[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14849]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              FALCON NEST 725 CELEBRATES 87TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2003

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, June 28, 2003, the Polish 
Falcons of America Nest 725 of Milwaukee will celebrate its 87th 
anniversary as well as its role in hosting the 2003 PFA District II 
Meet and Convention.
  The Polish Falcons of America came together in 1887 as an outgrowth 
of a similar organization in Poland. A fraternal benefit society and 
physical fitness organization, the group has pursued the goal of a 
``sound mind in a sound body'' for all of its members. This saying in 
Polish, ``Wzdrowym ciele zdrowy duch,'' is the organization's maxim.
  After the founding of the first Nest in Chicago, Illinois, the PFA 
quickly expanded, and by 1894 the organization included twelve Nests. 
Because of the growing popularity of these local Nests, leaders 
established the Alliance of Polish Turners of the United States of 
America.
  In 1916 a group of Polish-Americans in Milwaukee organized Nest 725. 
Young men and women in the organization participated in district 
rallies, forming drilling teams and a group choir and band.
  More recently, Nest 725 has participated in District and National 
Gymnastic Meets and Dance competitions, winning national awards in 
1984, 1986, 1988, 1992, and 1994. It continues to hold physical fitness 
and Polish dance classes. Leaders showcase members' abilities in meets 
and performances at nursing homes and schools.
  As an exemplary community association, Nest 725 has given generously 
over the years to many charitable and patriotic causes including the 
American Red Cross, Diabetes Foundation, March of Dimes, and Polish 
Army Veterans. The group has also sent donations overseas to those in 
need in Poland.
  Through their contributions to the Polish community, Polish Falcons 
of America Nest 725 has positively impacted youth throughout the 
Milwaukee area. It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Nest 725 
on its long and prosperous 87-year history and wish the group the best 
of luck in the years to come.

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