[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 22, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E875]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTERNATIONAL VISITORS COUNCIL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 21, 2002

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, the International Visitors Council of 
Metropolitan Detroit is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to 
present the unique culture of Metro Detroit to distinguished visitors 
from around the world through its social, economic, and educational 
diversity. This year, as the International Visitors Council held their 
annual Gala Celebration, they also celebrated their 30th Anniversary on 
May 17, 2002.
  Since 1972, the International Visitors Council of Metropolitan 
Detroit has demonstrated distinguished service and leadership in 
establishing cross-culture relations and building solid networks of 
communication at the personal and professional level. As ``citizen 
diplomats'' faithfully committed to the mission of the International 
Visitors Council, volunteers dedicate their time and talents to hosting 
meetings, fundraisers and receptions for Detroit citizens and honorable 
guests from around the world. Opening their homes and hearts to 
international visitors from Europe, Asia and Africa, they take it upon 
themselves to ensure that visitors leave Detroit with a positive 
impression of the city and its citizenry.
  Creating dialogue and building bridges of understanding is the only 
way to ensure the advancement of communities built on respect and 
justice. Today the International Visitors Council of Metropolitan 
Detroit is one of 96 councils in the nationwide network of the National 
Council of International Visitors, welcoming over 12,000 international 
visitors during the last three decades. The hard work and dedication of 
the International Visitors Council of Detroit to achieving its mission 
of building solid friendships and improving relations between the 
United States and other countries is truly exceptional, and encourages 
others to reach their level of activism and understanding.
  I applaud the International Visitors Council of Metropolitan Detroit 
on their leadership and commitment, and I congratulate them on 30 
outstanding years of dedication and service. I urge my colleagues to 
join me in saluting them for their exemplary years of public service.

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