Elmhurst resident SSgt Eric Pulia, a member of the Illinois Air National Guard 183d Air Wing located in Springfield, Illinois, recently returned from a walking pilgrimage in Poland with NATO forces including the Polish Armed Forces along with representatives from the Illinois Army National Guard, Slovakian military, Lithuanian military, French military and German military. The pilgrimage begins in Warsaw, the nation's capital, and ends in Częstochowa, Poland—the site of the Jasna Góra Monastery, which houses the miraculous icon of the "Black Madonna.” This icon is believed to be the spiritual Queen and Protector of Poland, an enduring symbol of national identity, and a miraculous intercessor in times of crisis. Since the year 1611, individuals have made this pilgrimage, and this was the 33rd year members of the Illinois Air and Army National Guard have taken part in this pilgrimage, representing the U.S. military. People have made this journey for the last 315 years which tasks individuals to walk 186 miles over the course of 10 days. This is the equivalent of roughly walking from downtown Chicago to Springfield. The monastery has between 4 million and 5 million visitors each year. (Submitted photo)
