When World War I started in 1914, Poland was divided between the empires of Prussia, Austria, and Russia. In 1917, a Polish National Committee organized regiments of Polish-American men to fight under a Polish flag in Europe. Forty-eight recruiting centers were established in the U.S., including one in Portage County. Through efforts of Polish patriots, an "independent Polish state" was included in President Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points speech to end the war in 1918.

Answering the Call
Nearly 300 men from Portage County, northern Wisconsin, and Michigan were recruited. The local effort was led by S.H. Worzalla, Joseph Worzalla, J.W. Przewlocki, and Jacob Woyak. The community embraced the cause of Polish nationalism with speeches, send-off dinners, and benefit dances.

Poland Reborn
After Armistice on November 11, 1918, the Polish Army men stayed on to establish borders for the newly reborn country of Poland. They fought in territorial wars against the bordering countries of Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Silesia, and Galicia. When the army was demobilized in March 1920, troops either stayed in Poland or returned to America.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  

Casimir Pulaski
St. Stanislaus Church World War II Memorial
The Boy with the Leaking Boot
The Historic Southside Railroad Complex of Stevens Point
Veterans World War I Memorial
Portage County Civil War Memorial
First Public Building
Public Square
Airborne Forces Memorial Bridge
Saint Peter Church War Memorial

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.