[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 71 (Thursday, May 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E829]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE DEDICATION OF THE BUST OF FATHER ALEXANDER 
                DUCHNOVICH IN THE RUSIN CULTURAL GARDEN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2012

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
dedication of the bust of Father Alexander Duchnovich in the Rusin 
Cultural Garden on June 24, 2012.
  The 254 acre piece of land that constitutes Rockefeller Park was 
donated to the City of Cleveland by John D. Rockefeller in 1896. The 
gardens were founded in 1926 to create a memorial area for the diverse 
ethnic groups that shape the region, and to serve as a space of 
reflection on peace, cooperation and understanding. The Cultural 
Gardens are currently a collection of 26 gardens which include African-
American, American Indian, British, Chinese, Czech, Estonian, German, 
Hebrew, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Polish, and Slovenian gardens, among 
others.
  The Rusin Cultural Garden was dedicated in 1939. In May of 1952, the 
then leader of the Rusin Cultural Garden Association, Reverend Joseph 
Hanulya, unveiled a bust of Alexander Duchnovich. Alexander Duchnovich, 
a Greek Catholic priest, wrote the Rusin national anthem. His writings 
sought to unify Carpatho-Rusins. Unfortunately, the bust disappeared 
from the garden sometime during the 1970s.
  Decades later, John Krenisky, a Clevelander and member of the 
Carpatho-Rusyn Society began fundraising for a replacement bust of 
Father Duchnovich. On November 21, 2011, after more than ten years of 
work, a bronze replacement bust designed by Wawrytko Studios & Light 
Sculpture Works was installed in the Rusin Cultural Garden. A 
celebration to dedicate the bust and efforts of Mr. Krenisky will 
include a performance by the Living Traditions Fold Ensemble and 
banquet at Holy Spirit Church.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognition of the 
dedication of the bust of Father Alexander Duchnovich in the Rusin 
Cultural Garden.

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