Pomnik Marynarki Polskiej
Polish Navy Monument
Halifax, Nova Scotia - Unveiled September 27, 2025
On September 27, 2025, a historic monument honoring Polish naval veterans was unveiled at Halifax Port near Pier 21. This memorial commemorates the Polish sailors who served alongside Allied forces during World War II and the many Polish immigrants who arrived in Canada through Halifax.
The Polonia Foundation in Alberta was proud to contribute $4,000 to this project, including funds from the Hedinger Family Trust, honoring the naval service of Lieutenant Jerzy Hedinger.
O Pomniku
About the Monument
Located at Halifax Port near the historic Pier 21 immigration terminal, the Polish Navy Monument stands as a permanent tribute to Polish naval heritage in Canada.
The monument was spearheaded by the Polish Emigration Memorial Society (PEMS), with support from Polish-Canadian organizations across the country, including the Polonia Foundation in Alberta.
Its location near Pier 21 is significant - this was the immigration gateway through which over one million immigrants, including thousands of Polish newcomers, entered Canada between 1928 and 1971.
Bog, Honor, Ojczyzna
“God, Honor, Fatherland”
Wklad Fundacji
The Foundation's Contribution
The Polonia Foundation in Alberta contributed $4,000 to the Polish Navy Monument project. This donation included funds from the Hedinger Family Trust, making the contribution especially meaningful given Lieutenant Jerzy Hedinger's naval service during World War II.
Alberta organizations that supported this initiative were acknowledged at the unveiling ceremony, demonstrating the strong connection between Polish-Canadian communities across the country.
Foundation Contribution
$4,000
Including Hedinger Family Trust funds
Znaczenie Historyczne
Historical Significance
During World War II, the Polish Navy operated in exile alongside the Royal Navy and other Allied forces. Polish destroyers, submarines, and other vessels participated in convoy escorts, naval battles, and support operations throughout the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and English Channel.
Polish sailors served with distinction in some of the war's most critical operations, including the hunt for the Bismarck, the D-Day landings, and the Battle of the Atlantic. Many paid the ultimate price for freedom.
After the war, with Poland under Soviet control, many Polish servicemen chose to remain in the West rather than return home. Canada welcomed these veterans, and Halifax's Pier 21 became the first Canadian soil many would touch.
Partnerzy Projektu
Project Partners
PEMS
Polish Emigration Memorial Society
Polonia Foundation
in Alberta
Hedinger Family
Trust Fund
Supporting
Alberta Organizations
Learn More About Our Veterans
Discover the stories of Polish naval veterans who served during WWII and later built lives in Alberta.