[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 124 (Friday, July 28, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1547-E1548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              CELEBRATION OF THE PERUVIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______


                        HON. WILLIAM J. MARTINI

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 28, 1995
  Mr. MARTINI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the Peruvian 
Independence Day Parade. As the grandson of immigrants, I am honored to 
be the International Godfather of this illustrious parade.
  The Peruvian community has every reason to celebrate their notable 
accomplishments. Their citizens are some of the most productive and 
valued members of the Eighth Congressional District of New Jersey. In 
fact, they boast the most educated second generation Peruvian-Americans 
ever in the United States. In colleges and universities across America, 


[[Page E 1548]]
Peruvian-Americans graduate every year with degrees in law, medicine, 
engineering, and accounting.
  The Peruvian-Americans have been so successful in their educational 
endeavors because they believe in hard work, sometimes attending 
classes at night while working full time during the day. In fact, the 
number of Peruvians on the rolls of social services is almost 
nonexistent. They have demonstrated that a fair chance to prove their 
value coupled with the dedication to hard work are the ingredients to a 
prosperous life.
  Furthermore, the Peruvians believe dedication to the family is the 
essential element in building strong community relationships where 
parents can care for their children and ensure that they have the best 
opportunities available to advance in life. For instance, when faced 
with financial difficulties Peruvian-Americans have displayed their 
self reliance. Instead of turning to the Federal Government, the 
Peruvians have established a network of community organizations 
including volunteers, civic associations, and churches which offer 
medical care and other forms of assistance to the residents. They 
provide the strength, reassurance, and tangible advantages that are 
necessary to succeed. In short, it is the community where Peruvians go 
when in need of assistance.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, the success of the Peruvian community has had a 
positive impact on the lives of the people of my congressional 
district. They provide brilliant examples of the same values that 
propelled my parents--and millions of other immigrants--to succeed in 
America. I believe it is all of these qualities that make the Peruvian 
community such an asset to the people I represent. I am proud to join 
them on this day of celebration.


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