[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 24, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1056]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO THE BRILLIANT LIFE OF DR. THADDEUS C. RADZILOWSKI
______
HON. MARCY KAPTUR
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the bipartisan Polish Caucus,
I rise to pay tribute to the brilliant life and unique contribution to
scholarship of Dr. Thaddeus C. Radzilowski who passed away on July 20,
2018 at the age of 80.
Dr. Radzilowski was the co-founder and President of the largest
Polish American think tank in the United States known as the Piast
Institute founded in Hamtramck, MI. An academic giant in his field, he
taught at several prestigious universities including the University of
Michigan, Madonna University, Heidelberg College, Southwest Minnesota
State University, and finally as President of St. Mary College.
He was a prolific leader in the Polish American community, who
uniquely understood the importance of preserving Polish-American
heritage in the United States. He held a piercing dedication to
accurately and painstakingly recount the sacrificial history of Poland,
its people, and its diaspora. The history of Poland, often under-
presented, resulted from the annihilation by the Russian military
squads (NKVD) of over 23,000 of its preeminent leaders in academia, the
military, and religious and community life. Those who would have
recorded the 20th century's most bloodied battles were annihilated,
making Dr. Radzilowski's scholarship all the more critical.
Under his leadership, the Piast Institute made significant
contributions to the study of Central and Eastern Europe including
publishing articles and school curricula, convening key experts,
presenting exhibitions, and mentoring the next generation of leaders in
his field. Thanks to his dedication, he was the recipient of countless
awards including the Cavaliers Cross of the Polish Order of Merit
presented to him by the Polish President.
A man committed to serving others, Dr. Radzilowski served with
dignity and honor in the U.S. Armed Forces in Vietnam. He truly
embodied America's values which bind us.
Mr. Speaker, please allow me to join hundreds of thousands of
grateful Polish Americans in my district and across the United States
in applauding his remarkable career and exemplary life. His legacy will
continue to guide and inspire generations to come. That is why I am
honored to fly an American flag over the Capitol in his name.
____________________