Cas Lenard's Message accepting the PAC Medal of Freedom

Cas was unable to attend the bestowing of the PAC Medal of Freedom due to health reasons. His son George was to read this acceptance, but was with Cas at the hospital at this time. It was read by Thaddeus Mirecki, a PAC National Director, former President of the Washington Metro Area Division, and long-time colleague of Cas in the PAC.

Merry Christmas to all of my dear friends,

This is the first time in many years that I will not be able to share with you the wonderful holiday celebration we all look forward to that is sponsored by the Washington office of the Polish American Congress.

Nonetheless I am with you in spirit. I cherish the memories of our long association together, our common struggles in favor of a free and democratic Poland and in favor of Polish American culture and the values that we all share.

I am also very happy to be part of an organization that is led by Frank Spula, whose many innovations since taking office has helped to make the Polish American Congress young again.

I say this as one of the oldest members of our organization, although our friend Walter Zachariasiewicz wins this prize in this category!

I also want to thank the Executive Committee of the Polish American Congress for all of their work and solidarity in this time of my illness. I know that the PAC is in such capable hands that I have faith that our future as the premier Polish American organization is a very bright one.

Finally, I want to thank President Spula and the Executive Committee for this wonderful early Christmas present, that is the Polish American Congress' Medal of Freedom.

Of all of my associations, my involvement with the Polish American Congress and time with the Washington office are some of the most memorable and rewarding.

I know that my wonderful life partner, Myra, felt the same way. I accept this honor on behalf of both of us.
 
I would like to say thank you to my family, particularly my children George, Antoinette and Elizabeth and my grandson Jeffrey, who always have been very supportive, now more than ever, and who I love very much.

As we look move into a New Year, I look forward to maintaining the spirit and activities that we have established here in Washington.

I would like to specifically point to our wonderful intern program, our many common activities with the Central and Eastern European Coalition and with the Polish embassy, and the presence of this office as a resource for academicians and other friends of Poland and Polonia who want to know more about this office and organization, and to make use its many resources.

Basia has done such an excellent job taking the lead in many of these activities and I want to make sure she is recognized for that.

Friends, thank you all for coming. Enjoy yourselves tonight and best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and all the best in the New Year. Your friendship means so much to me, and I look forward to seeing you all in the near future.
 
 Cas