[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 79 (Wednesday, June 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1245]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING SIR FERNANDO MUY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues in the 
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to honor the contributions 
and achievements of Sir Fernando Muy on his recent passing. Sir Muy was 
an entrepreneur, friend, community volunteer, husband, father, 
grandfather, and great grandfather. Sir Muy made an impact to each 
person he came in contact with and left them with compassion, patience, 
and generosity.
  I had the honor of meeting Sir Muy at a community gathering at the On 
Leong Chinese Community Center last July. I learned that he was a kind 
and caring man who took interest in helping others. He was a man who 
pushed for the rights of Chinese both in the U.S. and internationally.
  The title ``Sir'' was bestowed upon Fernando Muy by the 25th Knight 
of the Imperial Byzantine Order of the Star of Asia, by H.I.R.H. Prince 
Henri Constantine III the current leader of Byzantine Dynasty of the 
Eastern Roman Empire. His title was placed upon him for his outstanding 
accomplishments in making great contributions to the public charity, 
culture, and his promotion of world peace. Other such winners of this 
award include President Harry Truman and John Glenn.
  Since he had been oppressed by two Communist regimes in China and in 
Cuba, Sir Muy was a staunch opponent of Communism. With a sound 
financial foundation behind him, the retired entrepreneur decided to 
become active in the community. Sir Muy's contributions and tireless 
advocacy work helped make it possible for Chinese immigrants to have 
the rights they have today. He advocated and encouraged all immigrants 
to become citizens, to register to vote so as to exercise their duty 
and power as citizens.
  Sir Muy worked tirelessly to reduce the tension between China and 
Taiwan by traveling to both countries to encourage on-going dialogue 
between the two sides. In Miami, his place of residence, he continued 
his personal commitment to the community by establishing the following 
organizations in Miami: Chinese Welfare Council in 1978, World Kwong 
Tung Community Association in 1991, Florida Chinese Federation in 1993 
and Overseas Chinese Association in 2000. He also helped with the 
creation of the following: Chinese American Benevolent Association in 
1956, Organization of Chinese Americans--South Florida Chapter in 1987, 
and United Chinese Association of Florida in 2003.
  Sir Muy accepted the position of the National President of Overseas 
Chinese Association in 2000. He wanted to revitalize an inactive ten-
year-old organization with only one chapter in the country of Macao. In 
order to make an international impact, he decided to stay in Taiwan. 
The mission of OCA is to unite all overseas Chinese worldwide, to 
promote harmony by using Founding Father Dr. Sun Yat-San's ``Three 
People's Principles''; preserve the Chinese heritage, and encourage 
members to actively participate in local civil affairs for equality, 
and advancement of Chinese.
  Sir Fernando Muy will be remembered as a great philanthropist, a 
successful entrepreneur, a caring father and grandfather. Most of all, 
he will be remembered for his philanthropy and chivalry's spirit of 
justice, his commitment to advocate for the welfare and advancement of 
Chinese worldwide, and the promotion of the Chinese culture.

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