May 3 is Polish Constitution Day, or Swieto Trzeciego Maja to those of Polish descent.
The Polish Constitution of 1791 has been described as one of the greatest achievements in the history of Poland. It was the first democratic constitution in Europe and second, after the United States, in the world. It serves as a reminder of Poland’s historical journey toward freedom and sovereignty.
On May 3, 1937, more than 3,000 people attended the first Milwaukee outdoor observance of the holiday in Kosciuszko Park. The park program began with the laying of a wreath at the foot of the monument of Gen. Tadeusz (Thaddeus) Kosciuszko, a bronze equestrian statue created by sculptor Gaetano Trentanove and dedicated in 1905. The monument stood at South Eighth and West Beecher Street until it was moved and rededicated in 1951 at South Ninth Place and West Lincoln Ave.
The name Kosciuszko rivals the name Pulaski for popularity in the city, since both generals fought for independence and freedom in Poland and aided Americans in the Revolutionary War.
Casimir Pulaski traveled to the United States and volunteered his military skills to the Revolutionary cause, becoming a brigadier general in the Continental Army. He is sometimes called the “father of the American cavalry” having successfully built an independent cavalry fighting force.
Pulaski is commemorated by two sculptures, one in Milwaukee’s Pulaski Park and the other in Cudahy’s Pulaski Park. Milwaukee’s monument was dedicated in 1931; the bust of Pulaski was erected at the Cudahy site in 1932.
Celebrate Polish Constitution Day on May 7, 2026, at the Polish Center of Wisconsin with folk dance, music, and singing. Visit polishcenterofwisconsin.org
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Poles honor Poland and America’s journey toward freedom
Reporting by Elaine Rewolinski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
