Constitution of May 3, 1791

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01 July 2010

Constitution of May 3, 1791

Alexandra Lisiecki

5740Holy Mass, festivals, patriotic assemblies, colorful parades, banquets, flag-raisings, wreath-layings, exhibitions at schools and public libraries, concerts, lectures and symposia were just some of the ways that I observed Poland's  national holiday of the May 3rd Constitution Day while being a master's student of the Jagiellonian University of Krakow.  But what exactly is this holiday? And why should a fifth generation Polish-American, such as myself, even bother to honor an event that happened over two hundred years ago in what seems for most to be a far-off and distant land? The answer is simple - PRIDE.

Poland has an immensely glorious past. Once a multi-national Commonwealth stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea, Poland was one of the most powerful countries in Europe in its heyday. May 3rd Constitution Day has traditionally been considered to be one of the most significant patriotic Polish celebrations of the year. This day commemorates the signing the Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791, which is recognized universally as Europe's first and the world's second "modern codified national constitution." Interestingly enough, it shares some common features with the Constitution of the United States and Poland's reforming King Stanisław August Poniatowski said that the Polish Constitution was "founded principally on those of England and the United States and .... adapted as much as possible to the local and particular circumstances of the country."

Although not soon enough to prevent the Partitions, the Constitution of May 3, 1791 was designed specifically in order for the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth to remedy its long-standing political defects brought on by the centuries of the nobleman's proverbial "Golden Freedom."  Some of its other features were:  establishment a constitutional monarchy and restoration of a hereditary throne (so neighboring countries could not buy royal elections); recognition of religious freedom and property rights; and the extension of civic rights and the franchise of the nobility (szlachta) to the townspeople, and the placement of the peasants under government protection. Most importantly, the Constitution banned the very controversial liberum veto by which ONE deputy could block legislation passed by the Sejm (i.e. Polish parliament).

Unfortunately the Constitution came too late. It was in effect for only a year, before being overthrown during the Russo-Polish War of 1792 by Russian armies allied with the Targowica Confederation. However, it was still highly regarded and Edmund Burke described it "the noblest benefit received by any nation at any time... Stanislaus II has earned a place among the greatest kings and statesmen in history." It was declared a holiday on May 5, 1791, but was banned three times i.e. during the partitions of Poland,  during World War II by Nazi and Soviet occupiers, as well as, after 1946 by the Communist People's Republic of Poland (where it was renamed, The Day of the Democratic Party). Constitution Day was officially restored in 1990 after the fall of Communism. The Catholic Church celebrates the May Third anniversary as a Feast Day of Our Lady Queen of Poland.

On May 2, 2010, the J. Dabrowski Polish Language School and Polish Mission organized the annual Detroit May 3rd Constitution Day commemoration on the beautiful campus of Orchard Lake Schools. The event was hosted by the very enigmatic director of the "Polish Mission" Marcin Chumiecki. The celebration was commenced with the angelic singing of the Polish and American national anthems by Krystyna Wallag. Present as always, were members of the Polish Scouting Organization (Zwiazek Harcerstwa Polskiego), as well as, representatives of the numerous Michigan Polish organizations such as; Friends of Polish Art and Polish American Congress. An insightfully written and beautifully presented patriotic speech was delivered by Wladyslaw Bankowski. It moved the hearts of all there present. This was followed by a heartrending poem Katyn recited by Paulina Kowalczyk. A moment of silence was then observed for the victims of the April 10th tragedy of in Smolensk. Next, an endearing performance titled Konstytucja 3 Maja was presented by the children of J. Dabrowski Polish Language School; followed by two stirring performances by the Polanie Dance Ensemble of the Polonez and Kujawiak dances. The biggest "crowd pleaser" was undeniably the violin performance of Tomasz Mikulski, with his unforgettable presentation of Witaj Majowa Jutrzenko, Polonez 1791, Bartoszu, and Poloniz Oginskiego. The guest of honor was Andrzej "Rocky" Raczkowski, runner of U.S. Congress in Michigan's 9th District, who took time out of his very busy schedule in order to deliver an inspiring speech reiterating the importance of the May 3rd Constitution and the significance of Katyn. His presence was greatly appreciated by all those in attendance. The celebration concluded with a Kawiarenka where all were able to enjoy refreshments. Afterward many attended the Polish Mass in the Shrine Chapel which was accompanied by the lovely singing of the Filaret choir.

