[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 26 (Wednesday, March 3, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO THE SLOVENE NATIONAL BENEFIT SOCIETY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MELISSA A. HART

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 3, 2004

  Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
congratulate the Slovene National Benefit Society (SNPJ) in honor of 
their 100th anniversary celebration on April 6, 2004. As a U.S. 
Representative of Western Pennsylvania, I am proud of its rich 
Slovenian heritage and SNPJ's efforts to preserve it.
  The Slovene National Benefit Society was founded on April 6, 1904 to 
provide affordable life protection to immigrant Slovenian families. 
Today the Slovene National Benefit Society still provides affordable 
life insurance to Slovenian immigrants; however, it has grown to 
include members from all ethnic backgrounds and has developed into a 
diverse fraternal society which today can boast $100 million in assets. 
SNPJ also continues to offer a full package of social, athletic and 
cultural opportunities, along with college scholarships and community 
service projects. SPNJ's social and fraternal events provide a way for 
people from all backgrounds to preserve a culture of a homeland while 
building new long lasting friendships in America.
  I ask my colleagues to join with me in commemorating this fine 
organization and the members that maintain its excellence. It is my 
pleasure to recognize that efforts of the Slovene National Benefit 
Society to preserve the rich Slovenian heritage and foster new 
friendships in America.

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