[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 42 (Thursday, April 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ST. PETERSBURG FOLK FAIR SOCIETY HONORS JOSEPH MATHEWS OF SEMINOLE, FL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 1997

  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, St. Petersburg is home to the St. 
Petersburg International Folk Fair Society, or SPIFFS as it is known, 
which is one of the most unique organizations of its kind anywhere in 
our Nation. The highlight of every year comes in March when SPIFFS 
hosts its annual folk fair to celebrate the blend of ethnic backgrounds 
and history that have made the Pinellas County area of Florida I 
represent such a special and diverse community in which to live.
  This was the 22d annual folk fair, and over 55 ethnic groups 
participated to showcase their culture, ethnic diversity, and foods, as 
well as provide continuous entertainment from around the world. For the 
first time this year's festival was held outdoors in St. Petersburg's 
Vinoy Park.
  In conjunction with this year's folk fair, the Central Florida 
Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association sponsored an 
essay competition entitled ``Why I'm Glad America Is a Nation of 
Immigrants.'' The winning essay was submitted by Joseph Mathews, a 
seventh grader at Seminole Middle School. Joseph was recognized for his 
essay during the opening ceremonies of the folk fair, and it is an 
honor for me to bring this young man's thoughts to the attention of my 
colleagues today.

           ``Why I'm Glad America is a Nation of Immigrants''

                          (By Joseph Mathews)

       The American dream. It's something we born on U.S. soil 
     take for granted, but to others, it means hope, and a way of 
     life. Many immigrants in American have lived the dream and 
     added to it.
       Madeline Albright was brought to the United States by her 
     parents to escape the holocaust. America didn't only mean her 
     future, it also meant freedom, a place of refuge, and a 
     chance to serve as the first woman Secretary of State.
       Irving Berlin was another fortunate and successful 
     immigrant. After traveling to the U.S. at the age of 5, 
     Berlin became one of our most famous songwriters. ``God Bless 
     America'' expresses his feelings about his new home.
       Immigrants touch the lives of Americans on a smaller scale 
     as well. My piano teacher, Gloria Bolivar, immigrated to 
     California from Mexico as a teenager, bringing her talent, 
     the knowledge she had gained, and nothing more. She told the 
     Stanford Music Conservatory that she had no money, nowhere to 
     stay, spoke little English, and needed all of her tuition 
     paid. During the audition, Ms. Bolivar had played but a few 
     moments when the professors said, ``We want you.'' She became 
     a top graduate. After several years as a concert artist, she 
     is now teaching in Florida, and has enriched my life by 
     sharing her musical gifts with me.
       For hundreds of years, foreigners have travelled in a 
     continuous wave to our country, bringing experience, 
     knowledge, and skills. I am definitely sure it should remain 
     so.

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