Catholic War Veterans post celebrates 50th anniversary (06/23/96)

Catholic War Veterans post celebrates 50th anniversary

NEW YORK - The St. George Ukrainian Post 401 of the Catholic War Veterans marked the 50th anniversary of its establishment with a gala luncheon on March 24, at the Ukrainian National Home in New York City. This followed memorial services at the St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church for their departed comrades.

The festivities commenced with the presentation of colors. The Very Rev. Bernard Panczuk of Warren, Mich., offered the invocation, and a moment of silence for the departed members was observed. Oleh Lopatynsky, chairman of the 50th Anniversary Committee, delivered the welcome address and raised a toast to the post on its golden jubilee and in honor of all the past commanders. A rousing "Mnohaya Lita" was sung by all.

During the course of the luncheon, master of ceremonies Jaroslaw Kurowyckyj introduced guests and representatives of various organizations. He proceeded to read a letter addressed to Harry Polche, commander of Post 401, from Bishop Basil H. Losten. "Half a century has not dimmed the gratitude of America for its courageous veterans who remain a symbol of the courage, bravery, love of country, and endurance that serves as role models for the youth of today," wrote the eparch of Stamford, Conn.

The Very Rev. Patrick Paschak praised the veterans for their exemplary service to the church. He took the opportunity to present a proclamation from Bishop Losten that conferred episcopal blessings on Commander Polche for his personal multi-faceted activities in the St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church and community. A standing ovation followed.

In his capacity as a lieutenant in the New York Police Department, Mr. Polche was able to assist the Ukrainian community in planning parades and providing the personal security of dignitaries. Mr. Polche is also a member of the Ukrainian American Police Association and a past national commander of the Ukrainian American Veterans.

The first commander of CWV Post 401, Walter Lakusta, and long-time member, Dr. Walter Baron, reminisced and recalled the trials and tribulations of the Post from its infancy to the present.

An added treat was a monologue in both English and Ukrainian by William Shust, renowned TV and stage personality, that evoked much laughter and left everyone in high spirits.

An official proclamation from the Mayor of New York City, Rudolph W. Giuliani, was issued designating March 24 as "St. George Ukrainian Post 401 Catholic War Veterans Day." In addition, a greeting was read from Manhattan Council Member Antonio Pagan.

New York State Department Commander Ignatius Paolilla presented both a CMV National Citation and a State Department Citation commemorating the 50th anniversary of Post 401. Elaine Diaczun, president of the CWV State Department Ladies Auxiliary, presented a citation to the post for participating in the 50th anniversary parade on Fifth Avenue commemorating the end of World War II.

In his acceptance speech, Commander Polche expressed his gratitude on behalf of the post and himself for all the honor received. He especially thanked his wife, Rosalie, claiming her to be "the wind beneath my wings." He further stated that the post and its members will continue their good works for many more years in upholding the principles and goals of the Catholic War Veterans "For God, For Country, For Home!"

Commander Polche recognized and lauded the efforts of those who had served on the Golden Jubilee Committee, including Chaplain the Rev. Leo Goldade, Chairman Oleh Lopatynsky, Master of Ceremonies Mr. Kurowyckyj, Treasurer Peter Switnicki, Assistant Treasurer Joseph Woytowich and Sergeant-at-Arms Myrolub Lozynskyj.

The luncheon concluded with the recitation of the CWV Memorial Verse and benediction by the post chaplain, the Rev. Goldade.

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