[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 83 (Monday, May 21, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E700-E701]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING MRS. ELADIA VELEZ ON HER 100TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 21, 2018

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend the happiest of 
birthday wishes to Mrs. Eladia Velez, a resident of the Lower East 
Side, New York, and a centenarian, who celebrated her 100th birthday on 
May 19, 2018. Eladia has lived a life characterized by hard work and 
unyielding selflessness, and is a pillar of her community. From an 
early age, Eladia exhibited an outstanding work ethic and profound 
concern for others.
  Eladia Velez was born in 1918 in Carolina, Puerto Rico and was one of 
three children. She later married and had four children. She was a 
stay-at-home mom and also cared for her ailing mother. When her mother 
passed, her brother encouraged her to earn her high school degree which 
she proudly accomplished.
  In 1948, Eladia and her husband came to New York City to work and 
build a new home for her family, leaving their children back in Puerto 
Rico. In 1950, she reunited with them in the Lower East Side. Eladia 
worked as a seamstress and after a year of hard work, she was promoted 
to supervisor at the factory. In 1989, she returned to Puerto Rico due 
to a family matter. She remained there and pursued her interest in 
human services to become a social worker. For three years she provided 
services to the children and families of Carolina, Puerto Rico. She 
then subsequently returned to New York City where she has been living 
since with her family.
  Eladia symbolizing decades of longevity and hard work, this occasion 
reflects an important milestone in a growing segment of American life: 
the Centenarian. Over the years, special individuals like Eladia have 
contributed to our nation and witnessed remarkable changes and 
extraordinary progress. She has lived through some of the most exciting 
times in our nation's history.
  Today, Eladia enjoys the company of her beloved children, 
grandchildren and community. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring 
Ms. Velez on this special occasion of her 100th year birthday.

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