[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E142-E143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ALBERTO VAZQUEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 1998

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and pay tribute to 
Mr. Alberto Vazquez, the newly selected Mr. Amigo.
  Every year, members of the Mr. Amigo Association, who represent the 
City of Brownsville, Texas, travel to Mexico City to select a new Mr. 
Amigo to serve as the honored guest of the Mr. Amigo festivities in 
Brownsville. The Mr. Amigo festivity is a four day international event 
which invites the United States and Mexico to celebrate the cultures of 
these neighboring countries. During the Mr. Amigo celebration, which 
originated as a pre-Lenten festival, Brownsville citizens participate 
in a series of parades, dances and parties to demonstrate the goodwill 
of both countries. It is a major function which is eagerly anticipated 
by many South Texans as well as our winter visitors.
  We are honored to recognize Mr. Alberto Vazquez as the 34th Mexican 
citizen chosen by the Mr. Amigo Association. Mr. Vazquez was born in 
Guaymas, Sonora. He filmed 34 movies with outstanding Mexican Stars 
such as Soler, Marga Lopez, and last year's recipient of Mr. Amigo, 
Angelica Maria. Mr. Vazquez has recorded 108 records, many of them 
receiving gold and silver status, and listings on the top spots of the 
international record charts. He has received numerous awards and 
recognitions throughout Mexico, the United States and Latin America.
  Alberto Vazquez recently released his latest record ``Cosas de 
Alberto Vazquez,'' which includes such hits as ``Te he Prometido,'' 
``Tus Ojos,'' ``Anoche me Enamore,'' and ``El Ultimo Beso.''
  Mr. Alberto Vazquez is a perfect recipient of the Mr. Amigo award. 
For he has, over the long period of his career, taken his unique 
screen, television, and stage performances to numerous countries, 
including the United States. A true ambassador of his country and of 
his culture, he has been praised by numerous organizations for his 
unconditional commitment to improve mutual understanding and 
cooperation between Mexico and the United States. Mr. Alberto Vazquez 
should be recognized for both his artistic ability and his contribution 
to his commitment to bicultural relations between the two nations.
  Mr. Amigo, Mr. Alberto Vazquez, will receive the red-carpet treatment 
when he visits

[[Page E143]]

Brownsville as the city's honored guest during the upcoming Mr. Amigo 
celebration. During his stay on the border, he will make personal 
appearances in parades and other festival events. Official ``welcome'' 
receptions will be staged by organizations in Cameron County, Texas, 
and the cities of Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, 
Mexico.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in extending congratulations to Mr. 
Alberto Vazquez for being honored with this special award.

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