[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 54 (Thursday, April 3, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY, ANASTACIO A. CISNEROZ

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                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2003

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to my constituent, 
Anastacio A. Cisneroz, who celebrates his 100th birthday on April 15, 
2003 at Pico Adobe Historical Park in Mission Hills.
  Born in Purandido, Michoacan, Mexico, Anastacio and his family fled 
to the United States in 1918 to avoid the hardships caused by the 
Mexican Revolution and to find a better life. Anastacio was 15 years 
old, and the hunger and suffering endured by his family remains fresh 
in his mind.
  During their journey to the San Fernando Valley, Anastacio's mother, 
Refujio Armenta, and youngest brother, Perfidio, died of a particularly 
virulent strain of influenza which also killed millions of others. His 
father, brother, sister and he continued by train through Ciudad Juarez 
to El Paso on December 25,1918.
  In 1932 he married Jessie Menjares and purchased a home in San 
Fernando where he lives to this day. He has nine children, 31 
grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren and 5 great, great 
grandchildren--5 wonderful generations.
  Because of his determination, work ethic, and spirit, Anastacio 
thrived in the United States even though things were not always easy. 
In 1942, he began working for Lockheed. The hours were long and the 
work was hard, but Anastacio took pride in his efforts and was 
extremely successful. He retired with the respect and admiration of his 
peers and supervisors after 27 years of service.
  Today, Anastacio likes to travel, work in his vegetable garden, shop 
in supermarkets and walk to the barbershop. He attributes his longevity 
to hard work, good food, sleeping well and never smoking or drinking. 
He says that the secret of his long life is ``living with common 
sense.''
  We respect and honor Anastacio and hopefully, we will all learn from 
his wisdom.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to ask my colleagues to join me in saluting 
Anastacio Cisneroz on his 100th Birthday.

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