[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 16679-16680]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


  CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN SOKOL ORGANIZATION

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 27, 2015

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 150th 
Anniversary of the American Sokol Organization. As one of the first 
organized gymnastics and fitness organizations in the United States, I 
would like to congratulate the American Sokol Organization on this 
important milestone and applaud them for its continued efforts to 
provide fitness, educational, and cultural programs to their 
communities. The American Sokol Organization will celebrate this 
anniversary on November 14, 2015 at the Women's Athletic Club of 
Chicago, and as a Co-Chair of the Czech Caucus, I am pleased to see 
them mark such an important date.
  The anniversary celebration taking place in Chicago will feature two 
important guests. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Petr 
Gandalovic, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States, and 
Kristyna Pellouchoud Driehaus, KMD Foundation, American Friends of the 
Czech Republic and Chicago Czech Center for taking part in this 
magnificent celebration as Honorary Co-Chairs.
  On March 19, 2015, I attended a wreath laying ceremony marking the 
25th Anniversary of Vaclav Havel's speech to a joint session of 
Congress and dedicating his bust's new and permanent location in 
Freedom Foyer. This event was attended by leaders of Congress, and 
Czech Ambassador to the United States, Petr Gandalovic.
  The first American Sokol unit was founded by Czech and Slovak 
immigrants, Karel Prochazka, Jaroslav Vostrovsky, and E.B. Erben, in 
Saint Louis, Missouri in 1865. At that time, large numbers of 
immigrants were flocking to the United States and these founders 
created community centers for their children to learn and engage in 
fitness activities--these centers were the first American Sokols.
  During the first 50 years of the organization, many American Sokols 
were formed throughout the United States, and all of these units were 
incorporated into the American Sokol Organization on January 1, 1917. 
Today, well into its second century in service, American Sokol remains 
an organization dedicated to the physical, mental, and cultural 
enrichment of its members. American Sokol has been shaping the lives of 
Olympians, diplomats, artists, athletes, and most importantly, the 
families in the communities in which we serve.
  Sokol is the Czechoslovak word for falcon, and it is an appropriate 
symbol since the falcon is a bird that has great love for freedom, as 
well as strength, courage and agility. The Sokol philosophy strives for 
physical fitness for their members, believing that to maintain a free 
nation, its people must be physically and morally strong.
  American Sokol members represent a wide age range. Members range from 
preschool children to retired adults. This diversity allows older 
members to pass on the benefit of their wisdom and experience to the 
young people in a personal way. In combining Czechoslovak culture, the 
American heritage, and American Sokol ideals, this organization has 
contributed greatly to the welfare of the United States. Many American 
Sokol members have served their country with distinction, in World War 
I, World War II, the Korean war, and the Vietnam conflict, and beyond.
  I am proud to join with American Sokol members in the 9th 
Congressional District of Illinois, which I am honored to represent, 
and members of American Sokol Organization in the City of Chicago and 
all over the United States, as they celebrate their 150 years of 
excellence, achievement, and contributions to the greatness of the 
United States.

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