HR0570 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0570 LRB097 14275 GRL 59036 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Throughout our history, America has welcomed millions of Polish immigrants to its shores, and those proud people arrived seeking a better life for themselves, their families, and future generations; and

WHEREAS, This year marks the 403rd anniversary of Polish settlers arriving in the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, People of Polish heritage will mark the 232nd anniversary of the death of General Casimir Pulaski, father of the American cavalry, and the 100th anniversary of Marie Sklodowska Curie's receipt of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her discovery of the radioactive elements polonium and radium; and

WHEREAS, People of Polish heritage have contributed greatly to global advancement and advancement of the United States, and the State of Illinois in particular, during the 403 years since the first Polish immigrants settled here; and

WHEREAS, Polish notables include Ignacy Jan Paderewski, one of the most famous and popular pianists of all time; Casimir Pulaski and Thaddesus Kosciuszko, heroes of the American Revolution; Leopold Stokowski, a renowned international conductor; Zbigniew Brzezinski, National Security Advisor to President Carter; and Edmund Muskie, a United States Senator from Maine; and

WHEREAS, The Polish people have many reasons to be proud of and to celebrate their heritage, culture, and the achievements of their people; and

WHEREAS, All Illinoisans are grateful for the many contributions of Poland and its citizens to our state; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate October of 2011 as Polish-American Heritage Month in the State of Illinois and urge the citizens of this State to observe this month by learning about and commemorating the contributions of Polish Americans to our nation, our State, and our local communities; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the Governor of Illinois to issue a suitable proclamation recognizing the contributions of Polish Americans to Illinois and to proclaim October of 2011 as Polish-American Heritage Month.