[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 147 (Wednesday, September 5, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1201]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO THE HOMENETMEN LOS ANGELES CHAPTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 5, 2018

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Homenetmen Los 
Angeles Chapter upon its fiftieth anniversary.
   Established in 1918, the Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts, 
commonly referred to as Homenetmen, has served hundreds of thousands of 
youth worldwide. The first chapter in the western United States, the 
Homenetmen Los Angeles Chapter, was founded in 1968, and its prosperity 
led to the formation of other chapters across the region.
   Homenetmen Western USA presently comprises 19 chapters, with several 
within California's 28th Congressional District, which is home to a 
large Armenian community. This extraordinary organization has preserved 
the Armenian spirit by exposing Armenian-American youth to the rich 
Armenian culture and heritage, and has provided them with physical, 
moral and social education.
   The Homenetmen Los Angeles Chapter plays a vital role in instilling 
the importance of teamwork, discipline and patriotism within its 
members, and helps shape the character and hone leadership skills of 
Armenian-American youth. It conducts scouting and athletic activities 
which foster dedicated and outstanding individuals and encourages 
members to work towards achieving individual as well as collective 
excellence. Through its scouting program, scouts actively engage in 
physical, team-building and educational activities, coupled with 
community service, outdoor scouting expeditions and field trips.
   The time, effort, and care that the Homenetmen Los Angeles Chapter 
has given to the community are invaluable, and the Armenian-American 
residents of Southern California have benefited greatly from their 
dedicated work. The organization has championed shaping our children 
into responsible citizens and thriving members of society, who become 
shining examples of Homenetmen's motto -- ``Elevate Yourself and Others 
With You.''
   I ask all Members to join with me in commending the Homenetmen Los 
Angeles Chapter for fifty years of dedicated service.

                          ____________________