The Genesis of the Monument to the Heroes of the Struggle for Independence after 1944-45 and Solidarity
During a trip in December 2021, from New York to American Czestochowa for the annual commemoration of the anniversary of the introduction of martial law, organized by the Smolensk Disaster Commemoration Committee, former NSZZ Solidarity activists from various periods, Janusz Kudelko and Piotr Stilger, asked themselves the question, “Why is there no Solidarity Monument in the USA?” During this meeting, the idea was born to create a Monument to the Heroes of the Struggle for Independence after 1944-45 and Solidarity. Janusz Kudelko became the driving force behind this project and its main designer.
Janusz Kudełko, an activist of NSZZ Solidarity at the Small Car Factory (FSM) in Bielsko-Biała, faced persecution by the communist regime, particularly during the martial law period. For his activities, he was accused by prosecutor Józef Iwulski of attempting to overthrow the authorities and was subsequently sentenced to prison.
Following numerous discussions initiated by Janusz Kudełko about the idea of constructing this monument, he decided to seek assistance from several members of the Smolensk Disaster Commemoration Committee. At a subsequent meeting of the Committee, the idea of building the monument was officially accepted, initiating the process to move forward.
In the initial phase of designing the monument, according to Janusz Kudełko’s concept, it was intended to be dedicated solely to NSZZ Solidarność activists and the events of 1956 and 1970. However, shortly afterward, Tadeusz Antoniak, chairman of the Smolensk Disaster Commemoration Committee, proposed expanding the monument’s scope to honor all those who participated in peaceful protests and strikes during the years 1944-45, 1956, 1968, 1970, 1976, and 1980-1981. Unlike the “Doomed Soldiers,” these individuals did not take up arms against the Soviet-communist regime installed in Poland and controlled from Moscow. Despite the peaceful nature of their resistance, they suffered equally tragic consequences, including loss of life, health, long imprisonment, or forced emigration from their beloved homeland.
Given the significant role that the Catholic Church played in the struggle and protests against the imposed regime in Poland, it was proposed to include the date of 1966 on the monument—the year of the Millennium of the Baptism of Poland celebrations. Discussions with clergy, including Father Marcin Ćwierz, the Prior of American Częstochowa, as well as with historians, Polish community activists, and politicians, including Minister Antoni Macierewicz, convinced the monument’s originators that this date should be among those commemorated.
On one of the side walls of the monument, a plaque dedicated to the murdered priest Jerzy Popiełuszko was also placed as a symbolic tribute to him and other priests who suffered under the communist regime during this period. On the opposite side, a quote from John Paul II’s speech in the Polish Parliament was included.
The final design of the monument took the form of steps, with significant years inscribed on them. In the final design phase, at Janusz Kudełko’s request, a Cross and the inscription “Solidarność” were added to emphasize the symbolic significance of the monument.
The next step in the project’s completion was obtaining permission to build the monument. A delegation from the Smolensk Disaster Commemoration Committee, including Chairman Tadeusz Antoniak and Financial Secretary Jacek Szklarski, met with the then Prior of the Pauline Fathers’ Monastery at American Częstochowa, Father Marcin Ćwierz, to obtain permission to build the monument at the local cemetery, in the so-called Monumental Alley – Avenue of the Meritorious. The plan was to place this monument next to the Smolensk Monument, the bust of General Władysław Anders, the Monument to the Doomed Soldiers by Bożena and Andrzej Praszczyk, and opposite the “Hussar,” dedicated to the Katyń Genocide, sculpted by Master Andrzej Pityński. Father Marcin Ćwierz gave his consent, and in the cemetery office, in the presence of its director, Mr. Mariusz Żołądek, the necessary permit was officially signed.
It is worth recalling that the Smolensk Disaster Commemoration Committee is also responsible for the creation of two of the monuments in this location. The most recent is the Monument to the Doomed Soldiers, unveiled in 2016 by the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, along with his wife and Grzegorz Tymiński from the Portal Memory, a member of the Committee who initiated the monument’s construction. It was the first time in the history of this place that an incumbent President of the Republic of Poland visited the Spiritual Capital of the Polish Diaspora—American Częstochowa, Doylestown, PA.
Kulinski Memorials, specializing in granite monuments, was selected to execute the project. Following the presentation of an estimated cost and work schedule by Richard Kulinski, the owner of the company, the unveiling of the monument was scheduled for September 2024. Additionally, Janusz Kudełko developed detailed technical documentation, and members of the Smolensk Disaster Commemoration Committee began fundraising and organizing sponsors’ support.
The first funds for the monument’s construction were provided by the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union (PSFCU), making them one of the main sponsors of the project. The decision by the PSFCU Board of Directors to allocate the initial sum allowed construction to begin. The entire amount provided by PSFCU was used as an advance payment to the contractor. Additionally, the Polish National Foundation (PNF) and the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) were approached for financial support. After weeks of efforts, the required conditions were met, and the funds were allocated for the monument’s construction. Due to the significant amounts donated, PNF, IPN, and PSFCU became the project’s strategic sponsors.
Within the Smolensk Disaster Commemoration Committee, a special subcommittee was established for the construction of the monument, including former NSZZ Solidarity activists. The subcommittee’s task was to publicize the event and collect additional funds. Additionally, the subcommittee decided to organize a historical conference titled “Polonia Forum – March to Solidarity,” to be held the day before the monument’s unveiling.
In conclusion, the final appearance of the monument, particularly the dates inscribed on it, was the result of extensive discussions and consultations with historians and eyewitnesses to history. The monument is intended to serve as a continuation of the Monument to the Doomed Soldiers, with the inscribed dates reflecting key events that contributed to Poland’s regained independence.
HONOR AND GLORY TO THE HEROES – ETERNAL MEMORY TO THE MURDERED!
To see Monument visit the The Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa at Doylestown, PA
Address:
654 Ferry Road,
Doylestown, PA 18901