[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 58 (Tuesday, May 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E785-E786]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF POLISH CONSTITUTION DAY, 2011

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Poles, Polish-
Americans and the Honorable Ambassador from Poland, Robert Kupiecki, 
and his wife, Malgorzata Kupiecki, on the occasion of Polish 
Constitution Day, celebrated on May 3, 2011.
  Polish Constitution Day is a day when people of all cultures join 
with the people of Poland to celebrate the rich culture, traditions and 
history of Poland. After almost five centuries of struggle and 
perseverance, the Governmental Statute of Poland became the first 
written constitution in Europe on May 3, 1791. The Polish Constitution 
established the separation of government powers, freedom of religion, 
and abolished elements of serfdom, all of these are key elements of 
freedom and democracy.
  The Polish American Congress strives to make Americans of Polish 
heritage more successful and involved U.S. citizens by encouraging them 
to assume the responsibilities of leadership. Since its foundation over 
sixty years ago, the group has created programs to successfully 
integrate people of Polish decent in the U.S. and enrich Cleveland's 
social fabric. These programs include the Displaced Persons Program, 
which allowed almost 150,000 Polish immigrants to enter the U.S. after 
World War Two. The group also won American veterans benefits for Polish 
Veterans of both World War One and World War Two. The Polish American 
Congress has played a crucial role in the Polish Community, and in its 
many years of support and service has been an invaluable contribution 
to the City of Cleveland and this nation. This year, the Greater 
Cleveland Community can celebrate Poland's rich history and culture by 
joining Cleveland's Polish community in attending events such as the 
Polonia Ball, the Grand Parade and the Photographic Exhibition.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me today, Polish Constitution 
Day, in honoring the struggles, courage and triumphs of the people of 
Poland and honoring all people of Polish descent. Through their 
successive struggles for freedom, the people of Poland have given the 
world hope.

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