[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF THE GRAND OPENING OF THE CZECH MUSEUM AND LIBRARY

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 2006

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
the Czech Cultural Center of Sokol Greater Cleveland, as we join them 
in celebration of the grand opening of the Czech Museum and Library, 
housed within the historic Bohemian National Hall in Cleveland's North 
Broadway neighborhood.
  The Czech Museum and Library is part of the colorful weave in 
Cleveland's vibrant fabric of cultural diversity, and is visible in the 
strength, beauty and grace of the Bohemian National Hall. This historic 
treasure was built in 1897 by Czech immigrants whose quest for freedom 
and the opportunity for a better life for their families led them to 
America. Drawn to the booming industrial growth along the Great Lakes, 
thousands of Czech immigrants settled throughout the neighborhoods of 
Cleveland, grateful for their new beginning, yet never forgetting their 
country of origin. Their collective vision, focused on preserving and 
passing along tradition, heritage, language and culture, has allowed 
every new generation of Czech Americans to understand and celebrate the 
priceless traditions of their beloved Czech homeland.
  The exhibits on display at the Czech Museum include artifacts and 
archives that reflect the history of the Broadway neighborhood, the 
history of the Bohemian National Hall, and the history of the Sokol 
Greater Cleveland organization. The numerous struggles and triumphs 
that outline the history of the Cleveland Czech community will also 
reflect among the exhibits at the Czech Museum and Library.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of the leaders and members, past and present, of the Czech Cultural 
Center of Sokol of Greater Cleveland, upon the joyous occasion of the 
grand opening of the Czech Museum and Library. This monument of 
cultural preservation transcends time and distance, preserving and 
promoting the ancient cultural and historical traditions of Czech 
heritage, spanning oceans and borders--a permanent bridge of family, 
culture and history--from Cleveland, Ohio to the Czech Republic.

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