Dick Durbin: “today I wish to note the passing earlier this month of a treasured member of Chicago's Polish community, Kasia Bober, at…”

“today I wish to note the passing earlier this month of a treasured member of Chicago's Polish community, Kasia Bober, at the age of 80. Back in August of 2005, I introduced a bill to grant honorary posthumous citizenship to Casimir Pulaski. I held a press conference in Chicago at the Polish Museum of America in front of a giant painting of Pulaski at the Battle of Savannah. Afterward, I sat down with leaders from the Polish community to discuss various issues. Kasia joined us for the meeting and brought those famous pierogi and other treats from her deli. I learned firsthand why some consider her the ``Pierogi Queen'' of Chicago. Kasia's story is like many immigrant stories in the great melting pot of Chicago. She came to the United States in 1974 in search of a better life. At first, she lived with relatives and was separated from her three children who remained in Poland. But after years of hard work, she was finally able to reunite with her children and open her own deli. Kasia's cooking quickly became a hit, especially her potato and cheese pierogi. Customers began to call from different States, which led to Kasia's pierogi being available today in 26 States. Kasia's pierogi are so well known that at least three U.S. Presidents have eaten them while in Chicago. In an article that appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times, her granddaughter recalled that President George H.W.…”