Polish American War Veterans

09/18/2026

PAWV would like to wish the Air Force and the Air National Reserve a Happy Birthday!

HISTORY OF U.S. AIR FORCE BIRTHDAY
The first successful airplane was invented in 1903 and the U.S. military bought its first aircraft only six years later. Envisioning great success for their new invention, the U.S. Signal Corps established the first-ever military aviation organization, the Aeronautical Division, in 1907. However, the Aeronautical Division was too small and inadequate when it came to aerial combat years later. It became evident after the hardships of World War II that airpower would become even more crucial in the coming years. It was then that the National Security Act of 1947 reorganized the U.S. military and intelligence agencies, making the Air Force an independent organization.

The U.S. Air Force Day was first introduced by President Harry Truman on August 1, 1947. This was done to recognize the personnel of the fearless U.S. Air Force and all who have maintained and developed the nation’s air strength. This holiday was initially celebrated on August 1 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Aeronautical Division, U.S. Signal Corps. However, on September 18, the U.S. Air Force was established as a separate branch of the US Armed Forces and this holiday received a new date.

This day aims to increase the public’s awareness of the importance of national security as well as show appreciation for those risking their lives to protect the country and maintain its prosperity.

HISTORY OF THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD
The Air National Guard as we know it today is a separate reserve component of the United States Air Force. The official birth date of the Air National Guard is 18 September 1947; the same day the Air Force became a separate service. The Air National Guard as we know it today was a product of postwar planning during World War II. The men and women of the Air National Guard are truly the epitome of our nation's first militia dating as far back as the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1636. In those days, every able-bodied man had a weapon and could be called upon to lay aside the plow in defense of the state. Today's guardsmen and women are your doctors, lawyers, police officers, cooks, teachers, and factory workers, white and blue-collar workers. They are your civilians in peace; Airman in war -- we guard America's skies.

The Air National Guard has a unique dual-mission that consists of both Federal and State roles. This dual mission means not only being part of the nation's entire military force, but also being responsible to their respective states during times of state or community emergencies. In peacetime, the governor of each state or territory commands the Air National Guard. The Air Guard has been there to help their communities during such emergencies as; Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes and forest fires. During National crises, the Air National Guard is activated by the president of the United States. We have defended our national interests during World War II, Korean and Vietnam Wars, and Desert Storm/Desert Shield.

09/11/2026

Today we mark the 25th anniversary with remembrance of the events of today and the actions that followed. We thank those that served fighting the Global War or Terror.

History of Patriot Day
It was a terrifying day when four planes were hijacked on September 11, 2001 (also known as nine-eleven). The hijackers flew three planes into iconic buildings: the Pentagon in Washington DC and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York. The fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after the plane passengers fought the hijackers. Nobody is certain where it was supposed to crash, but some people believe it was headed for the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland, or one of several nuclear power plants along the eastern seaboard.

The impact of this attack was devastating. Around 3,000 lives were lost between plane passengers, those in the buildings that were struck, and front-line workers trying to save people. It was the biggest act of terrorism ever in the United States. Since then, airplane security has become stricter in many countries as they attempt to avoid a future terrorist attack like nine-eleven.

The majority of lives that were people that worked in the Twin Towers, especially the floors above the collision point as people were trapped and stranded at the top of the burning skyscraper. 411 men and women working in emergency services lost their lives trying to fight fires and rescue people from the buildings. It was a heartbreaking attack, which is why Patriot Day was proclaimed by President George W. Bush and is recognized every year on September 11.

On Patriot Day, U.S. flags are lowered halfway, and there is a country-wide moment of silence at 8:46 am (Eastern Daylight Time), which is when the first plane crashed into one of the Twin Towers. Although the attacks were in the U.S., Patriot Day is recognized worldwide as the news devastated and impacted people all over.

09/10/2026

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day. We wanted to remind our veterans of resources available if you start going into crisis or just need to talk.

For those that serve or who have served, crises can be heightened by their experiences during military service. If you’re a veteran or service member and in crisis, these resources can help. Crisis feels different for everybody and can arise from a wide range of situations before, during, or after military service.

Contact the Veterans Crisis Line:
Dial 988 then Press 1
or Dial Toll Free 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
or text 838255.

If someone you know is struggling here are some ways you can help.

Ask and listen. Be an active part of your loved ones’ support systems and check in with them often. If they show any warning signs for su***de, be direct. Tell them it’s OK to talk about feelings. Practice active listening techniques and let them talk without judgment.

