[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11855]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SLOVAK DAY CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 2013

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to recognize the 
40th anniversary of the Slovak Day Celebration. In honor of this 
momentous occasion, a commemorative event will take place on Sunday, 
July 21, 2013 at the Salvatorian Shrine in Merrillville, Indiana.
   The first Slovak Day Celebration took place at the Seven Dolores 
Shrine in Valparaiso, Indiana in 1973, when Father Joseph Viater, along 
with Betty and Carl Yurechko, decided that Slovak heritage and culture 
should be honored in Northwest Indiana with a day of celebration.
   Slovak Day has been a great success over the years, and the day is 
celebrated each year with a Slovak Catholic Mass, followed by 
traditional Slovak food and performances by Slovak dancers. Throughout 
the years, many bishops have come to celebrate this significant event, 
including Bishop Sokol from Slovakia, Bishop Adamec of Pennsylvania, 
and Bishops Andrew G. Grutka and Dale J. Melczek of the Diocese of 
Gary, Indiana. Additionally, over the past 40 years, many dedicated 
volunteers from Slovak churches throughout the region have given their 
time and efforts to this day.
   I would like to take this time to recognize the numerous hardworking 
committee members for their outstanding dedication to this event. They 
are Betty Yurechko, Lillian and John Zaborske, Agnes Chervenak, Melissa 
and Jason Yurechko, Ann Fedorchak, Leona Cupka, Elaine Ruzbasan, Betty 
Ortiz, Andy Sacek, Irene Horn Riggio, and Reverend John Kalicky.
   Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished 
colleagues to join me in recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Slovak 
Day Celebration. The Slovak community has played an important role in 
enriching the quality of life and culture of Northwest Indiana. For 
their commitment to preserving Slovak heritage, the committee members, 
church leaders, and volunteers are worthy of the highest praise.

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