General Thaddeus Kosciuszko Monument, West Point, New YorkCeremony celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of General Thaddeus Kosciuszko
On Saturday, May 11, 1996, the Polish American Congress, Downstate New York Division, will hold a commemorative ceremony celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of General Thaddeus Kosciuszko. The ceremony will take place at the Kosciuszko Monument and Garden located on the grounds of the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY. At this time, the PAC, Downstate NY Division, is asking for the financial support of Polonia to help restore the Kosciuszko Monument and Garden at West Point. The preservation of this monument will guarantee a site where visitors can admire the achievements of an important Polish military figure in American history.
In 1778, then Colonel Kosciuszko, was sent to the Hudson River Valley to select a strategic site for resisting the advance of the British Army. The site Kosciuszko chose became known as West Point. Due to Kosciuszko's fortification skills, West Point became known as the American Gibraltar, a fort that the British would not attack. When General George Washington visited West Point, Kosciuszko suggested that the Point be a military academy to train future American military leaders. By 1802, during Thomas Jefferson's administration, Congress officially made West Point a military academy, and the rest is now history.
Twenty six years later, on July 4, 1828, the Corps of Cadets at the academy unveiled and dedicated a monument to Thaddeus Kosciuszko and set it in the garden that Kosciuszko had personally constructed in 1778. The entire Corps had volunteered a portion of their monthly living allowance to pay for it. Those young men of 1828, (one of whom was Cadet Robert E. Lee), believed that Kosciuszko epitomized the perfect hero, an altruist and patriot, after whom they should model their own adult lives.
Until 1913, the Kosciuszko Monument consisted of a plain base surmounted by a capped and fluted column which simply bore the inscription "Kosciuszko". In 1913, Polish American clergy and laity completed the tribute by placing a statue of Kosciuszko on top of the column.
After many years of minimal maintenance, the monument and surrounding garden are in need of considerable repair. Annually, the United States Military Academy is responsible for its general maintenance. However, the funds appropriated by the government are inadequate to make necessary major repairs. Many years ago, several Polish American groups started a maintenance fund; but those funds will soon be depleted. It is for this reason that the Polish American Congress, Downstate New York Division, is calling upon Polonia to raise funds for both immediate and future repairs and maintenance. All contributions in any amount would be greatly appreciated. Donations should be made payable to the "West Point Fund: Kosciuszko", and sent to the PAC Downstate Division, 177 Kent Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222. Your donations are tax deductible.
A further look at a great hero and a worthwhile project
At the end of the American Revolution, Kosciuszko was one of only two foreign officers who had volunteered to serve in America's cause and to be offered membership in the Society of Cincinnati, (formed in 1783 by officers of the Continental Army for fraternal, patriotic and non-political aims). The Society's motto "Omnia Relinquit Servare Rempublicam" ("He gave up all to defend the Republic", or "Wszystko oddal dla obrony Ojczyzny"), summarized succinctly Kosciuszko's significance in American and Polish history. West Point remains a physical testimony to KosciuszkoÕs genius and dedication. A monument constructed in his honor on the grounds of West Point is, therefore, very appropriate and important. Once again your tax-deductible contribution to preserving this monument to Kosciuszko will be greatly appreciated.
From: Polish American News, April 1996