Author Archives: lkonieczny

Here we go again….

Posted on 29 May 2012 by lkonieczny

I am very disappointed in the comment President Obama made today about “Polish Concentration Camps.” It was at a ceremony to honor a true hero of Poland and the world, Jan Karski. Obama bestowed the well-deserved Presidential Medal of Freedom … Continue reading →

Posted in current events | 1 Comment

Katyń

Posted on 9 May 2012 by lkonieczny

In the spring of 1940, the Soviet Secret Police murdered about 22,000 of Poland’s finest: soldiers and officers, professors, landowners, laywer, officials, priests, and various intelligentsia. Today this is known by the term, the Katyń Massacre. Many of them were … Continue reading →

Posted in history, History of Poland, My love of Poland | Leave a comment

Konstytucja Trzeciego Maja — Constitution of May 3, 1791

Posted on 4 May 2012 by lkonieczny

On May 3, 1971, the polish Sejm (parliament) adopted a constitiution. It was the first constitution of its type in Europe and the second ever in the world–second only after that of the United States 4 years earlier. The Polish … Continue reading →

Posted in history, History of Poland, My love of Poland | Leave a comment

Święto Państwowe (Święto Pracy)

Posted on 1 May 2012 by lkonieczny

Although sometimes called Labor Day, today, May 1st, is a National Holiday in Poland known officially as “National Holiday.” Why? Well, this hearkens back to communist times. In those days, May 1st was called Labor Day and in many communist … Continue reading →

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Imieniny — Name Days

Posted on 22 April 2012 by lkonieczny

Today, April 22nd, is my name day (or imieniny in Polish). I am told that in Poland, it is an equivalent celebration to the American birthday party, with family and friend, food and drinks, and even presents for chilredn and … Continue reading →

Posted in culture, current events | 1 Comment

Szczęśliwych Świąt Wielkanocnych

Posted on 7 April 2012 by lkonieczny

Literally, I am wishing you a happy–holiday–great night. So, my wish for you, in English, is “Happy Easter!” Easter (Weilkanoc) is a big holiday in Poland and, Like Christmas, is celebrated with two days off, both Easter Sunday and Easter … Continue reading →

Posted in culture, history, My love of Poland | Leave a comment

Poland and Germany

Posted on 27 March 2012 by lkonieczny

Poland and Germany have long had a tumultuous history, dating back from times well before there even was a Germany, from a time when Poland was the largest and most powerful country in Europe. But, at one time, Poland declined, … Continue reading →

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Drowning of Marzanna

Posted on 20 March 2012 by lkonieczny

Today in Poland and a few other slavic countries, the welcome Spring by celebrating the drowning (or burning) of Marzanna (the Frost Maiden)—topienie Marzanny in Polish. The customs vary from place to place but in general, young children make a … Continue reading →

Posted in culture | Leave a comment

Nazi/German Concentration Camps in Poland

Posted on 17 February 2012 by lkonieczny

During World War II, the German Nazis built and staffed numerous concentration camps on Polish soil. These camps were all built and manned by the Nazis. Occasionally, American media outlets have ignorantly and unfairly characterized these as “Polish Concentration Camps.” … Continue reading →

Posted in current events, history | 2 Comments

Fat Thursday (Tłusty Czwartek)

Posted on 16 February 2012 by lkonieczny

Today is Fat Thursday in Poland (Tłusty Czwartek in Polish). On this day, traditionally, people and shops make and eat pączki, Polish Donuts that are yeast dough and deep fried in fat. They are yummy. When I was young, I … Continue reading →

Posted in culture, food | Leave a comment