[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 158 (Tuesday, September 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO THE ARMENIAN GENERAL ATHLETIC UNION AND SCOUTS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2018

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Armenian General 
Athletic Union and Scouts, commonly known as Homenetmen, upon its one-
hundredth anniversary.
  Founded in 1918, Homenetmen has been a global phenomenon that has 
served hundreds of thousands of youth worldwide. Over the years, this 
extraordinary organization has mentored outstanding youth and has 
encouraged members to work towards achieving individual as well as 
collective excellence.
  Homenetmen has continuously expanded over the last century and is 
currently the largest Armenian scouting and athletic organization in 
the United States. In 1922, when Homenetmen chapters in Constantinople 
were forced to close, its leaders dispersed across the world. From 
there, a network of chapters began appearing globally. 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; several 
within California's 28th Congressional District, which is home to a 
large Armenian-American community. Throughout the years, the 
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. It conducts 
scouting and athletic activities which foster dedicated and outstanding 
individuals and helps members develop leadership and life skills. 
Through its scouting program, scouts actively engage in physical, team-
building and educational activities, coupled with community service and 
outdoor scouting expeditions. A highlight of the organization is the 
Navasartian Games and Festival, which is an annual event that attracts 
thousands of community members and boasts the participation of many 
athletes and scouts.
  The time, effort, and care that Homenetmen has given to the global 
Armenian community is invaluable, and many have benefited greatly from 
their dedicated work. The organization has championed shaping our 
children into responsible 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 Homenetmen for one-
hundred years of dedicated service.

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