[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 21 (Thursday, February 10, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H603]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           EGYPTIAN ORPHANAGE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Pitts) for 1 minute.
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, as I rise today, I am mindful of events 
occurring in Egypt. And I want to extend my congratulations to the 
Lillian Trasher Orphanage of Asyut, Egypt, which is celebrating 100 
years of service this month. As our ally Egypt stands on the cusp of a 
new future, one hopefully based on respect for democracy and human 
rights, we honor the people who have worked for decades to build an 
educated and productive civil society there.
  The Lillian Trasher Orphanage, begun in 1911 by an American from 
Jacksonville, Florida, is one of the oldest and longest-serving 
charities in the world. It currently serves over 600 children, along 
with widows and staff. This pillar of the community has been home to 
thousands of children who needed food, shelter, and a family. Orphanage 
graduates serve around the world as bankers, doctors, pastors, 
teachers, and even in the U.S. Government.
  Despite many challenges over the years, the wonderful staff, now led 
by George and Fathia Assad, has continued serving the children no 
matter what the circumstances. We applaud that cloud of witnesses over 
the past 100 years who have supported this organization through 
service, friendship, prayers, and donations. And we support and stand 
with this great institution and voice our ongoing support for this and 
other similar Egyptian grassroots organizations during this critical 
period in the nation's history.

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