“Strengthen Your Arm – Serve Your Homeland”. The 135th Anniversary of the Polish Falcons in America

"...The welcoming land of America has received Polish immigrants for many years. Among the newcomers were also enthusiasts of the ideals of the “Sokół” (Falcon) Gymnastic Society, which was gaining popularity in the Polish lands under partition. As a result, the first Falcon nest in Chicago began its activities under the leadership of founding father Feliks L. Pietrowicz, exactly two decades after the formation of “Sokół” in Lvov – the mother nest. Despite the distance and the fact that Poland was not on any maps at that time, contact between the Polish Falcons of America and their native land was constantly maintained and strengthened over the years.It was thanks to the aficionados emerging from Falcon structures – on Polish soil and in the United States, as well as in other countries – that the national identity of Poles could survive throughout the period of partition. When the historical hour came, the rising up of Polonia was not to be underestimated. Members of the Falcons, putting their lives and well-being on the line, joined the ranks of General Józef Haller’s Blue Army, in this having the unceasing support of the “father of independence” – Ignacy Jan Paderewski.Over the years, the Polish Falcons of America have responded to the greatest challenges and needs of the Fatherland – the regaining of Poland’s independence, the Polish-Bolshevik war, and the difficult situation of the country during both world wars. Important events and figures from Polish history have been entered into the history of the organization. Here we cannot fail to mention the most distinguished Falcon, Teofil Antoni Starzyński, the long-time president of the Polish Falcons of America, who by his attitude and deeds embodied the ideal of a Falcon – a patriot and a Pole..."