REGINA — Regina’s Polish community hopes to pay tribute to veterans from their homeland who were displaced during the First and Second World Wars.
A first-of-its-kind monument for the Polish community in Saskatchewan has been planned at the Riverside Memorial Cemetery this fall.
“This is something that we can share our appreciation for all of the work that they've done here that came with a price,” said Bron Nurkowski, director of the Polish Cultural Club of Regina.
Many Polish veterans who served had their lives changed after being sent away from home, including Nurkowski’s dad.
“The Russian soldiers came in, hauled them out, took them to Siberia. They were in Siberia for a couple of years. From Siberia, they were taken out by the Red Cross to other places in the world, and eventually made it to Regina.”
An emotional Nurkowski admitted his father's displacement took a toll on his mental state.
“My dad, he calls, wanting to commit suicide, it’s not easy, right?
“You're hauled out in the middle of the night. You're given an hour to pack whatever you have. You're hauled out in the car. You don't know where you're going next. It’s life-changing.”
The Polish Cultural Club of Regina estimates upwards of 200 veterans were displaced in Saskatchewan.
Nurkowski credited these veterans, emphasizing their commitment to supporting the Polish community.
“If it wasn't for their hard work, we would not have the Polish community that we have here in Regina today.”
To complete the monument, the Polish Cultural Club of Regina is looking to raise roughly $16,000 to $17,000.
“[This] would include the fabrication of the monument, the installation of the monument, there are a number of permits, etc., the engineering costs that go into it,” said Nurkowski
As of last week, Nurkowski said over $2,000 has been raised.
When the memorial is completed, Nurkowski is hopeful that future generations will take an interest in Polish history.
“It may intrigue people to start doing some research and start understanding, what these persons did here.”
Nurkowski also encourages people to reflect on the past and help ensure those issues are not repeated.
More information on the memorial can be found here.
