[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 140 (Thursday, September 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





   RECOGNITION OF THE NEWLY UNVEILED NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF 
                              CZESTOCHOWA

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2016

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to pay tribute to the 
memory of the armed soldiers who resisted communism in Poland during 
the period between 1944 and 1963, men and women who are referred to as 
the ``Doomed Soldiers.'' The monument at the National Shrine of Our 
Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, was 
unveiled on September 18, 2016 and respectfully dedicated to those who 
fought and defended Poland against the aggressive occupation by Nazi 
Germany and the Soviet Union. The monument honoring these patriots was 
erected by the Smolensk Disaster Commemoration Committee with the help 
of many Polish Americans. Historically, the fight for freedom began in 
1939. The brave Polish people continued to struggle for independence, 
underground, also opposing the communist regime in the post-World War 
II era. The monument at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa 
is a way to preserve their place in Poland's history. On behalf of the 
constituents of Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District, I extend a 
warm welcome to His Excellency Andrzej Duda, president of the Republic 
of Poland. I offer my sincerest gratitude for his presence at the 
dedication on September 18, 2016 and for representing today's Polish 
citizens who steadfastly honor the memory of those who sacrificed their 
lives for the cause of freedom they enjoy today.

                          ____________________