Pascrell Cosponsors Katyn
Massacre Resolution In
U.S. House
Applauds the contributions of Polish-Americans to the United States
WASHINGTON, DC (May 17, 2018) – Today, U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) announced he has cosponsored H.Res. 893, a House resolution authored by Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ-08) recognizing the importance of memorials to the Katyn massacre of 1940.
“I am proud to sponsor the resolution introduced by Representatives Albio Sires and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09) that recognizes the importance of memorializing the Katyn massacre. The murders of Polish soldiers and leaders in Katyn Forest by the Soviet Union remain some of the worst crimes in human history. Memorials of the massacre, including a powerful one in Jersey City, have long been an important symbol for America’s vibrant Polish-American communities, veterans of World War II, and all Americans to honor the lives lost and to ensure that the atrocities committed against the Polish people are never forgotten. Adding to the tragedy, we remember too vividly when Polish President Lech Kaczyński, his wife, and a large delegation from Poland lost their lives in a 2010 plane crash while traveling to Russia to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Katyn massacre. The memory of those who lost their lives at Katyn must be commemorated for generations to come, and it is important for members of Congress and all elected leaders to help carry that flame.”
While allied with the Third Reich, Soviet premier Joseph Stalin ordered the murder of nearly 22,000 Polish soldiers, military officials, police officers, and clergy and buried the victims in mass graves in the Katyn Forest in western Russia to cover up the crimes. Specifically, the House measure recognizes that memorials and monuments to the Katyn Massacre are important historical reminders of the heinous acts and applauds the sacrifices and contributions of Polish-Americans to the prosperity, diversity, and strength of the United States.
New Jersey’s Ninth Congressional District, including Wallington, Garfield, Clifton, Passaic, and Kearny, has one of the largest Polish-American communities in the nation. Rep. Pascrell has long been supportive of the Polish-American community and the Polish Republic. Pascrell was a strong advocate of Poland’s inclusion into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Pascrell was also honored to be an Honorary Grand Marshall in the 75th Annual Pulaski Parade down Fifth Avenue in New York City, where he danced the Polonaise with members of the renowned Polish-American Folk Dance Company.
