[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 30, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E906]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF POLISH CONSTITUTION DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ANN MARIE BUERKLE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 30, 2012

  Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Polish 
Constitution Day: a day in which we celebrate the signing of Europe's 
first written constitution.
  The Polish Constitution was signed into law on May 3, 1791. It was 
preceded only by the United States Constitution, making Poland the 
second nation in the world to establish a written constitution.
  Once a monarchy, Poland recognized and declared the sovereignty of 
its citizens through the renunciation of noble power and the signing of 
the Polish Constitution.
  Much like the United States Constitution, the Polish Constitution 
grants legal rights for all, freedom of religion, separation of powers, 
and political equality.
  To this day, the principles of democracy have been central to the 
Polish people, including the many Polish-Americans who have made 
significant contributions to the United States of America and 
communities across this great nation.
  It is with privilege that I pause and join with members of Congress, 
people across the United States, Poland, and nations around the world 
in commemorating and celebrating the Polish Constitution and the many 
efforts that the Polish people have made towards the development and 
growth of democracy throughout the world.

                          ____________________