[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17449]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. PAUL CROATIAN CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 9, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
the 100th Anniversary of St. Paul Croatian Church of Cleveland.
  Since 1902, St. Paul Church has been serving the spiritual and 
cultural needs of Croatian Americans in our community. Members and 
leaders of the Church have been a source of strength and unity for 
generations of Croatian immigrants, who bravely left behind their 
beloved homeland to follow the hopeful path to America, seeking a life 
of justice and freedom.
  As Croatian immigrants embraced American freedoms and ideals, St. 
Paul Church stood like a rock of security, faith and support amid the 
rough waters of their transition into American society.
  Today, as in the past, St. Paul Croatian church continues to be a 
beacon of light and hope for our Croatian community in Cleveland. This 
cherished haven has protected and preserved the culture, history and 
traditions for generations of Croatian Americans--a bond not hindered 
by time or distance--a bridge connecting the Old World to the New 
World.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of the spiritual leaders and generations of parishioners who founded, 
supported and sustained St. Paul Croatian Church in Cleveland for one 
hundred years. As an American of Croatian heritage, I am grateful to 
have this opportunity to honor an institution that continues to serve 
as a haven of faith and assistance for generations of Croatian 
Americans--enhancing the lives of countless individuals and families, 
and enriching our entire community.

                          ____________________