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| 7/17/2009 1:21:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | A fitting tribute to Krajewski and Draus
Recorder News Staff
Last Saturday, about 100 people gathered for a long overdue tribute to Karol Krajewski and the late Anthony "Jim" Draus for the pair's contributions to the establishment of the Fourth Ward Veterans Memorial at the corner of Edson Street and Vrooman Avenue.
The memorial was dedicated in 1972, after nearly a decade of planning and work led by Krajewski and Draus. For both men, their work to memorialize Fourth Ward residents who served their country was borne out of their own service.
Krajewski, now 84, was a Navy seaman who served in both the European and Pacific theaters during World War II. Krajewski received three Battle Stars during his military service. Later, he served three separate terms as 4th Ward alderman. For many years, the odds were in favor of people walking or driving past the Fourth Ward Veterans Memorial that they would likely see Krajewski toiling to maintain the site, often on his hands and knees.
Draus, who died in 2004, was an Army sergeant who fought in the South Pacific from 1942-45 and was awarded a Purple Heart. He served on many local organizations including the Polish-American Veterans. It's unfortunate that the recognition of his efforts toward the Fourth Ward Veterans Memorial came after his death.
Luckily, his cohort Krajewski was able to attend the festivities, although he seemed reluctant to take much credit, saying it "was a community effort."
Krajewski and the Draus family were honored with proclamations from the city's Common Council, the state Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as the naming of the intersection as "Krajewski Corner" and that section of Edson Street as "Draus Drive."
U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam, Mayor Ann Thane and 4th Ward Alderman Bill Wills, who hosted the ceremony, were among those who came out to pay tribute to the efforts of Krajewski and Draus. They symbolize Americans who love and serve both their country and local community.
It's easy to take things like the beautiful Fourth Ward Veterans Memorial for granted as well as the people who worked hard to get it built. We're glad to see the efforts of Draus and Krajewski recognized.
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