Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 102 Part 1.djvu/956

 102 STAT. 918

PUBLIC LAW 100-385—AUG. 10, 1988

Public Law 100-385 100th Congress Joint Resolution Aug. 10, 1988 [H. J. Res. 475]

To designate October 1988 as "Polish American Heritsige Month".

Whereas the first Polish immigrants to North America were among the settlers of Jamestown, Virginia, in the 17th century; Whereas Kazimierz Pulaski, Tadeusz Kosciuszko, and other Poles came to the British colonies in America to fight in the Revolutionary War and to risk their lives and fortunes for the creation of the United States; Whereas Poles and Americans of Polish descent have distinguished themselves by contributing to the development of arts, sciences, government, military service, athletics, and education in the United States; Whereas the Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791, was directly modeled on the Constitution of the United States, is recognized as the second written constitution in history, and is revered by Poles and Americans of Polish descent; Whereas Americans of Polish descent and Americans sympathetic to the struggle of the Polish people to regain their freedom remain committed to a free and independent Polish nation; Whereas Poles and Americans of Polish descent take great pride in and honor the achievements of the greatest son of Poland, His Holiness Pope John Paul II; Whereas Poles and Americans of Polish descent take great pride in and honor the achievements of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Walesa, the founder of the Solidarity Labor Federation; Whereas the Solidarity Labor Federation was founded in August 1980 and is continuing its struggle against oppression by the Government of Poland; and Whereas the Polish American Congress is observing its 44th anniversary this year and is celebrating October 1988 as Polish American Heritage Month: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That October 1988 is designated as "Polish American Heritage Month", and the President of the United States is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Approved August 10, 1988.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 475: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 134 (1988): June 14, considered and passed House. July 26, considered and passed Senate.

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