[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 128 (Thursday, September 20, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF THE DEDICATION OF THE ALBANIAN CULTURAL GARDEN

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2012

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
dedication of the Albanian Cultural Garden, taking place on September 
22, 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 
Cleveland Croatian Cultural Garden is a two acre piece of land within 
Rockefeller Park. The Cleveland Cultural 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 for reflection on peace, cooperation 
and understanding. The Cultural Gardens are currently a collection of 
more than 30 gardens which include African-American, American Indian, 
British, Chinese, Czech, Estonian, and Slovenian gardens, among others.
  The planning and construction of the Albanian Cultural Garden started 
in 2007. Legislation sponsoring its dedication was spearheaded by 
Cleveland City Councilwoman Dona Brady. Members of the Albanian 
American Association of Cleveland, Ohio, Albanian Cultural Garden 
Committee, Jim McKnight and Kreshnik Xhiku were instrumental in 
creating the Albanian Cultural Garden.
  The dedication of the Albanian Cultural Garden will occur on 
September 22, 2012. In addition to inaugurating the Albanian Cultural 
Garden, it will also commemorate the 100th year of Albanian 
Independence and dedicate the Mother Teresa memorial statue. Special 
guests of the dedication will include Albanian President, Bujar 
Nishani; Albanian Ambassador, Gilbert Galanxhi; Mayor Baftjar Zeqaj; 
and Mary, Mariano and Christian Gannon.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me recognition of the 
dedication of the Albanian Cultural Garden.

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