recent odc activities 2009

Łomianki Remembers Fallen Poles and Airmen

21 September 2009

Lt Col Scott Wallace, after laying the wreath in memoriam to the fallen Airmen

On September 20, 2009, Lt Col Scott Wallace, USAF joined Dr. Andrzej Dabrowa and three American members of the Columbia Heights, MN – Łomianki Sister-city International organization in a memorial ceremony and roll call of heroes at the Kiepin military ceremony in Łomianki, Poland.  The ceremony was organized by the citizens of Łomianki and included a Mass, laying of wreaths at their grave site, speeches by Poles and Americans.  In addition, the citizens of Łomianki recognized the fallen members of the B-17 crew as “Hereos of Łomianki.”   The story of the B-17 shot down on its mission to deliver supplies to the Polish Home Army in the days of the Warsaw uprising is remembered every year at this ceremony.  One of the legacies of this tragedy is the sister city cooperation between the citizens of Columbia Heights, Minnesota and Łomianki, Poland.  The B-17 tail gunner, Sergeant Władysław Szymczak, was from Colmubia Heights and provided the inspiration for the partnership.  “I like to point out this positive legacy of Sergeant Szymczak’s last mission,” stated Ms. Strand at the ceremony.  The monumnet was dedicated in 1987 by then Vice President George H.W. Bush.