Speech #920038487

Lenard. executive director of the Polish American Congress. recently gave an extremely informative talk at a National Press Club luncheon on the role of Polish Americans in the East European crisis. During his talk. Mr. Lenard also explained some of the functions of the Polish American Congress and presented a pocket history of the Poles in the United States. He noted for instance that the first Poles arrived here at Jamestown in 1608. 12 years before the Mayflower touched down in New England. He notes too that: Until recently. it was not fully realized by the Americans. not even by some in the AmericanPolish element itself. that Poles also had played a significant part among the earlier immigration of libertyloving spirits from among Europes soldiers. politicians. in-