[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 58 (Wednesday, March 29, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       LEON P. KLEMENTOWICZ HONORED AS 1995 PULASKIAN OF THE YEAR

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 28, 1995
  Mrs. MALONEY. I rise today to bring to the attention of my colleagues 
an outstanding constituent of mine in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Leon P. 
Klementowicz represents the best of what Brooklyn is all about: 
Community, public service, and love for family. In recognition of his 
accomplishments, the Pulaski Association has selected Leon P. 
Klementowicz as its 1995 Pulaskian of the Year.
  In order to truly appreciate Leon's long list of achievements, it 
helps to know a little bit about his upbringing. Leon is the youngest 
of three children born to Joseph Klementowicz and Stophie Sokolowska 
who had emigrated from Poland to the Melrose section of the Bronx, New 
York. After Leon's graduation from high school, he was drafted into the 
U.S. Army and served proudly during World War II. Rising to the rank of 
Combat Sergeant in the Third Infantry Division, Leon served on the 
front lines in Italy at (Anzio), France, Germany and Austria. During 
that time his bravery earned him the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and 
the Combat Infantry Badge.
  After returning home from the war, he entered the funeral profession 
and married Irene Nieminski. Together they raised four wonderful 
children: Joanne, Claudia Marie, Monica and Paul Leon. In 1958, they 
purchased the John Smolenski Funeral Home in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and 
became active members of the SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish.
  Leon is also an active member of many other organizations, including 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Polish legion of 
American Veterans, the Fidelity Council of the Nights of Columbus, the 
Kosciuszko Foundation, the Smolenski Democratic Club and the Green Oaks 
Citizen's Club. He is also a director of the Polish and Slavic Center, 
an organization of over 35,000 members located in his beloved 
Greenpoint.
  His work with Polish immigrants newly arrived in Greenpoint is well 
known throughout the community. His work earned Leon recognition by the 
Polish Government, which presented him with a medal at their consulate 
in Manhattan.
  One of the most important community activities Leon takes part in 
every year is the Pulaski Day Parade. He took part in the very first 
Pulaski Day Parade in 1987 and has been an active member of the parade 
committee for over 35 years. He currently serves as a vice president on 
the committee and has been involved for many years in the coordination 
of the Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Parade Day. Leon has also 
helped to reorganize the Greenpoint Parade Committee which has become 
one of the largest and well prepared groups in the parade.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to help Leon Klementowicz celebrate 
his selection as 1995's Pulaskian of the Year. He exemplifies what is 
best about America, and I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting 
Leon for his years of service to New York City and the Polish-America 
Community at-large.


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