[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 149 (Thursday, October 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF UNITED STATES-POLISH DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 14, 2009

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House 
Resolution 266, celebrating 90 years of United States-Polish diplomatic 
relations. It was April of 1919 when the United States first 
established a diplomatic relationship with the Polish Republic, and for 
nearly a century our two counties have worked together to maintain this 
important bond. Throughout the course of this lasting friendship, we 
have seen Poland overcome a period of communist rule and a legacy of 
foreign occupation to emerge as the free and democratic nation it is 
today, showing the great strength and resolve of the Polish people.
  The mark of a great nation, however, is not measured solely by the 
distance of its own advancement, but by its ability and willingness to 
help advance and protect other nations in the world community. Poland 
has collaborated closely with the United States in efforts to promote 
democratization and human rights in regions beyond the nation's 
borders. Additionally, the great nation of Poland has assisted the 
United States in fundamental efforts to limit nuclear proliferation, 
facilitate regional cooperation in Eastern Europe, and reform the 
United Nations.
  As a proud member of the Polish Caucus, it is my honor to recognize 
Poland for its indispensable support and committed partnership with the 
United States in advancing worldwide liberty. Poland has continually 
supported the United States, both militarily and diplomatically, in 
efforts aimed at combating global terrorism.
  I am proud to say that my home state of Connecticut has one of the 
largest Polish-American populations in the country. Polish-Americans 
play an active role in the community through the many cultural and 
civic organizations established in my district. This includes the 
Greater Hartford Polish Cultural Club, which was proud to host the 61st 
Annual National Convention of the American Council for Polish Culture 
in August of this year. The continued celebration of the vibrant 
heritage of Polish-Americans is a testament to the strength of the 
enduring partnership between our two great nations.
  It is with great appreciation for Poland's efforts in upholding the 
ideals of freedom that I rise in support of House Resolution 266, 
celebrating 90 years of United States-Polish diplomatic relations.

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