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On Tuesday September 20th, The Polish Mission Welcomed 3-time Emmy award winning journalist Rita Cosby to the historic campus in Orchard Lake. Starting early in the morning, Rita gave a special presentation to the student body of St. Mary's Preparatory gathered in the Shrine Chapel of Our Lady of Orchard Lake. Students were very responsive as she presented the story behind her most recent book, Quiet Hero: Stories From my Father’s Past. Rita's unique perspective on the proud story of 1944 Warsaw struck a special chord with the students. Her experiences a journalist allowed her to color the black-and white story with a vivid engagement of the fine details that made up one of the most tragic moments of world history on Polish soil. Reporting from the front lines of modern-day Middle Eastern battlefields gave Cosby the tools necessary to reach the young generation: dynamic accounts and clear message. The St.Mary's Prep AP World literature class was treated to a special guest as she led an in-depth discussion of her work as a late addition to the course syllabus. Headmaster Jim Glowacki's students held the class over for an extra 45 minutes filled with questions that reached deep into the young men’s lives, some of whom related especially to the story, due to modern day veterans in their own families. Over 500 students gained powerful appreciation for the Polish story; none over the age of sixteen.

Thanks to Cosby and the Orchard Lake Schools team, the Polish reported their first-ever sold-out event later that evening. Extra tables and chairs has to be rolled out to accommodate the last minute guests to the dinner and presentation. The evening began with a very special event at the Ark museums. Led by Polish Mission team member JJ Przewozniak, a team of volunteers logged over 140 hours to completely renovate the Polish Second Corps museum on the third floor of the 1914-built building. A crowd of 25 veterans, friends and Orchard Lake leadership were in attendance as Przewozniqk presented Cosby with an 1850 Staff and Field Officer's saber, which she used to cut the ribbon to the freshly-furnished room. When asked why the American saber was chosen specifically, Polish Mission staff replied that it “...was a fitting tribute to when our campus was known as the Michigan Military Academy. It used to be known as the second West Point…” Warm lighting, larger-than life murals, and a new multi-media display were only some of the new features that greeted a crowd that included Chancellor Father Tim Whalen, State Representative Moss, and prominent Polish WWII veterans Halina Konwiak and Juliusz Presmycki. Cosby's father was a Second Corps veteran, so the ceremony was especially poignant as she mingled with happy guests amidst preserved collections of medals and artifacts from Monte Cassino. The Polish Mission safeguards a number of museum rooms dedicated to various branches of the Polish armed forces in WWII, most of which had been developed and maintained by Veterans groups and fraternal organizations. This Second Corps museum effort was the first ever renovation formally undertaken by The Polish Mission, and Przewozniak attributes the success to the volunteers, all part of the Batalion "Burza" history organization: Ken Koskodan, Tiffany Hands, Jeffrey Mogle, and Nicole Sedlak. All are in anticipation for the next museum project. Guests are welcome to tour the museum by making an appointment, or attending the monthly open house on the first Sunday of every month at 12 noon.

Rita’s dynamic portrayal of her Polish past was especially memorable due to her ability to move a very diverse crowd to applause.  A number of WWII veterans, active duty servicemen, and the SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminarians listened as she detailed how she came to grips with her father through his experiences from the front lines of Warsaw in 1944.  The story was richly colored by not only detailed accounts from the streets of Warsaw, but also the challenges she faced in re-opening a dialogue with her father.  A moving presentation of a unique Polish story brought the crowd to their feet at the evening's close.