Knights and Grand Ladies of Pulaski

Knights and Grand Ladies!  Images of decorated horses and shining armor fill my head amid a backdrop of ‘chivalry’ and ‘swashbuckling’ optics.  So, when I completed the form for recognition as a Knight of Pulaski, I was both humbled and a bit confused, unsure of what to expect.

I started to recognize its significance when my father was asked by an appreciative audience to speak after I delivered a recent book talk.  I smiled inside when he spoke of how proud he was of his son, not because I tell his story but because I share the proud story of Poland’s history and struggles.  Then he paused and continued, “and next week Andrew will become a Knight of Pulaski.”  The look of pride on his face spoke volumes, and It was the first time that I began to acknowledge that perhaps this is something more significant than I realize. 

All my wonder was addressed at the Polonia Foundation’s 2020 Induction of the Knights and Grand Ladies of Pulaski on March 8.  The Holy Spirit Party Center was alive with color and energy.  I joined smiling family members seated near the stage area, where I spotted six shiny medals neatly laid out on a table next to a symbolic sword.  YES!  There was actually going to be a knighting! 

The print program provided some general information.  The Knights and Grand Ladies further the ideals and objectives of the Polonia Foundation of Ohio.  The inductees, recognized for their exceptional accomplishments, are encouraged to:

1.       Perpetuate the culture and the ideals of their forebearers,

2.       Promote Americanism,

3.       Raise funds for material aid to persons of Polish descent pursuing higher education.

However, to fully understand and appreciate the Polonia Foundation, one need look no further than its current President, the person who epitomizes what the Polonia Foundation is all about: Monica Sochecki.

Monica conveyed radiance as she approached the podium adorned in a smart black and red dress to commence the program following dinner, her smiling face framed with bouncy curls.  This event is so important to her, and my guess is that few people truly appreciate the tireless efforts that this unassuming leader exerts to help so many.  

To understand Monica’s passion for the Polonia Foundation is to understand her story.  Many long-time PACC members may recall Monica as the shy and cute little girl who was always with her family at virtually every PACC event.  This presence not only opened her eyes to Polonia, but also opened the door to a scholarship that enabled her to graduate from Cleveland State University in 2007.  Taking full advantage of this opportunity, our shy Polish girl would go on to become a confident and passionate leader.  After graduation, Monica continued working a total of 16 years at a CSU radio program where she honed her communication skills and furthered the Polonia outreach.   Bernadette Zubel recognized her vast contributions and nominated Monica to be knighted as a Grand Lady in 2010.  The Foundation Board immediately recognized her potential and elected Monica as their Vice President in 2016 before she went on to become the youngest person elected President of the Foundation. 

Through Monica’s tireless efforts and bold leadership, the Foundation continues to grow and last year raised over $25,000 for seventeen deserving scholars.  Among the many changes that Monica has incorporated is the qualified selection of scholars who have shown, through their own contributions, that they will one day give back to the community that has supported them.  Monica recognizes how the scholarship she received enabled her to grow on both a personal and professional level, and she has given back many times over to ensure that future deserving scholars continue to receive the same opportunity and provide their own support.

After providing a brief history of the Foundation and its mission, Monica introduced Father Eric Orzech to explain the importance of recognizing Knights and Grand Ladies for the Foundation.  I was curious.  He artfully articulated how in this day of removed social titles, there are still select individuals who go on to display leadership beyond the norm to help others.  And by recognizing these individuals with titles that convey a very special meaning to our Polish heritage, we will continue the good work to further the mission of the Foundation.  I was locked in to his words, which were conveyed in such an easy, logical  convincing manner that I had to restrain myself from screaming out: “LET THE KNIGHTING BEGIN!”     

The moment finally arrived, and I, along with the following individuals, were called up one at a time to be formally honored as a Knight or Grand Lady of Pulaski:

Jacqueline Jaros – Jacqueline is a Counselor at Davis Counseling Service, and an active member of both the Union of Poles PNA and the Booster and Sports Committee Union of Poles PNA.

Agnieszka Kotlarsic – Agnieszka is a music teacher at the Broadway School of Music and the Arts and the Henryk Sienkiewicz Polish School PRCUA.  She is also the artistic director and choreographer of Piast Polish folk song and dance ensemble, and an active member of the Polish-American Cultural Center (PACC).

Deborah Lime – Deborah is a Councilwoman for the City of Parma, and also involved with both the Polish Village Parma and Polish Constitution Day in Parma.

Cara Florence Milcinovic – Cara is the Office Manager for CSEA, and also an active member of both the Union of Poles PNA and the Booster and Sports  Committee Union of Poles PNA.

                Rev. Father Robert Ramser – Father Ramser is the Parochial Vicar at St. Angela Merici and also Celebrant for the 3rd of May Celebration at St. Charles Church.

I was also recognized as a Board member for PACC and for the numerous talks I give on my book, Captured in Liberation, which tells the story of my family and the Anders Army during World War II.

We all happily stuck around for rounds of photographs, and the event concluded with a toast and raffles of five colorful baskets displaying wonderful Polish gifts, many of which were personally purchased by Monica on her recent trips to Poland and Chicago. 

So now I have a much clearer appreciation for what it means to be a Knight of Pulaski, and I am dutifully committed to furthering the mission of the Polonia Foundation.  Just as Monica Sochecki has quietly guided us through her own principled leadership, we owe it to ourselves to give back and ensure that future generations will also have the same opportunities to individually grow and collectively preserve our proud heritage.   

If you would like more information about the Polonia Foundation or learn how you can contribute to their cause, please contact Monica Sochecki at 216.849.1292.