Category Archives: history

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 →

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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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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 →

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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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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

Zhovkva

Posted on 31 December 2011 by lkonieczny

Zhovkva (or Żółkiew in Polish) is a historically Polish town that is in western Ukraine, not far from the Polish border. We arrived in Zhovkva late in the afternoon and stayed overnight, planning on getting up very early in the … Continue reading →

Posted in 2011 Poland Trip, history, Kresy, Ukraine | Leave a comment

Ciechocinek

Posted on 30 December 2011 by lkonieczny

I spent a wonderful evening, night, and morning in Ciechocinek when I was in Poland this past summer, and I have the pictures to prove it posted here: http://poland.leonkonieczny.com/Poland%202011/Ciechocinek/index.html. Ciechocinek is a small town of about 11,000 people, but is … Continue reading →

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Tczew

Posted on 29 December 2011 by lkonieczny

I spent a most wonderful day in Tczew in September 2011 with my (3rd) cousin Irena, her daughter Barbara, and her sister-in-law Teresa. Among the high points of the day was the three meals I ate at Barbara’s restaurant, Restauracja … Continue reading →

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Kamieniec Podolski Castle-Fortress

Posted on 6 December 2011 by lkonieczny

The city of Kameniec Podolski is situated on an interesting “bulge” in the Smotrycz River in Ukraine. Think of a cartoon baloon above the head of a cartoon character. The bulge or “baloon” is the city of Kamieniec Podolski. And … Continue reading →

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Kamieniec Podolski

Posted on 18 November 2011 by lkonieczny

Kamieniec Podolski is a town of about 100,000 people not to far north of Chernivtsi. It is a historic area of Ukraine and Poland. The first mention of Kamieniec Podolski is in 1025 as a part of the Kievan Rus … Continue reading →

Posted in 2011 Poland Trip, historic sites, history, Kresy, Ukraine | 3 Comments