[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 146 (Saturday, October 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
      SALUTING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE POLISH-AMERICAN CONGRESS

                                 ______


                            HON. JACK QUINN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 1994

  Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the 50th anniversary 
of the Polish-American Congress [PAC]. Fifty years ago this past May, 
the PAC was formed as a constitutional assembly in my district of 
Buffalo, NY.
  From its inception, the Polish-American Congress has demonstrated 
commitment and support for the sovereignty of Poland and Polish-
American causes. The PAC worked tirelessly to help the Poles regain 
their freedom and to promote the cultural heritage and ties to the 
Polish-American community.
  Formed toward the end of World War II, the PAC was a symbol of 
Polish-American commitment to the war effort against Nazi Germany and 
Imperial Japan and support for oppressed Poland. The PAC was therefore 
deeply disturbed by the terms of the Allied agreements of Poland and 
Eastern Europe. The Soviet takeover and communization of Eastern Europe 
laid the grounds for the unacceptable treatment of the people of 
Poland. The PAC united Polish-Americans and advanced efforts to help 
Communist-enslaved Eastern Europe.
  PAC delegations documented conditions and treatment of Polish 
refugees and denounced them to the world. The PAC lobbied for the 
admission of 140,000 displaced Polish persons into the United States in 
1947 and continued immigration efforts allowing thousands of new Polish 
emigres into the United States over the next 40 years allowing families 
to be reunited.
  The PAC backed the creation of Radio Free Europe as a voice of truth 
for the people of Eastern Europe. PAC-advocated investigations of the 
Soviet regime and its security police found them responsible for the 
atrocity of Katyn Forest.
  Major steps were made with the Helsinki Accords of 1974 which spelled 
out a set of human rights--political dissent, freedom of association, 
and emigration--for the peoples living under Communist rule in the USSR 
and Eastern Europe.
  Support for the Solidarity Trade Union Movement, extraordinary 
efforts at fundraising and humanitarian aid initiatives provided the 
relief and materials necessary to help the Polish people during the 
economic and political crises which occurred during the marshal law 
years.
  All of this incredible support and dedication lead to the triumphant 
moment in 1989 when Poland became the first Eastern European country go 
gain a non-Communist government in 40 years.
  Besides helping to bring about change in Eastern Europe, members of 
the PAC serve as a cohesive force in the United States by celebrating 
their cultural heritage. The PAC is involved in such activities as 
recognizing important Polish historical figures and events and 
promoting cultural initiatives such as Polish-American Heritage Month, 
as observed each October.
  Mr. Speaker, PAC delegates are gathering in Buffalo to celebrate the 
50th anniversary. PAC continues to be a strong voice for the Polish-
American community and Poland itself.
  I urge my colleagues to join me and salute their dedication to the 
cause of freedom and human rights and offer the PAC as an example of 
the spirit of democracy.
  The Polish-American Congress is one of the most important and 
effective organizations of its kind. I am very proud to be able to 
represent the congressional district where the PAC was born and 
recognize the PAC here on the floor of the House of Representatives.

                          ____________________