The Kosciuszko Foundation - Philadelphia Chapter

President's Page

Dear Friends,

"He is as pure a son of liberty as I have ever known, and of that liberty which is to go to all, and not to the few and rich alone."

Thomas Jefferson employed these noble words to describe his dear friend and the namesake of our organization, General Thaddeus (Tadeusz) Kosciuszko. A man of intense patriotism, diligence, and generosity, Thaddeus Kosciuszko is often called the "hero of two continents," for the military genius he exemplified in America's fight for independence from Britain and in Poland's struggle for freedom from the oppression of its surrounding neighbors.

The Foundation's work in promoting educational and cultural exchanges between the United States and Poland mirrors wonderfully the international nature of General Kosciuszko's efforts. His dedication and tireless labor on behalf of the cause of liberty in both countries provide inspiration to us as we work towards increasing American understanding of Polish culture and history. The Philadelphia Chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation is blessed with a unique connection to our namesake. It was in Philadelphia in 1776 that Kosciuszko read the Declaration of Independence for the first time. Calling America his "second home," he later returned to Philadelphia in 1797 and took residence in a home at 3rd and Pine Streets, the site today of a national memorial to this hero of the American Revolution. I am truly honored to have been elected to serve as the President of our Philadelphia Chapter. First, I would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank Mr. Peter Obst and the former Officers and Board of the Philadelphia Chapter for their excellent work over the past ten years in establishing the Chapter and building up its fine reputation. I believe strongly in the goals of our organization and will work with the other Officers to broaden general awareness and increase the visibility of our organization in the Greater Philadelphia area. Many excellent ideas have recently been voiced, such as a membership campaign, partnerships with other organizations, educational information sessions, and the use of electronic media to increase our outreach. One of our primary and immediate goals is the creation of a number of committees to more efficiently and intensively address the varied areas of our work, including educational, membership, and cultural. Please consider becoming actively involved in one of these committees. In October, 2004, the Philadelphia Chapter will celebrate its 10th Anniversary! This is an exciting time for our organization and I hope that you will join me in being a part of it! Sincerely,

Teresa G. Wojcik, President
Philadelphia Chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation