[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 92 (Thursday, June 20, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF MANUEL AND MARIA MARIN: AN AMERICAN SUCCESS STORY

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 20, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Manuel and Maria 
Marin, a classic American success story. Mr. and Mrs. Marin will be 
honored at a reception this Saturday at the Sheraton Meadowlands in 
East Rutherford, NJ.
  America is a land of immigrants, and this family exemplifies the 
immigrant success story. Manuel and Maria arrived in the United States 
with only the clothes on their backs and a few personal possessions in 
May 1980. They were searching for a better way of life and an escape 
from the Communist dictatorship of Cuba. Despite their bad fortune, the 
Marins dedicated themselves to creating a new life in their adopted 
homeland. Through their sweat and determination, they were able to 
scrape up enough funds to open up a grocery store in West New York, NJ, 
in 1986.
  In 10 short years, the Marins' one grocery store has blossomed into a 
chain of supermarkets throughout New Jersey and Florida. Their success 
has made them role models for the Hispanic community and the community 
at large.
  Manuel's and Maria's fine character is not only evident in their 
business success, but also in their devotion to their family and 
community. In addition to raising two children, Yanina and Yaddiel, the 
Marins have worked to reunite their family by bringing members over 
from Cuba. Manuel is very active in the Latin American Kiwanis Club and 
participates in their many charitable activities. He also provides 
financial support to other businessmen through Banco Uno, which he 
founded.
  I am very grateful for the Marin family's contributions to the 
Hispanic community, New Jersey, and our Nation. Their success is proof 
that, indeed, we are a land of great opportunity for all those willing 
to seize it. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this great 
family.

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