[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  A TRIBUTE TO CAMILO FERNANDEZ AND HIS EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF PUBLIC 
                                SERVICE

                                 ______


                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 21, 1996

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, Camilo Fenandez, a man widely admired 
and respected throughout the Hispanic community of the United States, 
will receive the 1996 Manuel Antonio de Varona Award, from the Junta 
Patriotica Cubana, in recognition of his extraordinary public service 
career.
  Camilo Fernandez is the President of the Asociacion Pro-Cuba and also 
of the regional New Jersey Board of Directors of the Junta Patriotica 
Cubana. He has also presided, with great distinction, the Lions Club 
Chapter of Elizabeth, NJ, also serving in its Board of Directors for 20 
consecutive years and as Vice-Governor for the 16th-E district of Lions 
International. These are only a few examples of the devoted and 
unselfish service he has provided his community.
  Throughout his exceptional life, Camilo Fernandez has been at the 
forefront of efforts to reestablish freedom and democracy in Cuba, his 
native homeland. The desire to see his fellow countrymen free from 
repression has been the primary inspiration of his life and continues 
even stronger today.
  Together with his wife, Maria Julia, Camilo Fernandez has 
demonstrated great leadership in his involvement in numerous civic, 
cultural and patriotic activities.
  For his tireless efforts in support of his community and for his 
perseverance in trying to bring freedom to his homeland of Cuba, I pay 
tribute to Camilo Fernandez. He truly is a giant among ordinary men.

                          ____________________