[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 107 (Friday, August 5, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
    SALUTE TO THE 61ST NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE ASSYRIAN AMERICAN 
                          NATIONAL FEDERATION

                                 ______


                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 5, 1994

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to and in 
recognition of the 61st National Convention of the Assyrian American 
National Federation which will take place September 1 through 5 in San 
Jose, CA. As the only Member of Congress of Assyrian descent, I am 
proud to have this distinguished event taking place in Santa Clara 
County, part of which I have the privilege to represent.
  My father, Fred Georges, who emigrated to the United States as a 
youngster, taught me about my cultural heritage as I grew up in 
Connecticut. Thanks to him and my relatives, I learned how to speak the 
Assyrian language, a form of Aramaic which scholars call ``neo-
Syriac,'' and absorbed the history of my people. I came to appreciate 
the richness of Assyrian culture, as well as the lives Assyrians led in 
Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Assyrian immigrants have come to the 
United States in search of a better life and have made their homes and 
have established businesses in New York, Illinois, Michigan, 
California, and Connecticut.
  Assyrian-Americans are hard working, patriotic citizens who have 
created a supportive organizational network for themselves while making 
major contributions to the communities in which they live. Many, like 
my father, are successful small businesspeople.
  I pay special tribute to Adam Benjamin, the first Assyrian-American 
Member of Congress, who represented Gary, Indiana for many years after 
having worked as an Assyrian community leader in the 1950's and 1960's, 
most notably as the editor of the Assyrian Star, the official 
publication of the Assyrian American National Federation.
  The federation for which Rep. Benjamin worked was established in 1933 
to create unity among Assyrians, preserve their heritage, and represent 
them in the United States. The fact that the AANF is holding its 61st 
annual national convention is proof of how successful the organization 
has been in its mission.
  On Labor Day weekend, over 4,000 Assyrians will arrive in San Jose. 
They will come from across the United States, Canada, Europe, 
Australia, and the Middle East to renew their commitment to Assyrian 
traditions, causes, and ideals. For 5 days, they will participate in a 
wonderful series of programs concentrating on culture, art, athletics, 
children and youth development, business seminars, and tours. At the 
end of that time, they will leave having rejuvenated their faith in 
their heritage and their future.
  It is with no small amount of pride that I note that this convention 
is being hosted by the Assyrian American Association of San Jose, a 
nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the cultural, 
educational, and social activities of Assyrians in the Bay Area and the 
South Bay. This remarkable group provides classes in Assyrian language, 
history, art, folklore, and dance. It is also involved with the 
Assyrian Nineveh Choir, weekly Atour TV broadcasts, and a wide array of 
sports activities. No one can question the contributions which the 
Assyrian American Association of San Jose has made to the local 
Assyrian community, and I am pleased that Assyrians from around the 
world will be able to appreciate the tremendous work which it performs.
  Mr. Speaker, the 61st National Convention of the Assyrian American 
National Federation is an event worthy of commendation and celebration 
for Assyrians and all Americans. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
saluting the entire Assyrian-American community, the Assyrian American 
National Federation, and Assyrians from around the globe who are 
delegates and attendees at the 61st National Convention.

                          ____________________