[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 81 (Thursday, June 23, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
        COMMEMORATING JUAN AVILES, PUERTO RICO'S LEGENDARY POET

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                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 1994

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow that I rise to 
commemorate Juan Aviles, a legendary Puerto Rican poet who died in New 
York late Monday at the age of 90.
  As most Members of this body know, I am a native of Puerto Rico who 
is extremely proud of his origins. Puerto Rico's history and its 
dynamic, multifaceted culture are a genuine source of joy to all of her 
daughters and sons. But that joy was never more clearly, thoughtfully 
and passionately expressed than in the poetry of Juan Aviles.
  Though a resident of New York since 1927, Aviles wrote prolifically 
in the classical Spanish idiom of the customs and traditions of his 
homeland, which he visited frequently. Indeed, part of his mission as a 
writer was to use his artistry to impress upon other New Yorkers the 
importance of, and value in, holding onto their culture.
  Juan Aviles celebrated Hispanic culture not only in his writing, but 
by directing such organizations as the Ibero-American Writers and Poets 
Circle and the Institute of Puerto Rico, and by sharing his wisdom and 
artistry with numerous audiences of writers and folk artists. His 
energetic contributions to such traditions as the Festival of San Juan 
Bautista was also legendary.
  Mr. Speaker, as we all know, the American experience is an 
intermingling of people from different lands, with differing languages 
and customs. American society has been called ``a gorgeous mosaic.'' 
Juan Aviles' great contribution was to help polish the majestic Puerto 
Rican tile of that mosaic. And for that, we all should remember and 
thank him.

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