Rep. Sredzinski Honors War Hero on Polish Day at the Capitol

From the Connecticut General Assembly: State Rep. JP Sredzinski (R-112) presented a state citation to a Polish army veteran during a celebration in honor of Polish Day at the Capitol last week. The citation recognized Jan Bacynski for “outstanding devotion and service in the Polish Army during World War II and to the Polish-American community.”

Bacynski was born in 1926 in Eastern Poland and joined the Polish Army in 1942, assigned to the 3rd Carpathian Rifleman Brigade. He and other international brigades fought in the Battle of Monte Cossino in Italy. He immigrated to Hartford in 1955 where he has been active in Polish-American organizations and decorated by Polish Presidents Walesa and Kwasniewski for his service in the Free Polish Army.

“I always enjoy celebrating my Polish heritage and all of the rich cultural additions the Polish people have made to society in Connecticut and the rest of the country,” said Rep. Sredzinski, himself the son of a Polish immigrant. “I was truly in awe of all the contributions Jan has given to his country and to the Polish-American community. I was beyond proud to present him with this recognition.”

The citation for Bacynski was co-introduced by 17 members of the Connecticut General Assembly and read: “We salute you for all of your contributions to your nation and your community. You are a living reminder that freedom is not free; it is balanced on the backs of those brave enough to put on the uniform. We thank you for your bravery and service to Poland and Connecticut and the sacrifices you have made so that freedom may resonate around the world.”

Rep. JP Sredzinski represents the 112th General Assembly district communities of Monroe and Newtown.

Photo courtesy of the Connecticut General Assembly