[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 26 (Thursday, March 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E362]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO ALBERTO FIBLA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 12, 1998

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great 
Cuban who is now, also, a great American and a constituent of mine, Dr. 
Alberto Fibla, who is a true inspiration to all of us.
  Dr. Fibla survived over 20 brutal years in jail as a political 
prisoner under the Castro dictatorship.
  When Dr. Fibla recently became a United States citizen, one of his 
first acts was to seek to register with the Army and Navy. Dr. Fibla 
wanted to volunteer as a physician to serve this country to assist in 
America's efforts in the Persian Gulf region. Unfortunately, Dr. Fibla 
was turned away because he exceeded the age requirement. However, I 
believe that Dr. Fibla's efforts to join the armed forces should be 
applauded.
  It is easy to take the personal privileges and great freedoms we 
enjoy in this great country, the United States of America, for granted. 
Often it is the patriotism shown by new citizens, such as Dr. Alberto 
Fibla, that remind us of the importance of our liberty and freedoms.
  Thank you, Dr. Fibla, for your commitment to the defense of the 
United States. You are truly a great American.

                          ____________________