Get them help and take care of yourself. Don’t be afraid to get your loved one the help they might need. The Lifeline and Veterans Crisis Line are always here to talk or chat, both for crisis intervention and to support friends and loved ones. For additional support, look into https://www.caregiver.va.gov/.

Be there. Everyone deals with pain differently. A simple act of kindness to the veteran or service member in your life can help that person feel less alone.

09/03/2026

This years Flags of Valor display will be from September 5th to 13th on Art hill in Forest Park. It is free to go.

You're invited to watch Art Hill transform.

On Installation Day, Saturday, September 5, thousands of flags will go up between 7 and 10 a.m. as 1,200+ volunteers turn this hillside into one of America's most powerful memorials, row by row.

Then join us for the Opening Ceremony and Blessing of the Flags, 10-10:45 a.m., featuring:
— The National Anthem
— Remarks from a 9/11 survivor
— Remarks from an Afghanistan veteran
— Patriotic music by Sapphire Blue
— An interfaith Blessing of the Flags
— Closing remarks from Police Chief Robert J. Tracy
— Taps

This is free and open to the public. Bring your family. Bring your kids. Come stand on Art Hill and watch history happen.

Join us September 5, 7 a.m., at Art Hill in Forest Park. No RSVP needed, just show up and watch it unfold. Forest Park Forever

08/07/2026

PAWV would like to honor all Purple Heart recipients.

It’s a day for Americans to remember and honor the men and women who bravely represented their country and were wounded or killed whilst serving. These people are decorated with a Purple Heart in the name of the President, and this day is for remembering them and their sacrifice. Some states, counties, and cities pause in recognition, as do some sports and entertainment entities. Military and veteran organizations also hold meetings for remembrance. Join us as we honor those that have been given a Purple Heart.

History of Purple Heart Day
The original Purple Heart, designated as a Badge of Merit, was awarded by George Washington in 1782. There was a lack of funds in the Continental Army at the time so the award was a way to honor enlisted and deserving people. The honor is presented to soldiers for “any singularly meritorious action.” It was designed with a piece of silk bound through it with a thin edge of silver. Washington only gave out three of the badges himself, and instead authorized subordinates to issue the badges as they saw fit.

The Badge of Merit faded from use but was revived and relaunched in 1932, this time as the Purple Heart. As well as honoring those wounded in combat, this iteration of the Purple Heart recognized commendable action. It was in 1944 that the policy was tweaked slightly and the Purple Heart was given the purpose we know it for today, specifically to honor those who have been wounded or died.

The first service member to be given the modern Purple Heart was General Douglas MacArthur for his service in the Pacific theater during World War II. In total there have been 1.8 million Purple Hearts awarded over the years.

Purple Heart Day was first observed in 2014 and has been observed every year since. It’s a chance to reflect on the bravery of those who have fought for the U.S. and to ensure that their courage is never forgotten.

08/04/2026

Happy Birthday Coast Guard from the PAWV

Today is the U.S. Coast Guard Birthday, commemorating the military organization for its valor and discipline. Since 1790, the U.S. Coast Guard has kept the nation’s waterways safe, playing a critical role in national security.

The U.S. Coast Guard patrols our coasts for drug smugglers, human trafficking and both domestic and international terrorism. As the bad guys (and girls) have gotten more savvy with technology, the Coast Guard has developed sophisticated, effective technology to combat crimes on the water and at our ports. It’s a 24/7 job. Today, let’s give the U.S. Coast Guard the love it deserves.

U.S. Coast Guard is celebrating its 236th Birthday in 2026.

07/27/2026

PAWV would like to recognize National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. This solemn day commemorates the cease-fire that ended active hostilities in the Korean War, recognizing the immense sacrifices of American troops. Take a moment to reflect on their service, learn about their stories.

History of National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day
The Korean War lasted for three years — from June June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953. The service members of the war had to overcome unique risks and experiences that set them apart from previous generations of veterans. The National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day presents us with the opportunity to remember and honor the service of these men. After being colonized by Japan, the southern part of the Korean peninsula was liberated soon after World War II. With the support of the Soviet Union, communist North Korea invaded democratic South Korea in 1950. In the wake of these events, America deployed troops to support South Korea to keep the land that was truly theirs and protect the nation’s democratic interests. After three years, an armistice was signed and the two Koreas have since then remained divided.

