October is recognized as Polish American Heritage Month in the United States. It was not always that way, however, as Congress first deemed August as Polish American Heritage Month in 1981. Later, Polish American Heritage Month was moved to October to commemorate the first Polish settlers — as well as the deaths of General Kazimierz Pulaski and Tadeusz Ko ciuszko, military leaders who fought in the American Revolution.
 
This year marks the 416th Anniversary of Polish settlers arriving to the United States of America. The first Polish settlers arrived in Jamestown, Virginia in October, 1608 at the invitation of Captain John Smith to establish a glass industry in the Jamestown Colony. These Polish settlers established what became the first American industry and the first commercial items to be exported from America to Europe.
 
Since 1608, people of Polish heritage have contributed greatly to global achievement and advancement of the United States and Pennsylvania.  
 
Please join us in sponsoring this resolution declaring October 2024 as Polish American Heritage Month.