[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 125 (Thursday, September 12, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1592]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF THE POLISH MARTYRS MEMORIALIZED AT THE KATYN MEMORIAL 
                                MONUMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Polish officers, 
citizens, and prisoners of war who were massacred in 1940 by the 
Stalinist Soviet Government. The Katyn Forest Massacre Memorial 
Committee will have a memorial service on September 15, 1996, to honor 
the Polish victims. A mass will be celebrated at noon at the Katyn 
Memorial Monument site in Jersey City.
  Many times throughout history mankind has committed unspeakable 
crimes that have horrified the world. In April 1940 more than 25,000 
people were rounded up by the Soviet Government. Their only crime was 
that they were born Polish and considered enemies of the State. Their 
hands were tied behind their backs and they were shot in the back of 
the head. Their bodies were burned and scattered throughout various 
locations such as Katyn Forest.
  This year marks the 55th anniversary of the brutal Katyn Forest 
massacre. The order to execute the Polish citizens was issued on March 
5, 1940. It is a reminder to us that we must remain ever vigilant 
against intolerance and inhumanity. Their massacre was a genocidal act 
and we must never forget the victims' suffering and sacrifice.
  A memorial to honor them was erected at Exchange Place in Jersey 
City. The monument commemorates the sacrifice of these innocent 
victims. The Katyn Forest massacre was a crime against humanity. This 
elegant memorial serves as a reminder of man's cruelty to his fellow 
man.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring these Polish martyrs. 
They represent a lost generation of Polish citizens. Their memories 
live on at the Katyn Memorial Monument.

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