[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 56 (Thursday, May 7, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING MICHAEL BERRY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 7, 1998

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of 
Michael Berry as he receives the 1998 Ellis Island Medal of Honor on 
Saturday, May 9, 1998. The National Ethnic Coalition, the largest 
ethnic and heritage organization in the United States, presents these 
medals each year to recognize exceptional humanitarian efforts and 
outstanding contributions to our country.
  In Michael Berry they have found an individual who truly exemplifies 
the spirit of this award.
  Mr. Berry has devoted his life to the welfare of the Arab American 
community, both in America and abroad. While Mr. Berry has often been 
described as the ``elder Statesman of the Arabic Community'' he has 
always shunned such titles, believing instead that his work should 
speak for itself.
  Having witnessed the efforts of Michael Berry for three decades, I 
know it would require volumes to capture the depth and intensity of the 
great work and magnificent contributions of his service. And, more 
importantly, I know there is no final chapter because his work is 
ongoing.
  The achievements of Michael Berry in the legal, civic, social, 
humanitarian and public service fields are spread across his home 
community of Dearborn, the metro-Detroit area, the State of Michigan, 
the United States, and of course the international community.
  Michael Berry served his community through the Dearborn United 
Community Services, the Southeast Dearborn Civic Association, the Wayne 
County Citizens Committee on Juvenile Delinquency, the Executive Board 
of the March of Dimes, and St. Jude's Hospital for which he received 
the Danny Thomas Award for furthering the goals of the Hospital.
  He served as a member and Chairman of the Board of the Wayne County 
Road Commission for over 15 years. This service was recognized when the 
International Terminal at Metro Detroit Airport was named the Michael 
Berry International Terminal.
  Michael Berry served his state on the Michigan Committee for Racial 
and Ethnic Minority Equality and on the Michigan Supreme Court's Task 
Force for ethnic and racial discrimination in the courts.
  He served his nation as a member of the American Task Force for 
Lebanon. He was selected by the United States Information Service as an 
exemplary first generation Lebanese American in published materials 
circulated overseas and he was sponsored by the U.S. Department of 
State Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs to participate in a 
speaking tour of the Near East in 1966.
  Michael Berry served the Arab American community at home and abroad. 
He served as the first ever Muslim co-chairperson of the Greater 
Detroit Conference of Christians, Jews and Muslims when ``Muslims'' was 
added to this generations-old organization. He was President for over 
twenty years of the Cedars of Lebanon Bar Association, now known as the 
Arab American Bar Association.
  Michael Berry has been cited many times for his humanitarian efforts. 
He and other Lebanese-American leaders were instrumental in sending 
$1.6 million worth of medical supplies and equipment to three supply-
drained hospitals in Lebanon in 1992.
  He was the first co-chairman of the United American Lebanese 
Association and was awarded the National Order of Cedar of Lebanon by 
the Lebanese Government on October 21, 1993.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with high admiration that I rise today to salute 
the achievements of a wonderful friend and world citizen as he receives 
this most prestigious award.

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