[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 54 (Wednesday, April 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E710]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LAJKONIK SONG AND DANCE ENSEMBLE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 13, 2011

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the thousands of Polish-
American constituents residing in the 5th District of Illinois, I rise 
today in recognition of the 20th Anniversary of the Lajkonik Song and 
Dance Ensemble. For 20 successful years, the Lajkonik Song and Dance 
Ensemble has promoted Polish folk culture and history to constituents 
of Polish and non-Polish decent alike.
  Founded in 1991--under patronage of the Polish National Alliance 
Group 3241, and belonging to the Holy Trinity Polish Mission--Lajkonik 
has had the opportunity to flourish to an influential organization and 
cultural asset to the City of Chicago.
  The Lajkonik Ensemble has performed in various locations in Chicago; 
some include the Chicago Cultural Center, Taste of Chicago, Daley 
Plaza, Chicago Public Libraries and Millennium Park, among others. 
Additionally, Lajkonik has traveled the Midwest and also represented 
the Chicago Polish Community at the International Folk Dance Festival 
in Rzeszow, Poland on four occasions.
  Though the event focuses on Polish traditions, Lajkonik also reaches 
out to the American population to promote and encourage all people to 
learn about Polish culture, to support and appreciate it. The 
performances consist of different Polish regional folk songs, dances 
and colorful authentic Polish costumes.
  Sunday, May 29th, 2011 marks the 20th Anniversary of the Lajkonik 
Song and Dance Ensemble. All the community support and time volunteered 
by numerous individuals have made two decades possible and hopefully 
many more anniversaries to come. The 20th Anniversary celebration will 
be held at the Copernicus Cultural and Civic Center consisting of 
hundreds of children performing in a Gala Concert displaying regional 
costumes, folk dances, songs, and other performances.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize this exciting day on behalf of 
my 110,000 Polish American constituents. I congratulate all those who 
contributed their time and passion of preserving the Polish culture 
toward another successful celebration.

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