[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 163 (Tuesday, November 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. HENRY HUONG LE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 15, 2016

  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the life and 
untimely passing of Mr. Henry Huong Le. Mr. Le passed away on October 
6, 2016, leaving behind a wife, three children, a large extended family 
and a community mourning the loss of a generous soul.
  Mr. Le arrived in the City of San Jose in the late 70s, seeking 
refuge from the Communists in Vietnam. Though he and his family had 
little upon arrival, their business flourished into the largest 
industrial catering company in Northern California and the world's 
largest chain of banh mi sandwich shops.
  Mr. Le shared his success with the community in San Jose. He was a 
community leader, human rights advocate, and philanthropist. Mr. Le 
served as president of the Vietnamese Heritage Society to preserve, 
promote, and celebrate the history and heritage of Vietnamese 
Americans. He was also a founding member of the Vietnamese American 
National Gala, an annual event to celebrate Vietnamese heritage and 
which honors the achievements and contributions of Asian Pacific 
Americans.
  Mr. Le put the needs of others before his own when Hurricane Katrina 
displaced people who had nowhere to go. They were welcomed into his 
office in Mississippi for shelter. Mr. Le inspired me personally and I 
was able to see his kindness when meeting with him. He expressed his 
deep commitment to advance the cause of religious freedom in Vietnam as 
well as advocating for Hoa Hao Buddhism.
  Mr. Le's life serves as inspiration on how to live life generously 
and with kindness.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Henry 
Huong Le for a life of extraordinary leadership and advocacy in the 
community of San Jose and for Vietnamese people globally.

                          ____________________