Programs and Events

Ambassador Krol and several visiting West Point cadets participated in a ceremony at the Kosciuszko House Museum in Kosava. (Full size image)

Ambassador Krol, West Point Delegation Visit to Brest and Kosciuszko Memorial

Defense Attache Lt. Col. Keith Detwiler and the cadets presented gifts that will be on permanent display in the museum.

During a recent two-day visit to the Brest region, U.S. Ambassador George Krol met with regional government officials, donated materials to the local American Corner, and attended a ceremony in the city of Kosava to celebrate the 260th birthday of Thaddeus Kosciuszko.

At the meeting with government officials on February 3rd, Ambassador Krol discussed the local investment climate, tourism, and the operation of the Free Economic Zone "Brest". The Ambassador then visited the Brest Regional Public Library (where he donated additional materials to the American Corner there) and gave a lecture to local students and library staff in honor of Thaddeus Kosciuszko, the Belarusian-born hero who played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. Ambassador Krol praised Kosciuszko for "giving his all for the freedom and independence not only for his own people, but for all peoples." The lecture was followed by a lively exchange of questions and answers between the students and Ambassador Krol.

On February 4th Ambassador Krol, along with Defense Attache Lieutenant Colonel Keith Detwiler and several visiting West Point Cadets, participated in a ceremony at the Kosciuszko House Museum in Kosava, the birthplace of Kosciuzko. The museum was built on the original foundation of Kosciuzko's house. The U.S. Embassy donated a computer to the museum, which was an addition to the $28,000 that was donated in 2004 for the construction of the museum. Defense Attache Detwiler and the West Point Cadets presented a variety of gifts (including a General's flag, a print of Kosciuszko, a cadet's hat and a certificate from the Superintendent of the United States Military Academy) that will be on permanent display in the museum.

Thaddeus Kosciuzko was one of the first European volunteers to aid the American Revolutionary cause in 1776 and was personally selected by George Washington to design fortifications for West Point, the oldest continuously occupied military post in America.