The fighting resulted in more than 36,000 casualties for America and more than 103,000 service members were wounded in action. The US Department of Veterans Affairs says that the extremely cold climates during the Chosin Reservoir Campaign in the winter of 1950 posed serious risks to those serving and accounted for more than 5000 American deaths. The temperatures dipped to 50 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill of -100 degrees Fahrenheit! This meant that the Korean War veterans are more likely to face health issues such as trauma to the nervous system, skin, and muscles, vascular conditions, foot-related injuries such as trench foot, frostbite scars, and skin cancer as compared to veterans of other wars. These veterans may have also been exposed to hazardous substances such as asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyl, and ionizing radiation during this long war. These substances are responsible for certain illnesses and cancers long after exposure. In fact, the nature of this exposure can be so serious that may be passed down to the next generations.

07/04/2026

PAWV would like to wish a Happy 250th Birthday to America!!

Americans come together on July 4 to celebrate the nation’s birthday and Independence Day. On this day, most Americans enjoy grills in their backyards, at beaches, or in parks. Some partake in parades or marches and enjoy the fireworks that are often launched at dusk. Happy Fourth!

History of Fourth of July
Although most of us already had this history lesson in school, we probably weren’t really paying attention as the clock ticked closer to recess or the end of the day. But we can’t fully appreciate our freedoms if we don’t know how we got them — and, more importantly, how close we came to losing them. The story of America’s independence is truly fascinating with more historical twists and turns than we can possibly get into here. But at least we can get you started with the basics.

In the 1700s, America wasn’t really a nation of ‘united states.’ Instead, there were 13 colonies with distinct personalities. From 1763 to 1773, Britain’s King George III increasingly placed pressure on the colonies as he and the British Parliament enacted a succession of draconian taxes and laws on them. Excessive taxes on British luxury goods like tea and sugar were designed to benefit the British crown without any regard for the hardships of the colonists. By 1764, the phrase “Taxation without representation is tyranny” spread throughout the colonies as the rallying cry of outrage.

The more the colonists rebelled, the more King George doubled down with force. Imagine if enemy soldiers not only had the right to enter your home but the soldiers could demand that you feed and house them. The Quartering Act of 1765 allowed British soldiers to do just that.

But the Stamp Act of 1765 became the straw that broke the colonists’ backs. Passed by Parliament in March, this act taxed any piece of printed paper, including newspapers, legal documents, ships’ papers — and even playing cards! As the colonial grumbling got louder and bolder, in the fall of 1768, British ships arrived in Boston Harbor as a show of force. Remember, the British Navy dominated the seas all over the world due to the far-reaching presence of the British Empire.

Tensions boiled over on March 5, 1770, in Boston Harbor during a street fight between a group of colonists and British soldiers. The soldiers fired shots that killed 47-year-old Crispus Attucks, the first American and Black man to die along with three other colonists in the Boston Massacre.

In 1773, the Boston Tea Party (from which today’s Tea Party Republicans get their name) erupted when colonists disguised as Mohican Indians raided a British ship, dumping all the tea overboard to avoid paying the taxes. Continued pressure led to resistance and the start of the Revolutionary War in the towns of Lexington and Concord when a militia of patriots battled British soldiers on April 19, 1775. Conditions were ripe for American independence.

When the first battles in the Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775, only a handful of colonists wished for total independence from Great Britain, and those who did were considered extremists.

However, halfway through the following year, many more colonists had come to lean more toward independence, as a result of growing hostility towards Britain and the spread of revolutionary views like those conveyed in the bestselling pamphlet published in early 1776 by Thomas Paine — “Common Sense.”

On June 7, 1776, the Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House (later Independence Hall) in Philadelphia and Richard Henry Lee, the Virginia delegate, introduced a motion calling for the independence of the colonies. Amid heated debate, Congress rescheduled the vote on Lee’s resolution but appointed a five-man committee — including Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, and Robert R. Livingston of New York — to draft a formal statement justifying the defect from Great Britain.

On July 2, 1776, in a virtually unanimous vote, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Lee’s resolution for independence, and on July 4th, it formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, which had been written largely by Jefferson. Ultimately, the drafting of the Declaration of Independence was a contentious process. After much debate over what to include and what to leave out, Thomas Jefferson, tasked with pulling the document together, envisioned a nation where “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness” crystallized the very meaning of being an American. The document proclaimed the 13 American colonies’ liberation from Britain and reaffirmed their rights as free men — declaring that they were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states.

John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail that July 2 “will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival” and that the celebration should include “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.”

07/03/2026

Reminder: The bar will be closed for the 4th of July Holiday Please be safe and come by and see us next week.

06/21/2026

The PAWV would like to wish a Happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there. Please keep those dads on deployment or stationed away from thier families in your thoughts as they serve to protect our freedoms.