STATEMENT BY POLISH AMERICAN CONGRESS
PRESIDENT FRANK J. SPULA
On the Death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski
and His Delegation
Chicago, Illinois; April 11, 2010
The Polish ethnic community of the United States shares the sense of shock and loss, and mourns with the people of Poland the tragic deaths yesterday of President Lech Kaczynski, First Lady Maria Kaczynski, and so many of Poland’s political, military, religious, and societal heroes and leaders, as well as representatives of our own community.
Across our country today, Polish Americans are flocking to our churches and monuments to pray for the departed and gather strength from our faith and Polish heritage.
From its inception in 1944 and through its leaders before that, the Polish American Congress fought to make the truth about Katyn known and recognized by the government and people of the United States and other nations. We are deeply saddened that the 70th anniversary and universal acknowledgement of this crime have been marred by another national tragedy.
As Americans of Polish descent and citizens of Poland permanently residing in the United States, the members of the Polish American Congress have taken great pride in the strength of Poland’s democracy and alliance with the United States under the leadership of President Lech Kaczynski.
The Polish American Congress looked forward to welcoming President and Mrs. Kaczynski in the United States and hosting their meeting with our community later this month.
On behalf of the Polish American Congress and the 10 million strong Polish ethnic community in the United States, I extend our deepest condolences to the people of Poland, its government, and the families and colleagues of those killed in this tragic plane crash. We pledge our continued strong commitment to caring about the well-being of the Polish nation and working for an ever stronger relationship between the United States and Poland. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Contact Information:
Polish American Congress
Washington Office
1612 K Street, N.W., Suite 410
Washington, DC. 20006
Tel: (202) 296-6955
Fax: (202) 835-1565
Email: pacwash@pac1944.org
Dr. Barbara Borzuchowska Andersen
Director of Research
Vice President for Public Relations
Dr. Susanne S. Lotarski
Tel/Fax: (301) 656-9359
Email: vp-pr@pac1944.org