#polish-americans

[newyorkthegoldenage]

Parade officials and military veterans watch the Pulaski Day Parade, March 7, 1939. A large "E Pluribus Unum" crest hangs behind the group.

Photo: Univ. of Minnesota

[tomorrowusa]

Constitution Day in Poland

Many people in Poland celebrate Constitution Day (Święto Konstytucji 3 Maja or Święto Narodowe Trzeciego Maja), which commemorates the enactment of the Polish Constitution that came into effect on May 3, 1791.

Sunday May 3rd is Constitution Day (Święto Konstytucji) in Poland.

On this day in 1791 Poland put the first written constitution in Europe into effect. Sadly, the country was partitioned just four years later by its imperialistic and greedy neighbors Russia, Prussia, and Austria-Hungary.

Poland would not regain its independence until 1918 but Constitution Day was marked in various ways during those years.

If there is an ethnic holiday favored by Polish-Americans, it is Constitution Day. Even after Casimir Pułaski Day became a state holiday in Illinois, it was overshadowed by Constitution Day in the community.

Here’s a tune which was written in 1831 to mark Święto Konstytucji. 

It would be nice if people here devoted as much attention to commemorating the US Constitution -- especially in times like these when constitutional norms are under attack.