[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 141 (Thursday, October 3, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S12286]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NICHOLAS G. BERAM VETERAN'S ASSOCIATION

  Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, on November 16, 1996, the Nicholas G. 
Beram Veteran's Association will celebrate its 50th anniversary at a 
dinner event in Randolph, MA. I regret very much that I will not be 
able to join the members of this fine organization on their special 
occasion. However, I would like to take a few moments to share with the 
members of this body the association's half-century of history.
  The Nicholas G. Beram Veteran's Association was founded in 1946 by a 
small group of Syrian-Lebanese veterans from the Boston area. From 25 
charter members this group has grown to over 250 veterans; its ranks 
comprised of individuals who have served their country with distinction 
in every military conflict since World War II.
  The Nicholas G. Beram Veteran's Association has made commendable 
efforts in honoring the service, not only of its own members, but of 
all Arab-American veterans. The deceased receive a special service at 
the wake, and their families are presented with an American flag. This 
year more than 450 graves of Arab-American veterans in 15 cemeteries in 
the Boston area were decorated. Additionally, the association maintains 
a long-established scholarship fund that provides annual $1,000 grants 
to up to nine students.
  As the grandson of Lebanese immigrants, I take special pride in the 
activities of the Nicholas G. Beram Veteran's Association. I salute its 
members for their five decades of commitment to their heritage and 
service in our Nation's Armed Forces. On behalf of all my Senate 
colleagues, I congratulate the Nicholas G. Beram Veteran's Association 
on what I am certain will be a successful anniversary celebration, and 
extend my best wishes for future years of continued prosperity.

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