Strengthen Your Arm Serve Your Homeland

Dear Readers, as I present this publication to you, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the trust extended to us by the Polish Falcons of America, led by President Timothy L. Kuzma. The contributions provided through the Archive Full of Remembrance project give us an opportunity to showcase the rich history of this significant organization, which has always been infused with a spirit of patriotism. Over the years, America has welcomed Polish immigrants, including those inspired by the ideals of the "Sokół" Gymnastic Society, which thrived in the partitioned Polish lands. It was in Chicago that the first Falcon nest was established under the leadership of Feliks L. Pietrowicz, two decades after the original "Sokół" was formed in Lvov. Despite geographical distances and Poland’s absence from contemporary maps, the Polish Falcons of America have always maintained and strengthened ties with their homeland.The dedicated individuals within the Falcons' ranks in both the United States and on Polish soil have played a crucial role in preserving Polish national identity during periods of partition. When the time came for action, the Polish community’s efforts were commendable. Members of the Falcons bravely joined General Józef Haller’s Blue Army, supported steadfastly by Ignacy Jan Paderewski, the renowned "father of independence". Throughout history, the Polish Falcons of America have faced significant challenges as they supported national causes like Poland’s struggle for independence, the Polish-Bolshevik war, and the trials of both World Wars. This organization has been intertwined with notable episodes and figures from Polish history, including the revered Teofil Antoni Starzyński, a long-standing president who exemplified the Falcon ideal of patriotism.With the Polish Falcons of America’s collection now housed in the Institute of National Remembrance's Archive, these invaluable items have found their way back to Polish soil. This generous donation is part of the Archive Full of Remembrance initiative, which started in 2017 and has since welcomed nearly 1,800 contributions from individuals. Recognizing that important artifacts and documents related to Polish history are scattered worldwide, we aim to facilitate their return, whether as originals or digital copies, to their rightful place in the Motherland. As the Institute of National Remembrance, we are committed to supporting institutions with their own archives, ensuring they are preserved professionally and not neglected.