[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 102 (Friday, July 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE GERMAN CENTRAL FOUNDATION AND THE GERMAN CENTRAL 
                             FARM OF PARMA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 10, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the German 
Central Foundation and the German Central Farm of Parma, as they become 
one of ten statewide recipients to receive a Historical Marker from the 
State of Ohio Bicentennial Commission and Multicultural and Ethnic 
Community Advisory Counsel.
  This significant marker stands as a monument to the German Central 
Farm--a place transformed over eight decades as a haven and vital 
resource for German immigrants. The marker at German Central Farm also 
represents the dedication, heart and soul of the German Central 
Foundation, reflecting the commitment of members and leaders--past and 
present--to preserve, protect and promote the many colorful facets of 
German heritage, culture and history.
  The German Central Organization embodies the spirit of America--the 
pioneer spirit, the immigrant spirit and the spirit of diversity of all 
peoples from all cultures that is the foundation of our community, our 
state and our nation. The German Central Organization--like thousands 
of cultural organizations with ancestral ties that span the globe--
reflects a journey toward freedom, a struggle from oppression and the 
blazing of a new trail in America.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in tribute and recognition 
of the German Central Foundation, as the German Central Farm is honored 
by the State of Ohio with a Historical Marker. This gathering place 
along York Road in Parma has been a source of heritage, comfort, 
resource and pride for several generations of German Americans. The 
cultivation and preservation of our varied places of origin is the 
earth of America--it is the origin of our nation. And as America has 
flourished, our roots remain viable--uniting us all.

                          ____________________