[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 21, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S716]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            75TH ANNIVERSARY OF HOSTELLING INTERNATIONAL USA

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment today to 
recognize the 75th anniversary of Hostelling International USA. Since 
1934, Hostelling International USA has helped facilitate travel within 
the United States by the world's youth and promoted intercultural 
understanding. As part of the international hostelling movement, this 
organization has helped Americans to experience different parts of 
their own country and helped international travelers to better 
understand our unique and proud history, people, and way of life.
  The sharing of cultures that naturally occurs in a hostel helps 
people to better understand and identify with others of various 
backgrounds. Instead of retreating to a hotel room every night, 
travelers in a hostel are literally living beside and interacting with 
fellow travelers from other countries. Several of my staff have stayed 
in hostels while traveling, and I know their experiences have helped 
shape their ability to appreciate different cultures and points of 
view. In this respect, it is the small, everyday human interactions 
that can have the biggest impact, like encountering someone who may not 
speak English and learning to communicate or sharing favorite foods 
among an international group of travelers.
  In my home State of Iowa, the Northeast Iowa Council of Hostelling 
International USA has provided activities for youth and adults alike in 
Postville and surrounding communities since 1975. I am glad that Iowans 
have the benefit of this programming to give a greater understanding of 
the world and its people to residents who may not have had a chance to 
travel widely. I am also glad that Hostelling International USA 
continues to provide the opportunity for people from around the world, 
and especially young people, to see the real America firsthand and meet 
the American people. This is the best way to build good will across the 
globe, and I congratulate Hostelling International USA for its 75 years 
of service.

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