[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11467]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE POLISH AMERICAN CONGRESS AND POLISH CONSTITUTION DAY

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 4, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Polish 
American Congress, Ohio Division, as they join together on May 3 to 
celebrate Polish Constitution Day--a day when the Americans of Polish 
heritage reflect on the struggles for freedom and celebrate the 
victories, customs and history of their beloved Polish homeland and 
share their cultural gifts with the entire Greater Cleveland Community.
  The first written European constitution, the Governmental Statute of 
Poland, was instated on May 3, 1791. Poland's Constitution was the 
result of nearly five centuries of struggle and perseverance by the 
people of Poland to diminish the power of the King and to create facets 
and institutions of government vital to the foundation of a 
constitutional government. An important document in the world history 
of democracy, the Polish Constitution established the separation and 
balance of powers, freedom of religion, and social justice by 
abolishing key elements of serfdom.
  Formed in 1949, the Polish American Congress is a national umbrella 
organization representing over ten million Americans of Polish descent 
and origin, and serves as a unifying force for both Polish Americans 
and Polish citizens living in America. The Polish American community in 
Cleveland is deeply rooted in their commitment to the values of family, 
faith, democracy, hard work and fulfillment of the American dream.
  Since its founding, the Polish American Congress has created programs 
to successfully integrate people of Polish decent in the U.S., 
including the Displaced Persons Program, which allowed almost 150,000 
Polish immigrants to enter the U.S. after World War II. The Polish 
American Congress has a legacy within our Cleveland community and 
across the nation of offering services of support to veterans, families 
and individuals. As in years' past, the Greater Cleveland Community 
will join in celebration of Poland's rich history and culture by 
joining Cleveland's Polish community in attending events such as the 
Polonia Ball, the Grand Parade and the Photographic Exhibition.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and celebration 
of the leaders and members of the Polish American Congress, as they 
celebrate Polish Constitution Day. Their collective and individual 
efforts in sharing, preserving and promoting their heritage, history 
and culture with Greater Cleveland serves to strengthen and illuminate 
the textured and diverse fabric of our community.

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