[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 52 (Monday, April 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE VICTIMS OF THE SMOLENSK AIR CRASH

                                  _____
                                 

                      HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 13, 2015

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor those who died 5 
years ago in the tragic Smolensk air crash. On the morning of April 
10th, 2010, Polish Air Force One went down at Smolenski North Military 
Airfield in Western Russia, killing 96 passengers. Among the passengers 
onboard the flight were Poland's President Lech Kaczynski, First Lady 
Maria Kaczynska, political and military officials, and civilian 
families.
  That day, Polish Air Force One was headed to an event marking the 
70th Anniversary of the massacre of thousands of Polish prisoners of 
war by Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Secret Police, known as the Katyn 
Forest Massacre. Now, on this day, we not only remember those who died 
70 years ago, but also those who tragically lost their lives just 5 
years ago. I pray for the families of those who lost loved ones, and 
pray for a strengthened and united Poland in years to come.
  In recognition of the 5th Anniversary of the Smolensk Disaster, 
Polish community members in my district, and the surrounding area, will 
gather at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown 
to honor those who lost their lives. I join them in marking this 
important date with reflection and prayer.
  Today, Poland remains one of America's strongest allies, with mutual 
interests advancing the causes of liberty and freedom at home and 
around the world. We must continue to have a strong United States--
Poland relationship in the years to come.

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