[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 165 (Tuesday, October 24, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S15570]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING HARRY KIZIRIAN

  Mr. PELL. Mr. President, today the Senate will act on H.R. 1606, 
legislation to designate the U.S. Post Office Building located at 24 
Corliss Street, Providence, RI, as ``The Harry Kizirian Post Office 
Building.'' I was pleased to join my colleague, Senator John Chafee, in 
cosponsoring the Senate version of the bill, S. 786.
  It is a fitting tribute for Congress to name this particular 
structure after Harry Kizirian because it was the first post office in 
the United States to use a fully automated sorting system, under 
Harry's supervision. Harry Kizirian himself is a Rhode Island landmark 
because of his extraordinary contributions to the United States, to 
Rhode Island, and to Providence.
  When Harry was just 15 years old, his father died, and he went to 
work part-time as a postal clerk to help support his widowed mother. He 
then worked his way up through the leadership positions in the Postal 
Service. After being nominated by former Senator John O. Pastore, Harry 
was confirmed by the Senate in 1961 as postmaster of Providence, RI, a 
post he held for more than 25 years.
  World War II interrupted Harry's career for a short time. He enlisted 
in the U.S. Marine Corps after he graduated from Mount Pleasant High 
School and subsequently became Rhode Island's most decorated marine.
  He fought in Okinawa and was shot in battle. He earned the Navy 
Cross, the Bronze Star with a ``V'', the Purple Heart with a gold star 
and, finally, the Rhode Island Cross.
  After the war, Harry returned to Rhode Island and to his job at the 
Post Office. In addition to his military service and his work in the 
Postal Service, he had served on numerous committees and boards in 
Rhode Island.
  Harry served on the board of directors of Butler Hospital, Big 
Brothers of Rhode Island, the Providence Human Relations Commission, 
Rhode Island Blue Cross, and Rhode Island Heart and Lung Associations.
  He was also a member of the Community Advisory Board of Rhode Island 
College, the Providence Heritage Commission, the Commission on Rhode 
Island Medal Honor Recipients, DAV, and the Marine Corps League.
  Harry Kizirian's name has become synonymous with the qualities he 
exemplifies--dedication, loyalty, leadership, and hard work. I am 
delighted to honor him, not only for his lifetime of service to the 
Postal Service, but also for his involvement with and commitment to his 
community. Congratulations, Harry.

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