Professional Motion Picture Production and Distribution NEWS

Dean Anthony J. Bajdek, Chairman of the Foundation's International Advisory Board, Founder/President of the American Association of the Friends of Kosciuszko at West Point, and National Vice-President for American Affairs of the Polish American Congress, stated: "The Foundation to Illuminate America's Heroes is working to produce a major Hollywood film via a real-life story that ties together Tadeusz Kosciuszko, the Polish-Bolshevik War of 1919-1921, and the American volunteer fighter pilot, Merian C. Cooper and his American fellow pilots who created the Kosciuszko Squadron to fight—and in some cases—die alongside Poland's fighter pilots of the Second Republic in its struggle against communist Bolshevism of Russia in a war that not only saved Poland but also a World War I weakened Europe from Russian conquest." "Think of it," he said, "An American decorated by Jozef Pilsudski with Poland's "Virtuti Militari" for his service. This story should be told in a major Hollywood film!"

"I urge all Polish Americans and all patriotic Americans to consider becoming 'Supporting Partners' and 'Friends' of this great project and mission of the Foundation," Mr. Bajdek continued, "This is truly the 'Greatest Story Not Yet Told', a story to inspire current and future generations. It is a story that links two great nations, Poland and the United States, all the way back to the Revolutionary War, when two Polish officers, Tadeusz Kosciuszko and Kazimierz Pulaski, came to the America's aid during its 'Glorious Cause', and that debt was partially repaid when Merian C. Cooper and his fellow American fighter pilots joined Poland's pilots to form the famed Kosciuszko Squadron during Poland's war against the Bolshevik communists of Russia in 1919-1921. "

"We need the Polish American community to get behind this film project", Mr. Bajdek said, "We are looking for additional members for the Foundation's International Advisory Board to oversee the project. We are also looking for members of the Polish community in the U.S. to join our fund-raising team for this important project. And, most importantly, we need the members of the Polish American and Polish media to get behind this project that will mean so much to both America and Poland."

The Foundation's achievements in establishing a tax exempt charitable entity, creating and launching a website and embedded YouTube feature film treatment, becoming known and naming Merian C. Cooper as the "Greatest American Hero of the Twentieth Century" and his involvement with the Kosciuszko Squadron as the "Greatest Story Not Yet Told", are hallmark achievements. Both the work of the Foundation and this Merian C. Cooper/Kosciuszko Squadron feature film project have become known internationally.

"These remarkable achievements have been funded by a small group who have a passion for the mission of the Foundation to seek out and illuminate the lives of true American heroes, past and present, and they share a vision of illuminating the inspirational story of Cooper and the Kosciuszko Squadron through a Hollywood feature film so that present and future generations can be inspired," said David C. Jamison, executive director of the Foundation. "The Foundation is now looking for broad support to get this story told", he said. "The Foundation has set an initial goal of "The Campaign to Honor the Heroes of the Kosciuszko Squadron" of raising $1 million dollars which will take us through Step Two, securing a Hollywood screen writer and Director for the feature film, plus the necessary expenses to take us to the next level. We are appealing especially to those in the Polish American community to take the lead in helping and supporting the Foundation to tell this inspirational story that links two great nations, the United States and Poland."

Resources:

www.iluminateamericasheroes.com

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