[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 21 (Tuesday, March 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E321]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING MEMBERS OF MICHIGAN DIVISION OF THE POLISH AMERICAN CONGRESS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 1, 2005

  Mr. McCOTTER, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the 
members of Michigan Division of the Polish American Congress, as they 
celebrate the 60th anniversary of the formation of their parent 
organization.
  The Polish American Congress represents close to 10 million Americans 
of Polish descent and origin. Its members are comprised of fraternal, 
educational, veteran, religious, cultural, social, business, political 
organizations and individual membership. The Polish American community 
prides itself on its deeply rooted commitment to the values of family, 
faith, democracy, hard work and fulfillment of the American dream. They 
are present in every state and virtually every community in America, on 
various social, business and economic levels.
  The Polish American Congress promotes civic, educational and cultural 
programs designed to further not only the knowledge of Polish history, 
language and culture, but to stimulate Polish American involvement and 
accomplishments.
  The record of the Polish American Congress is a proud one. Indeed, it 
is as impressive as its fidelity to its historic political aims over 
the past 60 years. Their accomplishments, which are numerous, include: 
Representing the aspirations for freedom and self-determination of the 
Polish people at the United Nations, at international conferences, in 
the United States Congress, at the national conventions of the major 
political parties, and before the Presidents of the United States; 
gaining U.S. backing for Radio Free Europe to inform the peoples of 
Communist-ruled Eastern Europe about what was happening in their 
countries and abroad, and effectively defended continued funding for 
Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty throughout the Cold War era; 
contributing more than $200 million in medical and material help to 
Poles, following the collapse of the Communist-run Polish economy after 
1981.
  Mr. Speaker, the Polish American Congress, over the past 60 years, 
has remained a vibrant and effective political action organization, 
articulating its concerns in Washington and around the country to a 
host of government and political leaders. I hope my colleagues will 
join me in honoring this organization and its members. Through their 
dedicated efforts, 10 million Polish Americans today can feel a sense 
of pride in having an organization that represents their interests and 
aspirations.

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