[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 48 (Thursday, March 25, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E595]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN HONOR OF DR. HORACIO AGUIRRE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 1999

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today it is a distinct honor to 
recognize Dr. Horacio Aguirre, an outstanding journalist, good family 
man and contributing member to our South Florida community, for his 
many years of dedication and vision in the area of journalism. As an 
acknowledgement of his endeavors, the Miami International Press Club 
will present Dr. Aguirre with its 1999 Good News Award on April 15th.
  The Cuban patriot Jose Marti once said: ``Talent is a gift that 
brings with it an obligation to serve the world, and not ourselves, for 
it is not of our making''. Dr. Aguirre has taken those prophetic words 
to heart, for his entire life has been dedicated to protecting and 
advancing the entire spectrum of journalism with his feverish talent 
and love for the field.
  From his early years as the editorial writer at El Panama America 
newspaper in Panama, to his experience as a founding editor with one of 
the longest running dailies, Diario Las Americas; Dr. Aguirre has 
always been a champion for all journalistic causes.
  His achievements have been such that other nations such as Panama, 
Ecuador, the Dominican Republic and Spain have all bestowed awards upon 
him. Dr. Aguirre has also been very active with the Inter-American 
Press Association, where he has held the posts of Secretary, Chairman, 
First Vice-President and President.
  Mr. Speaker, in an era where journalistic rights have come under 
increasing attacks from dictatorial governments, Dr. Horacio Aguirre is 
worthy of recognition because he is and continues to be a defender of 
journalists' rights to report.
  He has contributed immensely to the hemispheric discussion on this 
most important of issues. Dr. Horacio Aguirre offers to all of the 
Americas what the brilliant Ruben Dario gave to his native country, 
Nicaragua: ``I offer unto you the steel upon which I forged my efforts, 
the coffer of harmony that guards my treasure, the crown of diamonds 
the idol that I adore.''

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