[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 107 (Friday, July 25, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1522]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SUPPORT VICTIMS OF FLOODS IN POLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 1997

  Mr. BLAGOJEVICH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to bring news of the 
severe flooding that has ravaged Poland. As we speak, the people of 
Poland and much of Eastern Europe are struggling bravely to resist the 
brute forces of nature as the flood waters continue their unrelenting 
rise. So far, dozens of innocent people have died in what is being 
described as Eastern Europe's worst tragedy since Chernobyl. As 
survivors of the floods can tell you, the worst part is the wait; the 
slow, anguished wait as the flood waters slowly consume these peoples' 
homes, their businesses, their property. The wait as an entire life 
sinks below the muddy ripples of the flood.
  Thankfully, compassion is not dead in our society, and countless 
concerned Americans, many of Polish descent, have heeded Poland's 
desperate cries for help. In my own home town of Chicago, churches and 
community organizations have responded to the call for flood relief. I 
have been happy to be able to assist local leaders and communities in 
the effort to get disaster relief to those who need it most.
  While the response so far has been impressive, the need is still 
greater. Congress cannot stand idly by in Poland's time of need. It has 
been less than a decade since Poland threw off the shackles of 
communism. The damage from these floods threatens the gains Poles have 
made in building a free and prosperous society.
  The Polish American Congress Charitable Foundation as well as the 
American Red Cross are spearheading efforts to channel relief from 
America to needy families in Poland. These contributions will help 
provide food, medicine and shelter to victims of the flooding. Please 
call the Polish American Congress at (773) 763-9944, or the American 
Red Cross at 1-800-435-7669 (1-800-HELP-NOW), to find out what you can 
do to help. I urge all Americans to heed the urgent call for disaster 
relief in Poland.

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