BROOKLYN, N.Y.–On Sept. 1, the 80thanniversary of German invasion of Poland, which helped to start World War II, Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union, the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland and the Museum of Second World War in Poland joined to commemorate the tragic day by officially unveiling the “FIGHTING AND SUFFERING. Polish Citizens During World War II” exhibition at the PSFCU headquarters here. NCUA Chairman Rodney E. Hood was the guest of honor at the ceremony.
In addressing the gathered guests, who included Maciej Golubiewski, Consul General of the Republic of Poland, PSFCU member and former NCUA Chairman Michael Fryzel and numerous representatives of Polish-American community organizations, as well as PSFCU members, Hood recalled the proud yet tumultuous history of Poland and the ties that have bound the Polish and American nations from the early days of the American Republic, the credit union said.
“The Polish people made valuable contribution to the creation of another nation – they contributed to the creation of the United States of America,” Hood said.
He recalled Thaddeus Kosciusko, the hero of the two nations, who made significant contribution to the American War of Independence. He applauded PSFCU for bringing the exhibit to the United States. “Images on display are a powerful reminder of a time 80 years ago when the Polish people stood alone against two invading nations,” he said.
The NCUA Chairman, who previously visited the Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union in 2009 while a then member of the NCUA board, also remarked on the success of PSFCU, which in 43 years has grown to reach $2 billion in assets and to serve over 100,000 members. He congratulated PSFCU on the excellent record of service to its members.
“That record of service reflects the proud tradition of the credit union movement, which from its beginning was based on the principles and tenets of “people helping people,” said Hood. “That principle today goes far beyond offering affordable financial products and a safe place to build financial security for themselves and their families. It also means a strong commitment to the community, strong relationships with partner organizations and strong focus on the future.” He mentioned that the exhibit shown at PSFCU is a shining example of the community spirit and PSFCU’s unwavering commitment.
During his brief address, Polish Consul Maciej Golubiewski thanked PSFCU for hosting the exhibition, which was prepared by the Museum of Second World War in Poland. “For the United States and Poland, and the whole world, that fateful and solemn 80thanniversary of the outbreak of World War II is something to ponder and reflect upon,” Golubiewski said. “It touched the lives of hundreds thousands of Americans, it touched the lives of millions of people.”
PSFCU Board Chairman Krzysztof Matyszczyk mentioned the support that the Polish-American community receives from PSFCU, including the more than $5 million awarded under the PSFCU Scholarship Program, as well as donations to a multitude of educational institutions and community organizations. This also includes sponsorship of hundreds of community events. “Because of our partnership with the Consulate General in New York, we are now sponsoring an exhibit which is very important to all of us and which reminds us of the sacrifice and heroism not only of millions of Poles, but also Americans fighting and dying in defense of freedom during World War II,” Matyszczyk said.
In welcoming the guests at the start of the ceremony, Bogdan Chmielewski, PSFCU president/CEO, recalled that the credit union has been serving the Polish-American community for the past 43 years. “During this time we helped thousands of Polish immigrants to buy their first car, the first house, to receive the first credit card, or, what’s most important, to safely deposit their lifetime savings.”