Sixty years ago, Boleslaw Komar and Boleslaw Rutkowski were part of the group that founded the Polish Combatants Branch 24.

The Second World War veterans started meeting with other former Polish soldiers at various legions and even at private homes. As more and more of them began meeting,
it was clear that they'd need a space of their own.

Luckily for the 400-some members who would follow, the Combatants home at 291 Albinson St. turned out to be a worthwhile investment.

On May 26, the Combatants are celebrating their diamond anniversary at their hall with a dinner gala featuring entertainment by The White Eagle Dance Ensemble, Biaty Orzet and Impuls.

“It should be a very good time,” George Aniol, president of the Polish Combatants Association Branch 24 Sudbury, said. “We plan on having members of the Legions, the Polish community and other interested individuals.”

The fact that a number of veterans will be on hand for the event makes it “something special,” Rutowski said.

In 1946, the Canadian government allowed about 5,000 ex-servicemen to come to Canada, according to historical articles.

During the war, Canadians fought side-by-side with Polish soldiers on a number of fronts, developing a bond made of respect and friendship.

Like many other veterans, Rutkowski found “a little Poland, a home away from home,” in Sudbury. He said he and many of the other veterans came to Sudbury to find work following the war.

“This was the place to come in the 50s to make a good dollar,” he said.

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Polish Combatants Branch 24 along with the veterans, phone Aniol at 705-693-4373 or 705-674-0429. Tickets to the May 26 gala, which begins at 4 p.m., can be purchased for $50.

Posted by Heidi Ulrichsen