On the recordApril 13, 2010
Madam Speaker, I stand here today to join my Polish American constituents, the Polish nation, and the world in mourning those who perished in this weekend's tragic plane crash. The crash that killed President Lech Kaczynski of Poland, his First Lady, and many ranking military and civilian officers was aptly described by one paper as ``literally a nation colliding with its past.'' Poland is and has been a true friend and ally of the United States. Our two nations just recently celebrated 90 years of diplomatic relations. The contributions of Polish Americans to the United States are numerous. From the families who lost loved ones in the plane crash to the nation of Poland and to Chicago's own shaken Polish American community, this loss will be felt around the world for years to come. We will stand with our friends as they find the resilience to emerge stronger, as they have before, following this unimaginable tragedy. I look forward to Poland's recovery and reemergence as a country that can and will overcome. ____________________
