[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 27 (Friday, February 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING SYD BYKOFSKY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THEODORE E. DEUTCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2011

  Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to congratulate 
Syd Bykofsky on his 95th birthday. Born in New York City, Syd has 
dedicated his life to helping others, and to being a loud and 
commanding voice for workers' rights.
  Syd began his political activism at the age of 14. When he was just 
18 years old, Syd solidified his activism by advocating for a 40 hour 
work week and picketing on behalf of Laundry Workers, Taxi Drivers, and 
Millinery Workers, to ensure a better work environment for future 
generations. In his 20s, Syd joined the Workmen's Circle and served 
locally and nationally in many leadership positions. Since 1993, Syd 
has been an active member of the Workmen's Circle Florida Regional 
Board.
  Syd continued his political and social activism and in 1965 he 
marched on Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Syd continued 
his fight for equal opportunity when he participated in the Selma to 
Montgomery March for Civil Rights; and, by demonstrating for Memphis 
Garbage Workers and Nurses in Atlanta, Georgia, Syd's contributions to 
workers rights expanded over the years.
  Even though Syd maintained a busy schedule as a community activist, 
he always made time to be involved in the life of his family. Having 
been the President of both the PTA and the Father's Club of his 
children's public school, he was a proud and dedicated father to his 
children. His commitment to his children and the community continued as 
he became the Vice President of the 61st Precinct Community Council Day 
Camp. Syd helped organize Marlboro Houses Day Camp, served on the local 
school board of District 21K in Brooklyn and assisted in opening John 
Dewey High School for Special Education.
  Today, Syd continues to be a part of his family's lives not only with 
his grandchildren, but also with his great-grandchildren. Syd's 
activism is sustained by serving on the Executive Board of the Florida 
Alliance for Retired Americans and as the Director of Brittany C. Kings 
Point in Florida. This is a wonderful opportunity to honor Syd for his 
lifetime of activism, and I join his family and friends in 
congratulating him on this joyous occasion.
  Congratulations to Syd and his entire family on his 95th birthday.

                          ____________________