[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 90 (Thursday, June 30, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          A TRIBUTE TO THE SOUTH COAST CHINESE CULTURAL CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHRISTOPHER COX

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 29, 2005

  Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate the South 
Coast Chinese Cultural Center on the occasion of its grand opening 
celebration on Sunday, April 24, 2005 in Irvine, California. This 
important and vibrant cultural center will serve as a gathering place 
for thousands of Californians. This is a center that will serve as a 
place of community bonding and fellowship; a place to build new 
relationships and to foster old ones; a place to learn about Chinese 
history and to teach younger generations about Chinese culture and 
language; and, of course, a place to relax and to play mah-jong with 
the best of them.
  The South Coast Chinese Cultural Association, founded in 1977, is the 
heart and soul behind this new center. For 28 years the SCCCA has 
served and supported Orange County's Chinese community. The mission of 
the association is the same today as it was in 1977: to promote an, 
understanding of Chinese culture, to preserve Chinese heritage, and to 
support the rights of all Chinese Americans. This outstanding 
organization currently serves more than 1,000 member families in the 
greater Orange County area. The South Coast Chinese Cultural Center was 
born out of the idea that the association could better serve its 
members from a central campus.
  Tradition is a large and vital part of Chinese culture and way of 
life. Ancient traditions continue with new life here in America in 
places such as the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center. Younger 
generations will have the opportunity to learn from their elders about 
the timeless art of Chinese Brush Painting, Chinese Calligraphy, 
Chinese Swordsmanship, and Chinese Martial Arts. The Irvine Chinese 
School, now in its 28th year, will continue to serve the community at 
this new center by giving new meaning to Chinese language and lessons 
for future generations of Chinese Americans. The heritage of the Old 
World will not be lost so long as there are places like the South Coast 
Chinese Cultural Center in which to congregate.
  This grand opening celebration of the South Coast Chinese Cultural 
Center was a momentous occasion for not only the Chinese community, but 
also for people of all backgrounds throughout Orange County and all of 
Southern California. This center aims to unite the unique and diverse 
ethnic framework that makes ours such a thriving and vibrant community.
  I am particularly proud that the South Coast Chinese Cultural 
Center--the largest center of its kind on the West Coast--has chosen to 
call Irvine its home. The leadership exemplified by the Chinese 
community in Orange County in building this wonderful center has shown 
us that, with a great vision and dedication, we can ensure that the 
global traditions and cultures that have been brought to America's 
melting pot will live on for generations to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating 
the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center on the occasion of its recent 
grand opening.

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