[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 140 (Wednesday, October 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1466]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE BRANFORD ITALIAN-AMERICAN CLUB ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR 
                            75TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 9, 2013

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join the Branford community in extending my heartfelt 
congratulations to the Branford Italian-American Club as they gather in 
celebration of their 75th Anniversary. This is a remarkable milestone 
for this community treasure!
  Today, as the Club members and their families gather to commemorate 
their 75th Anniversary, they also celebrate the many invaluable 
contributions the Club has made to our community. People across the 
country struggle to create a sense of community, a sense of belonging. 
Growing up in an Italian-American neighborhood, I know the feeling of 
heritage and kinship that organizations like the Branford Italian-
American Club provide. Like so many others, the Club has played an 
important role in forging strong bonds of friendship throughout the 
community.
  The Branford Italian-American Club's strength lies in the 
participation and commitment of its members. Over the seventy-five 
years, the Club's membership has worked hard to preserve and protect 
the rich history of our ancestors. Whether it through the Bocce League, 
Dart Club, the Club Cruise, or their participation in such local events 
as the Branford Festival, the activities offered through the Club allow 
families to connect with each other--celebrating our shared history and 
traditions. That sense of heritage and culture is the special gift that 
the Club gives to their members, our community, and future generations.
  Our communities would not be the same without the efforts of 
volunteers like you whose energy, compassion, and concern touches 
people's lives every day. Throughout its history, a commitment to 
community service has been at the center of the Branford Italian-
American Club's mission. Its members have volunteered for countless 
community efforts, volunteering as mentors for children in the local 
school system, and adopting families in need during the holiday season.
  Today, as they gather to celebrate the past 75 years, the members of 
the Branford Italian-American Club can be proud of the many ways in 
which they have helped to shape our community. I am proud to have this 
opportunity to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to the Club's 
leadership and its members for all of their outstanding efforts to 
improve the quality of life for others and to make our community a 
better place. I am also honored to stand today to congratulate them on 
this very special anniversary and wish them a the best for many more 
years of success.

                          ____________________