[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
           TRIBUTE TO THE PULASKI CITIZENS CLUB OF HAMMOND, IN

                                 ______


                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 1994

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate 
the Pulaski Citizens Club of Hammond, IN on their 25th anniversary. The 
Pulaski Citizens Club will honor their distinguished existence on 
November 12, 1994 with an anniversary banquet to be held at the Polish 
Veterans' Hall Post 140 in Hammond, IN.
  In 1969, a group of Polish-Americans in Hammond formulated a 
committee to honor General Casimir Pulaski, a hero from the American 
Revolution, and his military achievements. This group, under the 
initiative of William Napiwocki, Walter Kasprzycki and an 
organizational meeting of patriotic citizens, formulated the Pulaski 
Citizens Club of Hammond. On February 8, 1970, the first officers were 
elected. These honored officers consisted of William Napiwocki, 
president; Anthony Zientara, vice-president; Casimir Panek, treasurer; 
and Stanley Kocel, recording secretary. In addition, the board of 
directors was composed of Walter Kasprzycki, Steve Chraponski, Mary 
Moskal and Casimir Modrzejewski.
  The past 25 years of the Pulaski Citizens Club have proven to be very 
successful as this organization has generated numerous accomplishments. 
In 1974, a force, composed of Indiana State officials and officers of 
the Pulaski Citizens Club, was instrumental in creating the statewide 
observance of Pulaski Day in the State of Indiana. This day is now 
observed on the first Monday of March. In 1978, the Pulaski Citizens 
Club joined the Polish-American Congress--Indiana Division, in a 
cooperative effort to persuade the State Highway Department to rename a 
37-mile stretch of Interstate-65 the General Casimir Pulaski Highway. 
Finally, that same year, a coalition of the Pulaski Citizens Club, 
Hammond Mayor Edward Raskowsky and the Common Council of the City of 
Hammond, were instrumental in renaming Douglas Park of Hammond to 
Pulaski Park. Today, this park includes a monument that honors the 
Polish nobelman.
  The Pulaski Citizens Club has also been instrumental in promoting the 
life and history of General Pulaski through a yearly observance. This 
observance begins with a mass at St. Casimir Parish followed by a 
testimonial program featuring prominent speakers, various choral 
groups, children's dance groups from the schools of Polish language and 
musical bands from throughout Lake County. Furthermore, this 
distinguished organization remains active throughout the year by 
organizing several cultural events, including an annual picnic held at 
the Pulaski Park for the families and friends of club members.
  I am proud to commend every member of the Pulaski Citizens Group of 
Hammond for their loyalty and radiant display of passion for their 
ethnicity, as well as their many achievements. May this 25th 
anniversary be most joyous.

                          ____________________