PRESIDENT OZOG AND FIRST LADY VISITS WASHINGTON, D.C.

PHOTOS FROM THE VISIT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - JULY 17, 2002 - On Wednesday, July 17 President Ozog and his wife Joann woke up early in the State Capitol, Washington, D.C. to welcome His Excellency, Aleksander Kwasniewski, President of the Republic of Poland and Mrs. Jolanta Kwasniewska. Over 3000 people from fraternals, various Polish organizations and from the Political arena were in attendance on the White House lawn to welcome these special dignitaries. The Program consisted of a 21 Gun Salute, the National Anthems of the United States and the Republic of Poland, a review of troops, and remarks by both Presidents.

In the afternoon, the Secretary of State and Mrs. Colin Powell invited 200 people for a luncheon in honor of President Kwasniewski and his wife. Prior to lunch, those in attendance mingled and socialized with each other. When it was time for lunch, everyone moved to the elegant Benjamin Franklin Room that is among the most beautiful rooms in the world. This room is used for official entertaining by the Secretary of State, the Vice-President and Members of Cabinet. Brief speeches were given and a delicious lunch was served.

President Ozog had the opportunity to present to Mr. Kwasniewski a book on the Kosciusko letters along with a PRCUA medallion. Also, he asked Mr. Kwasniewski to autograph his book “Our Home-Poland” that was donated to the PMA Library by Consulate Mariusz Brymora.

On Friday July 19, President and Mrs. Ozog were invited to the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center for a luncheon with Mrs. Jolanta Kwasniewska. This was an intimate affair with about 50 individuals. Mrs. Virginia Sikora, President of PWA and Teresa Abick, Vice-President of PNA were also present. Mrs. Kwasniewska cut the ribbon for the opening of an exhibit of Posters on our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II.

During the lunch, President Ozog had the opportunity to present to Mrs. Kwasniewska a crystal Jewelry Box with the PRCUA emblem. On behalf of The Polish Museum of America, Mrs. Ozog presented to the First Lady a copy of the PMA Student Workbooks, Newsletter and Activity Guide. Mrs. Ozog wanted Mrs. Kwasniewska to become aware of the events and activities sponsored by the Museum and to show her that the PMA is a vibrant Museum. She also invited Mrs. Kwasniewska to the PMA for a personal tour. Mrs. Kwasniewska was a very friendly and personable individual.

Although the weather was very hot and humid, it was a remarkable experience.

President Kwasniewski visited Michigan on Thursday, July 18. Over 4000 people welcomed him and President Bush at Oakland University. PRCUA 1st Vice-President Richard Misuida, Pope John Paul II Society President, Ralph Raczynski, Christopher Ozog, Bernice Adamkiewicz, President of St. Alexander Society, Julius Szymczyk, Valerie Grabowski, Paul Odrobina, PRCUA Supervisor, Bob Bielenda and his wife, Eleanor were some of our PRCUA members who attended this affair.

After Oakland University, the two Presidents were escorted to the Polish Cultural Center in Troy, Michigan where 400 people greeted them.

Throughout the visit, the main point President Bush and President Kwasniewski emphasized was Poland’s support for the fight against terrorism and the close ties between the two countries.