Emanuel Honors 87th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Poland

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel released the following statement in recognition of the 87th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Poland on November 11th, 2005.

            “Mr. Speaker, on November 11th I will proudly join thousands of Polish Americans living in Chicago in celebrating the 87th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Poland. 

            Until Poland was recognized again as a sovereign nation, it struggled against tyranny, just as the United States did against colonial rule before our own independence was achieved. From the end of the 18th century until World War I, Poles were forced to live under the despotic rule of the Russian czars and Prussian and Austrian emperors. During the war, the Polish territory suffered under the heavy hand of Russian, German, and Austrian occupation. However, during World War I, Poles were gradually able to self-govern at local levels and established institutions, laying the groundwork for eventual independence. 

            Meanwhile, President Woodrow Wilson made the restoration of Polish independence one of his 14 conditions for peace. President Wilson was a friend of Ignacy Jan Paderewski, a famous Polish artist, composer, statesman and great patriot. As World War I drew to a close, Polish culture began to flourish again and self-governance was finally achieved when the first Polish government was established. 

            After 123 years of partitions and uprisings, Poland’s dream of independence was realized when it became a sovereign state again on November 11, 1918, the same day as the Armistice ending World War I. With its long and rich history and traditions, Poland regained its rightful place among free and independent nations. Eighty-seven years later, we continue to celebrate Poland’s independence. 

            I am proud to represent more than 111,000 people of Polish descent who live in the Fifth Congressional District on Chicago’s northwest side. We must continue to build upon a strong record of cultural and economic ties between our two nations. We are grateful to Poland for its friendship and commitment to democratic ideals of liberty, human rights, and most recently, its commitment of resources and troops who stood shoulder to shoulder with the U.S. Armed Forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Poland continues to be our staunch ally and steadfast friend in Europe in our fight against terrorism.

            On this day, I am proud to join the people of my district, as well as those of Polish descent around the globe, in celebrating the 87th Anniversary of Poland’s independence.”