[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 186 (Wednesday, November 20, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE POLISH HIGHLANDERS ALLIANCE OF NORTH AMERICA ON ITS 90TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 20, 2019

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Polish 
Highlanders Alliance of North America as the organization prepares to 
celebrate its 90th anniversary. I am proud of the relationship I've 
developed over many years with the Polish Highlanders Alliance and 
President Jozef Cikowski. It is a privilege to represent so many Polish 
Highlanders and I look forward to gathering with them on Saturday, 
November 23rd for this historic celebration.
   The Polish Highlanders Alliance traces its roots back to 1929 when 
its first chapter, known as a circle, was founded in Chicago. Since its 
inception, the Alliance has sought to organize Polish Highlanders 
throughout North America into a unified Highlander family. For the last 
90 years, members of the Alliance have worked hard to preserve the 
unique cultural heritage of the Polish Highlands region, including 
music, dance, folk costumes, and other traditions. Through the years, 
the organization has grown to over 80 circles throughout the U.S. and 
Canada.
   Today, the Polish Highlanders Alliance is headquartered on the 
Southwest Side of Chicago in the Highlander Home on Archer Avenue. The 
Alliance organizes many cultural events for the Highlander and the 
Polish-American community including the Highlander Picnic which 
attracts nearly 3,000 people every year. For its numerous cultural 
activities, the Alliance has received awards including the Gloria Artis 
Cultural Achievement Medal. The medal was awarded by the Ministry of 
Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland for the 
Alliance's distinguished contributions to Polish culture. In addition 
to cultural activities, the Polish Highlanders Alliance raises money to 
provide assistance to churches, schools, and other establishments 
within Poland and the Highlands region.
   This year marks 100 years of diplomatic relations between the U.S. 
and Poland. I am overjoyed that as we celebrate this anniversary, the 
U.S. is finally including Poland in the Visa Waiver Program. As a 
result, as of November 11 citizens of Poland no longer need a visa to 
visit the United States. For years I helped constituents obtain visas 
for their Polish relatives to visit the U.S. for baptisms, weddings, 
and other family events, and I advocated alongside the Polish 
Highlanders Alliance for Poland's inclusion in the VWP.
   Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing all 
that the Polish Highlanders Alliance of North America does to promote 
unique Polish cultural traditions and to support strong ties between 
Poland and the United States. The members' devotion to their community 
and their mission is commendable and I wish them the best as they 
continue to impart their traditions for generations to come. Good 
wishes (Sto lat).

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