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Thaddeus Kosciuszko Monument - A Symbol of Polish American Cooperation

John Biernat

· Symbol of Polish
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An accomplished paralegal with a law enforcement background, John Biernat serves Padilla Law Group where he’s tasked with a wide variety of legal duties. In addition, John Biernat maintains membership with nonprofit organizations including the Polish American Congress.

The Polish American Congress (PAC) is an organization that represents 10 million Americans of Polish descent and origin. The Polish American Congress brings together more than 3000 Polish cultural, religious, political, business, and social groups. PAC also celebrates the Polish culture in America, including by supporting Polish monuments in Washington, D.C.

One of the major polish monuments in Washington is the monument to Thaddeus Kosciuszko, located in front of the White House at the Northeast corner of Lafayette Park on Pennsylvania Avenue. Created by Antoni Popiel, a Polish sculptor, and dedicated to President William Howard Taft, the monument portrays a standing General Kosciuszko holding a map of Saratoga in his right hand. He is dressed in a U.S. Continental Army military uniform with tall boots, a hat, and a long coat.
The sculpture sits on top of a square base with bronze sculptures surrounding all four sides. On the northern side, an eagle sits on top of the globe showcasing America with a shield, sword, and flag. On south side, a globe shows Poland while an eagle and snake do battle at the top. On the eastern side, Kosciuszko is depicted wearing a U.S. military uniform, holding a flag in his right hand and with a drum at his feet.
Using his right hand, he unties a rope from an American’s soldier waist who represents the American army. Finally, to the west, Kosciuszko is donned in a Polish military uniform as he lies on the ground pointing into the distance. Offering him assistance is a Polish soldier wearing peasant military apparel.