance of Human Spirit", was borrowed from Waterloo resident and Kresy-Siberia (www.kresy-siberia.org) member Krystyna Piotrowska-Freiburger. On behalf of SPK, Tom Bakalarz, Henry Sokolowski and Monika Wyrzykowska were present, distributing SPK and Kresy-Siberia literature to all those interested. Other displays also touched on our WWII experiences: a photo exhibit from the Collection of the Museum of Warsaw documented the destruction and the rebuilding of the capital City and the documentary film "Warsaw Will Not Forget" was also screened. SPK had the good fortune to be located just inside the entrance of the ROM so every visitor had an opportunity to see our display and learn some of our history. And there were many visitors: the museum opened at 10 a.m. and the line-up was continuous for well over an hour. In fact, there were 4,170 visitors that day – nearly double the ROM's regular attendance. The opening ceremonies took place in the morning with many politicians and members of Polonia on hand. A few stopped by to get their picture taken at the SPK display. "Polish Heritage Day" was covered by both OMNI TV and CBC - despite all the Grey Cup festivities happening that day in Toronto. Congratulations to the KPK for having organized such a fantastic event and we look forward to working with them next time to make it an ever bigger success.

Monika Wyrzykowska

Polish Combatant's Association Head Executive Board - Publicity and Media