[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21399]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  NOTING THE OPENING OF A CZECH REPUBLIC REGIONAL CONSUL'S OFFICE IN 
                              KANSAS CITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DENNIS MOORE

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 4, 2003

  Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to the House's attention the 
opening of a regional consul's office for the Czech Republic in the 
Kansas City metropolitan area. Events are being planned from September 
24 to 26 to celebrate this opening, including a visit from the Czech 
Republic's ambassador to the United States, Martin Palous, to Kansas 
City.
  For centuries, thousands of Czechs and Slovaks have immigrated to 
Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. These naturalized Americans and their 
descendants have formed a vibrant part of America's rich cultural 
tapestry. Now, after only a decade since becoming a free and autonomous 
nation, the Czech Republic's amazing progress toward democratization 
has created a unique opportunity to further strengthen the ties between 
Eastern Europe and America's heartland. I believe this new local 
consul's office can be the catalyst for further interaction, 
understanding and mutual appreciation.
  I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank 
Sharon K. Valasek, the honorary consul of the Czech Republic to Kansas, 
Missouri and Nebraska, for helping to establish an official Consulate 
of the Czech Republic in Kansas City.
  I also wish to thank the distinguished ambassador from the Czech 
Republic, Mr. Martin Palous, and welcome him to Kansas City. I hope 
that our two nations can continue to cooperate and thrive while 
strengthening our bonds of friendship and commerce.

                          ____________________