[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 163 (Saturday, December 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF MIKE KOUNTOURIS

                                 ______
                                 

                   HON. CHARLES W. ``CHIP'' PICKERING

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 16, 2005

  Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, on December 4, 2005, a dear and beloved 
member of the Jackson, Mississippi community passed away.
  Mike Kountouris has been as much the landmark to Jackson as his 
famous restaurant the Mayflower Cafe, where he had worked since 1935.
  An immigrant from Greece, Mike and his family lived the story of 
America. They came to this land and worked hard to become honored 
citizens. Mike served in World War II, fighting in the United States 
Army in his home country of Greece where he was wounded and awarded the 
Purple Heart. He and his family--those before him and now his 
children--poured their sweat and passion for life into their family 
business. The Mayflower has been for generations a place where families 
and celebrities, politicians and journalists, the young and old have 
come for good food and fellowship. From first dates to wedding 
anniversaries, Mike made this a center of the Jackson community by 
making family the focus of his business.
  Mr. Speaker, Mike began his journey in this world on the island of 
Patmos and we in Mississippi were blessed that he ended the journey not 
only in Jackson, Mississippi, but the hearts of his family, friends and 
customers. I take this time to remember Mike Kountouris and to remind 
my fellow Mississippians of the impact that one man can have on a 
community. He was a special man that we will all miss.

                          ____________________