[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 71 (Friday, May 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING POLISH CONSTITUTION DAY ON MAY 3, 2016

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                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 6, 2016

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Polish 
Constitution Day on May 3, 2016 and the Polish Constitution Day Parade 
in my hometown of Chicago on May 7, 2016.
  On May 3, 1791, Poland ratified the first democratic constitution of 
its kind in Europe. The document laid the groundwork for a 
constitutional monarchy and, eventually, the spread of democracy in the 
region.
  The Polish Constitution Day Parade is a longstanding Chicago 
tradition. The Parade brings together nearly 100,000 people for 
festivities that include floats, folk dancing, and polka bands. This 
year marks the 125th anniversary of the Parade, which recognizes 
Chicago's vibrant Polish American community. Polish Americans make up 
over 7 percent of Chicago's population and have made notable 
contributions to the arts, academics and even politics. In fact, 
Chicagoland has the largest Polish community outside of Poland and is 
home to many organizations that celebrate Polish culture and heritage, 
including the Polish Women's Alliance of America based in my district.
  Ada Ezlakowska will serve as this year's Queen of the Parade, and Jan 
Krawiec will be Grand Marshal. Mr. Krawiec is a 96-year-old Holocaust 
survivor who fought in the Polish Resistance during World War II and 
helped run the underground press. He moved to Chicago after being 
tortured by the Gestapo and detained at Auschwitz-Birkenau and 
Buchenwald. He attended Loyola University in my district and travelled 
to the U.S.S.R. with President Nixon. I am proud that he will be 
honored on Saturday.
  The United States and Poland share a deep bond. We need to strengthen 
that relationship by increasing opportunities for travel and cultural 
exchange. I am proud to support Poland's proposed inclusion in the Visa 
Waiver Program. This would promote short-term travel between our 
countries, encouraging cultural and political ties as well as easing 
travel for families with members in both countries.
  Polish Constitution Day is a time to celebrate our Polish American 
community. I congratulate Chicago on 125 years of marking this special 
occasion.

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