Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 99 Part 1.djvu/199

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PUBLIC LAW 99-000—MMMM. DD, 1985

PUBLIC LAW 99-76—JULY 31, 1985

99 STAT. 177

Public Law 99-76 99th Congress Joint Resolution Designating August 1985 as "Polish American Heritage Month".

Whereas since the first immigration of Polish settlers to Jamestown in the 17th Century, Poles and Americans of Polish descent have distinguished themselves by contributing to the development of the United States of America in the arts, sciences, government, military service, athletics, and education; Whereas Kazimierz Pulaski, Tadeusz Kosciuszko, and other sons of Poland came to our shores to fight in the American War of Independence and to give their lives and fortunes for the creation of the United States; Whereas the Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791, was directly modeled after the Constitution of the United States, is recognized as the second written constitution in history, and is revered by Poles and Americans of Polish descent; Whereas Americans of Polish descent and Americans sympathetic to the struggle of the Polish nation to regain its freedom remain committed to a free and independent Polish nation; Whereas Poles and Americans of Polish descent take great pride in and honor Poland's greatest son. His Holiness Pope John Paul II; Whereas Poles and Americans of Polish descent take great pride in and honor Nobel Peace laureate Lech Walesa, the founder of the Solidarity Labor Federation; Whereas the Solidarity Labor Federation was founded in August 1980 and is continuing its struggle against oppression by the Polish Government; and Whereas the Polish American Congress is observing its forty-first anniversary this year and is celebrating August 1985 as Polish American Heritage Month: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That August 1985 is designated as "Polish American Heritage Month". The President is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such month with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Approved July 31, 1985.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 106: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 131 (1985): July 11, considered and passed House. July 19, considered and passed Senate.

July 31, 1985 [H.J. Res. 106]