POLISH NATIONAL ALLIANCE WHITE EAGLE LODGE #3149

(FORT WAYNE) MAYOR EXTENDS SYMPATHY TO POLISH SISTER CITY, INVITES PUBLIC TO SIGN CONDOLENCE BOOK 

Churches encouraged to ring bells three times at 1 p.m. Wednesday

Fort Wayne, Ind. – Strengthening a Sister City bond in the wake of the tragic plane crash Saturday that killed Polish President Lech Kaczynski and 96 other people, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today expressed his sympathy to the people of Poland and asked Fort Wayne residents to send their condolences to Plock residents.

Starting at 1 p.m. Wednesday through May 2 during regular business hours, a condolence book will be available in the lobby of the City-County Building for anyone to sign. Mayor Henry will present the book to Plock’s mayor, Miroslaw Milewski, next month as part of the already-planned Sister City trip to Fort Wayne’s Eastern European partner.

Mayor Henry also invited churches and other houses of worship to ring their bells three times at 1 p.m. Wednesday followed by a minute of silence to mark the accident involving Polish dignitaries during a trip to Russia.

“The horrific plane crash that killed many of Poland’s top leaders is not only a national tragedy, but also one that touches all of us here in Fort Wayne,” Mayor Henry said. “Our hearts go out to the people of Poland, as we join with our Sister City Plock in mourning their immeasurable loss. We are with them in spirit. Through the gesture of the condolence book, we can share our sorrow and show that Indiana cares.”

This year commemorates the 20th anniversary of Fort Wayne’s Sister City relationship with Plock.

C.M. Sloan & Sons donated the condolence book that will go to Poland.

# # #  (Rachel Blakeman, Public Information Officer, City of Fort Wayne, April 13, 2010 )

Fort Wayne honoring of late Polish President Lech Kaczynski & Polish Officials.
(April 13, 2010, 1:00 p.m. Church Bells of the Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception, Fort Wayne, IN)