[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 130 (Thursday, September 10, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                    RECOGNIZING POLISH HERITAGE DAY

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 10, 2015

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to recognize the 
fourth annual Polish Heritage Day in Michigan City, Indiana. In honor 
of this special occasion, a commemorative event, the Polish Heritage 
Festival, will take place on Sunday, September 13, 2015, at the 
International Friendship Gardens in Michigan City.
   During the inaugural festival in 2012, Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer 
proclaimed the 15th of September as Polish Heritage Day to honor and 
recognize the contributions made by Polish-American members of the 
local community.
   The Polish Heritage Festival commences with a Polish-English mass in 
the Symphony Garden. Festivities continue with a performance by Wesoly 
Lud, a Polish folk dance ensemble, which includes regional costumes 
made in Poland. Each dance performance by the Chicago troupe 
incorporates ornate, custom aprons and headdresses for the ladies and 
embroidered vests and traditional hats for the men. The event also 
includes savory Polish food from Cavalier Inn of Hammond and Polish 
baked confectionaries from Bakers Dozen of South Bend.
   A special honor, the Polish Ambassador Award, is presented during 
the festival to bestow recognition and respect on a deserving 
individual who has acted as an influential promoter of Polish heritage 
and culture.
   For the past three years, the Polish Heritage Festival has applied 
proceeds from the event to local scholarships and soup kitchens, and 
also for the restoration of the Polish Garden at the International 
Friendship Gardens.
   The Polish community has had an immense impact on life in Northwest 
Indiana, through its religious presence, as in the blessing of baskets 
prior to the Easter holiday and day-long weddings culminating with 
polka music and large dinners. Traditional Polish cuisine handed down 
from generation to generation, including pierogi, kielbasa, and paczki, 
is popular dining fare within the region due to the vast influence of 
Polish culture throughout Northwest Indiana.
   Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished 
colleagues to join me in recognizing the fourth annual Polish Heritage 
Day in Michigan City, Indiana. Members of the Polish community have 
played an important role in enhancing the quality of life and culture 
of Northwest Indiana, and for that, they are to be commended.

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