By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – It was on September 1st 70 years ago that Poland was invaded, beginning World War II. Many Polish immigrants still living in Western New York witnessed the atrocities of that invasion. A conference being held downtown next month will attempt to preserve their testimony for future generations.
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The conference is called "Untold Stories Come Alive: Poland to Buffalo Through World War II." The idea for the two-day event was conceived by descendants of Polish survivors who have remained largely silent about what they witnessed. Andrew Golebiowski's parents shared their stories with him as he grew up. But he said they and many others are reluctant to tell those stories because reliving them is too painful.
The conference will include keynote speakers and a panel of survivors who will share their own stories and encourage others to do the same. Another panel will talk about ways to better distribute the stories. Golebiowski said that is more important than ever given the rise of revisionist history.
The conference is in Buffalo on October 3rd and 4th. It is open to everyone. Any survivor will get free admission and meals both days. There are discounts for others who register by Tuesday, September 15th.
More information is available at the Polish Legacy Project, or by calling 716-510-7562.