[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 81 (Friday, June 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR OF THE POLISH VETERANS COMMITTEE OF CLEVELAND

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 16, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
the Polish Veterans Committee of Cleveland, Ohio, as they commemorate 
the 85th Anniversary of The Battle of the Vistula River.
  The people and leaders of Poland, determined to protect their newly 
reacquired independence, were poised and committed to defend their 
borders from foreign invaders. The invasion of Poland was a key 
component in Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin's strategy of forcing the 
spread of communism throughout central and western Europe. On August 
13, 1920, the Soviet Red Army descended just outside the Polish capital 
of Warsaw. The Battle of Warsaw had begun, and raged on for the next 
fifteen days. Polish forces, commanded by Jozef Pilsudski, counter-
attacked from the south, forcing Russian troops to withdraw east.
  This unexpected Polish victory, known as ``The Miracle at the 
Vistula'' severely crippled the Soviet army. Both Polish and Soviet 
forces sustained tens of thousands of casualties, and thousands more 
were injured or missing. The Polish triumph stunned political leaders 
around the world, as most expected the Red Army to secure a swift 
collapse of Warsaw, and a complete communist takeover of Poland.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in tribute of the Polish 
Veterans Committee, as they honor the sacrifice, courage and heart of 
Polish veterans who bravely defended their homeland during the Battle 
of the Vistula River, 85 years ago. The Miracle at the Vistula 
continues to serve as a striking reminder that humankind's fundamental 
quest for freedom and justice is far stronger than a formidable army. 
The Miracle at the Vistula reflects our modern day hope of liberty, 
peace and justice rising for all veterans and civilians, in Cleveland, 
Ohio, in Warsaw, Poland, and throughout the world.

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