[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 132 (Tuesday, September 20, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 20, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
   CONGRATULATIONS TO THE POLISH AMERICAN CONGRESS--INDIANA DIVISION

                                 ______


                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 20, 1994

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate 
the Polish American Congress--Indiana Division on September 25, 1994. 
This day marks the festive occasion of its 50th anniversary banquet at 
the Salvatorian Father's Hall in Merrillville, IN and con-celebrated 
mass conducted at Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine.
  Founded in 1944, the Indiana Division of the Polish American Congress 
was organized after the national convention in Buffalo, NY. Over 50 
Hoosiers attended and participated in the creation of the Polish 
American Congress. In this historical moment of reflection, I am proud 
to honor the contribution and leadership of the Indiana Division's 
first president, Mr. Walter Tolpa, who held the position from 1944 to 
1949. Currently, Mr. Steve Tokarski, who has been in this position 
since 1979, is the longest reigning president of the Indiana Division. 
Moreover, Mr. Tokarski also served for 8 years as a national vice-
president of the Polish American Congress. Never before had a Hoosier 
served in this capacity.
  The Polish American Congress has two major goals: to fight for a free 
and democratic Poland; and to promote and support Polish Americans, 
politically, culturally, educationally, and professionally. The Polish 
American Congress--Indiana Division strives to retain the rich history 
of Polish heritage in an effort to educate the community about its 
distinguished triumphs. During the con-celebrated mass, the Polish 
American Congress--Indiana Division, will commemorate the veterans of 
Polish decent from the Polish and American services who fought in the 
50th anniversaries of Monte Casino, Normandy, and the Warsaw uprising. 
By recognizing these historical events, the Polish community's pride is 
reinforced while, at the same time, the rich cultures of the United 
States and Poland are united.
  I would also like to highlight several monumental milestones the 
Indiana Division of the Polish American Congress has accomplished in 
the past 50 years. This particular division assisted tens of thousands 
of Polish immigrants to settle in Indiana after World War II and 
initiated Federal legislation which granted Polish Allied Army veterans 
medical and hospital assistance in 1971. In 1978, the segment of 
Interstate 65 within Lake County, IN, was designated by the Indiana 
General Assembly as the ``General Casimir Pulaski Memorial Highway.'' 
Furthermore, the Indiana Division established its Solidarnosc Festivals 
to promote Polonia as well as to assist the children of Poland.
  I am proud to commend every member of the Polish American Congress--
Indiana Division for their loyalty and radiant display of passion for 
their ethnicity, as well as their many achievements. After over a half 
century of struggle and suffering, these northwest Indiana residents 
can join the people of Poland in participating in a rebirth of a free 
and democratic Polish Republic. May this 50th anniversary celebration 
prove to be most joyous.

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