WASHINGTON – U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller (MI-10) delivered the following remarks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in remembrance of the Polish President Lech Kaczynski and the 96 other prominent political and military leaders who perished:
“Madame Speaker, this past Saturday, April 10, 2010, the people of Poland suffered an unspeakable tragedy, the world lost a great leader and the United States lost a true friend with the death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski and much of the Polish leadership in a plane crash in Russia.
“President Kaczynski was a staunch supporter of freedom, and early in his life was a leader in the fight against Communism. As a lawyer in Gdansk, he became an advisor to the Solidarity movement in the late 1970’s. During martial law in 1981, he was jailed because the government thought he was an anti-socialist element.
“When Poland shed the yoke of communism, Lech Kaczynski continued to serve Poland until his death. He served as a Senator. As the Vice Chair of Solidarity. As a member of Parliament. As the Mayor of Warsaw. As the Minister of Justice and Attorney General. And finally, as President of Poland for the last five years.
“He was a true friend of America. He fought corruption because he believed it was an impediment to justice and freedom.
“We all mourn with the people Poland at the loss of this true Polish patriot. May our great friend rest in peace.”
