PRINTER'S NO. 1897
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
353
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY MERSKI, HILL-EVANS, HARKINS, BIZZARRO, BARRAR,
SCHLOSSBERG, JAMES, CALTAGIRONE, KULIK, WILLIAMS, MILLARD,
LONGIETTI, RYAN, BURNS, ROTHMAN, VITALI, READSHAW,
YOUNGBLOOD, FREEMAN, STAATS, MALAGARI, PICKETT, KORTZ,
BOBACK, MULLERY AND GROVE, MAY 29, 2019
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
MAY 29, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Commemorating 100 years of diplomatic relations between Poland
and the United States and recognizing the strong Polish-
American community in this Commonwealth.
WHEREAS, In January of 1919, the Republic of Poland and the
United States established diplomatic relations with the hope of
the betterment of political, economic, religious and human
rights for both countries; and
WHEREAS, The first Polish ambassador to the United States,
Prince Kazimierz Lubomirski, presented his credentials to
President Woodrow Wilson on May 15, 1920; and
WHEREAS, Over the decades, the strength of Polish-American
relations varied, enduring the Cold War; and
WHEREAS, Upon the fall of communism, Poland regained full
sovereignty and joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO) and the European Union (EU); and
WHEREAS, Poland's decision to align itself with the western
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path further strengthened the Polish-American diplomatic
relations, opening a new platform for economic and cultural
growth; and
WHEREAS, As the 10th-largest European economy, Poland is a
large and important commercial partner of the United States in
Central Europe; and
WHEREAS, The Polish-American cultural connection lies within
strong student exchange programs and academic scholarships to
study abroad; and
WHEREAS, The United States-Poland Fullbright Program is the
largest and longest running of any academic exchange program in
Central Europe, celebrating 60 years this year; and
WHEREAS, The Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX) offers 30
scholarships a year for Polish students to travel and live in
the United States with an American family during their studies;
and
WHEREAS, There are an estimated 9 million Poles living in the
United States, with Pennsylvania traditionally ranking high
among other states for its large Polish population; and
WHEREAS, The Polish American Association (PAA) was
established in 1922 to provide immigrants with programs and
services to help Poles adapt to their new lives in America; and
WHEREAS, The PAA has focused on education, employment,
immigration and supportive services for more than 95 years,
fostering a strong Polish-American community; and
WHEREAS, In this Commonwealth, the Polish Cultural
Association of Harrisburg was founded in the mid-1970s with the
goal of cultivating, enhancing and promoting the understanding
of the Polish language, culture and arts; and
WHEREAS, The Polish community also established the Polish
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Heritage Society of Philadelphia, an organization devoted to
fostering interest in Polish heritage and spreading awareness of
the accomplishments of Polish-Americans; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives commemorate 100
years of diplomatic relations between Poland and the United
States; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the members of the strong Polish-American
community in this Commonwealth be recognized for the work they
have done to foster and preserve their culture and heritage.
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