[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 63 (Wednesday, May 14, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E929-E930]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE I.A.M.A.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 14, 1997

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, May 17, 1997, the Italian 
American Memorial Association [IAMA] of Long Branch, NJ, will celebrate 
its Golden Anniversary--50 years of serving the community. As a life-
long resident of Long Branch and the son of a World War II vet, I am 
indeed proud to pay tribute to this great center of civic and social 
life in our community.
  Mr. Speaker, the IAMA was established as a living memorial to 
Italian-Americans who made the supreme sacrifice for their country, 
giving their lives in World War II. Its prime purpose is to promote 
physical fitness, build good character in our youth, and aid in the 
development of the mind and body through civic, social, recreational, 
and athletic services in the city of Long Branch.
  On April 19, 1947, a certificate of incorporation for the IAMA, drawn 
up by Attorney Theodore Mirabella, was approved by the New Jersey 
Secretary of State. Its charter members were Joseph Tomaine, Leon 
Giordano, Angelo Francese, Philip Tomaine, and Joseph P. Tomaino. 
Membership was originally limited to men of Italian descent, although 
the membership has since been opened up to other ethnic groups.
  Association meetings were at first held in members' homes, but as the 
membership grew the organization moved to several different locations 
until 1953, when the members purchased Temple Beth Miriam on North Bath 
Avenue. Two years later, a youth baseball league was established by 
IAMA. But in 1958, disaster struck: the IAMA hall burnt to the

[[Page E930]]

ground as members were preparing for a New Year's Eve Gala. But the 
members did not let this tragic incident stop them. They went back to 
meeting in basements, homes, and businesses until they purchased from 
the city of Long Branch, in 1959, a piece of land on West End avenue. 
The facility was later physically moved to the corner of West End and 
Indiana avenues, with IAMA members pitching in to do the construction, 
carpentry, and other work.
  Into the 1990's, IAMA continues its work of promoting social, 
cultural, and recreational activities for the citizens of Long Branch, 
especially the young people. In addition to starting the baseball 
league, the IAMA organized a Pop Warner football team and the Long 
Branch Boxing Association, and holds drug and alcohol-free dances for 
high school students. Each holiday season, the organization donates to 
the Long Branch Middle School Thanksgiving Food Drive and Christmas 
food baskets, as well as the school's Operation Sleighbell project, 
which distributes toys to kids who might not get Christmas gifts 
otherwise. IAMA has raised money for children in need of special 
medical attention at Ronald McDonald House. It supports forensic and 
debating teams at Long Branch High School, as well as special programs 
for disabled athletes. The IAMA building also houses a variety of 
athletic facilities and equipment. The association always comes up with 
a variety of exciting and enjoyable activities to raise funds for these 
worthy goals.
  Albano Hall was dedicated last November in memory of Anthony Albano, 
a life member who was noted for bridging the gap between the new and 
the old organization, and the man responsible for restarting the 
memorial services after a 25-year lapse.
  As a recent article in the Atlanticville newspaper of Long Branch put 
it, the IAMA is an organization that has become part of the identity of 
the community it serves. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to pay tribute to the 
50th anniversary of the IAMA, and I look forward to participating in 
the celebration of this momentous occasion.

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