[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E875]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMEMORATING THE 205TH ANNIVERSARY OF POLAND'S FIRST CONSTITUTION

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                               speech of

                        HON. WILLIAM J. MARTINI

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 21, 1996

  Mr. MARTINI. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure I rise today to 
salute Polish people around the world in recognition of the 205th 
anniversary of the adoption of Poland's first Constitution. At this 
time I would also commend my good friend and colleague Jack Quinn for 
his work on House Concurrent Resolution 165 which formalizes this 
important recognition.
  On May 3, 1996, Polish people and Americans of Polish decent 
celebrated their country's rich history and the establishment of the 
first liberal constitution in Europe. Preceded only by our own United 
States Constitution in 1787, this Polish blueprint similarly 
established three independent branches of government. House Concurrent 
Resolution 165 underscores that this document was designed to protect 
Poland's sovereignty and national unity while creating a progressive 
constitutional monarchy. Further, it recognizes that the constitution 
represented Central-Eastern Europe's first attempt to end the feudal 
system and secure freedoms for Polish people.
  Mr. Speaker, I have the good fortune of representing the Eighth 
District of New Jersey, a unique area diverse in cultural backgrounds. 
No one can deny the tumultuous history Poland has endured. And, given 
the changing political and economic landscape of Eastern Europe, we 
must embrace the spirit of the original Polish Constitution and build 
upon it.
  Today, a new Poland is emerging. It has experienced its first real 
open elections in several generations and continues to work toward the 
democratic goals of inclusion in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization 
[NATO] and complete inclusion in the Western community.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in this important 
recognition of democratic principles. I commend the people of Poland 
for their perseverance and commitment to freedom.

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