[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 148 (Wednesday, November 9, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2318]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 87TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF 
                                 POLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 9, 2005

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, on November 11, I will proudly join 
thousands of Polish Americans living in Chicago in celebrating the 87th 
anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Poland.
  Until Poland was recognized again as a sovereign nation, it struggled 
against tyranny, just as the United States did against colonial rule 
before our own independence was achieved. From the end of the 18th 
century until World War I, Poles were forced to live under the despotic 
rule of the Russian czars and Prussian and Austrian emperors. During 
the war, the Polish territory suffered under the heavy hand of Russian, 
German, and Austrian occupation. However, during World War I, Poles 
were gradually able to self-govern at local levels and established 
institutions, laying the groundwork for eventual independence.
  Meanwhile, President Woodrow Wilson made the restoration of Polish 
independence one of his 14 conditions for peace. President Wilson was a 
friend of Ignacy Jan Paderewski, a famous Polish artist, composer, 
statesman and great patriot. As World War I drew to a close, Polish 
culture began to flourish again and self-governance was finally 
achieved when the first Polish government was established.
  After 123 years of partitions and uprisings, Poland's dream of 
independence was realized when it became a sovereign state again on 
November 11, 1918, the same day as the Armistice ending World War I. 
With its long and rich history and traditions, Poland regained its 
rightful place among free and independent nations. Eighty-seven years 
later, we continue to celebrate Poland's independence.
  I am proud to represent more than 111,000 people of Polish descent 
who live in the Fifth Congressional District on Chicago's northwest 
side. We must continue to build upon a strong record of cultural and 
economic ties between our two nations. We are grateful to Poland for 
its friendship and commitment to democratic ideals of liberty, human 
rights, and most recently, its commitment of resources and troops who 
stood shoulder to shoulder with the U.S. Armed Forces during Operation 
Iraqi Freedom. Poland continues to be our staunch ally and steadfast 
friend in Europe in our fight against terrorism.
  On this day, I am proud to join the people of my district, as well as 
those of Polish descent around the globe, in celebrating the 87th 
Anniversary of Poland's independence.

                          ____________________