THUNDER BAY - In a year where the spirit of milestone birthdays is present, one distinct group is no exception.
On Saturday, members of the Polish Combatants Association gathered in Thunder Bay to honour their 70 years in Canada.
Thunder Bay was chosen as the location for an important anniversary because of its strong Polish heritage, and its rich history of Polish military members residing in the area.
For seven decades, the association has been a sanctuary for members of the Polish military, particularly for those who were displaced after the Second World War.
Peter Baryluk grew up in Poland, but was displaced by Russian forces, and eventually ended up in Fort William where his father lived.
“We had to travel through Poland in a box car all the way to the Baltic Sea,” Baryluk said. “There was one incident I’ll never forget… my mom said she went to get some water from a well and there were dead people in it.”
The horrors of war and the anxiety of deportation is what led Polish-Canadians to come together 70 years ago.
Baryluk said his role in the association is a way of honouring his parents, and is responsible for promoting youth involvement.
“I work with young people, and they need direction in some way,” Baryluk said. “We need help, we need the young generation to come sustain what the combatants built.”
The former president of the association, John Wreszczak, said although all of the veterans who were apart of the association have passed away, honouring their legacy is a mandate.
“We are trying to maintain the tradition, and part of that is trying to be good Canadian citizens,” Wreszczak said. “This hall has donated money for university students to study history, and we re-enact our activities for people to learn.”
The commemoration event will continue tomorrow with a remembrance garden being planted as a part of Canada 150. A wreath-laying celebration, and a barbecue will cap off the weekend.
