[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 140 (Friday, September 30, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        TRIBUTE TO JOHN GIANAROS

                                 ______


                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 30, 1994

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and pay 
tribute to Mr. John Gianaros, a resident in my district, for receiving 
the Florida Folk Life Award. For over 60 years, with his 50-pound 
accordion, John has put to music the rich heritage and the day-to-day 
experiences of all Greek-Americans.
  In an August 8, 1994, article published in the St. Petersburg Times, 
John was quoted as saying, ``I fell in love with first my music, then 
my wife.'' John is now 90 years old and has been married for 62 years--
and although he now only takes the 50-pound accordion out of its case 
on special occasions, he still plays it just as he did on the day he 
first went on the road in the 1930's.
  His wife, Helen, says, ``Hearing John play brings back memories of 
many years gone by.'' Although Helen was left behind when John went on 
the road to play his accordion, she never resented her husband's first 
love--his music. ``Well, I figure he's going out to make a dollar so 
God bless him,'' she said.
  In closing, once again, I would like to congratulate you, John for 
filling our hearts with your beautiful music for so many years.

                          ____________________