[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 63 (Wednesday, May 9, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S4588]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF GLADYS AND ABRAHAM BARRON

 Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, it is a special honor for me today 
to ask all of my colleagues in the United States Senate to join me in 
commemorating the 60th Wedding Anniversary on April 3, 2001 and the 
Bat- and Bar-Mitzvah on May 18, 2001 of Gladys and Abraham Barron of 
Centerville, Massachusetts.
  Gladys, born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, of immigrant parents on May 
19, 1921, spent her youth in Revere, MA, and graduated from Revere High 
School. When she was 20, she married Abraham Barron on April 3, 1941.
  Abraham had emigrated from Kiev, Russia when he was two-years old and 
settled in Chelsea with his mother. He graduated from Chelsea High 
School and began to learn the welder's trade. Following his marriage to 
Gladys in 1941, his father-in law introduced him to the hat-maker's 
trade. Abe became so proficient and so gifted in the art of fashioning 
caps and hats that his colleagues bestowed on him the soubriquet 
``Golden Hands.''
  Eventually, Abe began his own business while Gladys raised their two 
children, Melanie and Jeffrey. Gladys' love for painting inspired her 
to enroll in art courses and indeed both she and Abe could be called 
life-long students not only of the arts but also of their Jewish 
heritage. Gladys was a tireless worker for Hadassah while Abe was a 
dedicated member of the synagogue. Their respect for others led them to 
become dedicated to the civil rights movement and to the cause of 
Israel.
  On May 18, 2001 they will at long last celebrate their Bat and Bar 
Mitzvah, Gladys for the first time and Abe to renew his commitment to 
his religion. The Bar Mitzvah ceremony; such an essential part of 
Jewish life is a distinct honor and Abe and Gladys are to be commended 
for their continued dedication to the Jewish faith throughout their 
lives. Ordinarily, a rite of passage for young Jewish children about to 
enter their teens, the ceremony has been adapted so that Gladys and Abe 
can celebrate that which was denied them so long ago.
  It is a true honor to see Abe and Gladys reach this momentous day. 
Congratulations to you Abe, Gladys and your family as you share in this 
meaningful and important milestone in your lives.

                          ____________________