Brooklyn BP Markowitz Statement On Death of President of Poland

After the shocking crash of an airplane caused the death of 97 of the elite of Poland -- including President Lech Kaczynski and dozens of top political and military leaders -- prayers and tributes poured in from across the world.

In Brooklyn, Borough President Marty Markowitz said:

"The thoughts and prayers of all Brooklyn are with our Polish residents as we mourn the death of President Lech Kaczynski, First Lady Maria Kaczynski and all who perished with them, many of that nation's leaders among them. Brooklyn is the Polish capital of America, and I was honored to meet the President and his wife in Greenpoint, the heart of our Polish Community, in September 2007, and present him with a replica of the Brooklyn Bridge. His leadership will be missed, and all of us feel the sadness of this loss, which resonates not only in our Polish community but throughout the world."

The 97 dead included the army chief of staff, the head of the National Security Office,the deputy foreign minister, the deputy parliament speaker, the national bank president, the civil rights commissioner, members of parliament, war veterans and family members of Poles killed by the Soviets.

From CNN: "The entire top military brass, including the chief of defense and all the services, were on the plane," said Tomas Valasek, of the Center for European Reform. "If that is true, then you're looking at a situation, in effect, of the decapitation of the military services."

Photo of BP Markowitz and late Polish President Lech Kaczynski by Kathryn Kirk

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