[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1892-E1893]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE POLISH AMERICAN JOURNAL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JACK QUINN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 1996

  Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 85th 
anniversary of the Polish American Journal.
  As Representatives from Polish-American districts are sure to 
recognize, the Polish American Journal is the largest independent 
monthly English language newspaper in the United States and carries on 
the tradition of preserving Polish culture and customs in our country. 
Founded in 1911 as Zorza, The Dawn, it was subsequently renamed 
Republika before combining with another newspaper under the ownership 
of John Dende, 1920, and to become known as Republika-Gornik 
Pennsylwanski (Republic-Miner of Pennsylvania). The paper was 
influential in providing anthracite coal miners with information about 
working conditions, wages, and mine safety. John Dende's editorials won 
wide acclaim and were often reprinted in other Polish language 
newspapers. Indeed, John Dende became a highly respected activist for 
his work on behalf of his Polish-American compatriots.
  Following John Dende's passing, the paper was published by his sons, 
Henry and Richard. In 1948 the Dende brothers made the difficult 
decision of changing from strictly Polish to mostly English to meet the 
needs of the nearly 5 million U.S.-born Polish-Americans and reach 
directly into the English-speaking community. Renamed Polish American 
Journal, the paper acquired national stature as the voice of Polish-
Americans. Members of Congress, government officials, civic and 
political leaders, free Poles of the cold-war era, and anti-Communist 
crusaders throughout the world all turned to the Journal as a freedom 
forum and information source.
  Henry and Richard Dende remained publishers of the Polish American 
Journal until 1983, ever true to their mission of promoting and 
preserving Polish and Polish-American culture, customs, traditions, and 
interests. In August of that year, however, Henry and Richard Dende 
agreed to have the Journal published by Panagraphics Corp. of Buffalo 
which is located in the 30th Congressional District of New York. And 
Panagraphics continues the work begun by the hearty Polish immigrants 
85 years ago.
  It is fitting to enter these remarks in anticipation of Polish-
American Heritage Month, for

[[Page E1893]]

the Polish American Journal is a familiar voice in these halls. It was 
this publication that gave us firsthand accounts of a war-ravaged 
Poland and the plight of the Poles who were forced to live behind the 
Iron Curtain. During that period, the Journal became the most quoted 
ethnic newspaper in the Congressional Record, as its headlines were 
cited by many of our former colleagues and their constituents.
  Since that time, the Polish American Journal has fought hard to see 
freedom restored in Poland, a dream that was realized with the election 
of Lech Walesa to Poland's presidency.
  While the Polish American Journal has demonstrated its role as a 
voice for Poland here in the United States, it more importantly serves 
as witness to the countless contributions Americans of Polish descent 
make to the United States. From Revolutionary War heroes Thaddeus 
Kosciuszko and Casimir Pulaski to World War II flying ace Col. Francis 
Gabreski and the highly decorated late Col. Matt Urban, Poles and 
Polish-Americans have long demonstrated their deep commitment to 
America's liberty.

  The pages of the Polish American Journal are a record of the 
achievements of Polish-Americans in all fields, from academia and 
politics to science and the arts. This gives all citizens of the United 
States a deeper understanding and respect for the lives of the sons and 
daughters of self-sacrificing immigrants whose stories proudly shin in 
the colorful ethnic mosaic we call America.
  Since its founding, the Polish American Journal has been dedicated to 
the promotion and continuation of Polish-American culture in the United 
States, a heritage rich in the joys of the family, church, and country. 
Its anniversary is a milestone by which all can be proud, for its 
success mirrors the achievements of all Polish-Americans whose virtues 
and ethics have contributed to American society.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the paper on its anniversary and commend 
its staff, writers, contributors, and subscribers who take pride in 
their economic roots and who willingly share the ideals of their 
ancestors with Americans of all backgrounds.

                          ____________________