[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15556]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO THE SLOVAK CATHOLIC SOKOL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 11, 2005

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to take this opportunity to 
salute the Slovak Catholic Sokol. On Saturday, July 9, 2005 the Sokol 
celebrated a very proud moment, its Centennial Anniversary.
  It is only fitting that the Slovak Catholic Sokol be honored, in 
this, the permanent record of the greatest freely elected body on 
Earth, for it has been a fundamental institution in the community; 
offering guidance and support to all in need.
  The Slovak Catholic Sokol was founded on July 4, 1905 by citizens who 
wanted to establish an athletic organization for Catholics of Slovak 
ancestry. It was not long after its creation that the group began to 
flourish. The year 1912 marked the first field meet or ``Slet,'' as it 
is called in Slovak. Since then, these Slets have attracted members and 
crowds by the thousands; all of whom gather to take part in an array of 
track and field events.
  The organization grew quickly; the 46 original founders from Passaic, 
N.J. has blossomed into 32,000 members located throughout the United 
States & Canada. This unprecedented expansion has allowed the group to 
become heavily involved with the youth movement. Every year, the Slovak 
Catholic Sokol awards an array of scholarship grants to college bound 
members as well as qualified members who attend Catholic High School. 
Over the years, nearly 1300 members have been fortunate enough to 
receive scholarship grants in order to further their education.
  In the most recent years, the Slovak Catholic Sokol entered its most 
ambitious stage of growth, especially in terms of volunteer work. As a 
Catholic entity, participation in parish life is obviously encouraged 
and support for both men and women of Slovak heritage is given. 
Therefore, donations whether monetary or perishable, are routinely sent 
to Catholic Bishops in Slovakia for distribution amongst their 
congregation. Working in conjunction with other reputable Slovak 
organizations, such as the Slovak League of America is also quite 
commonplace. In fact, together with four other fraternals, the Slovak 
Catholic Sokol established the Slovak Foundation at the University of 
Pittsburgh.
  Committed to the democratic way of life, the Slovak Catholic Sokol 
will continue to spread goodwill. The leadership and the members of 
this organization recognize the dedication it took to elevate this 
venerable institution to where it is today and will ensure that it 
remains untarnished.
  The work of a United States Congressman involves so much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing institutions like the 
Slovak Catholic Sokol.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the City of Passaic, 
Passaic County, all of the members, and me, in recognizing the Slovak 
Catholic Sokol.

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