[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 187 (Wednesday, November 28, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1568]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO THE HOMENETMEN GLENDALE ``ARARAT'' CHAPTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 28, 2018

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Homenetmen 
Glendale ``Ararat'' Chapter upon its fortieth anniversary.
  Established in 1918, the Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts, 
commonly referred to as Homenetmen, has served hundreds of thousands of 
youth worldwide. 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, including in the 
United States.
  Homenetmen Western USA presently comprises 19 chapters, with several 
within California's 28th Congressional District, which is home to a 
large and vibrant Armenian-American community. This extraordinary 
organization has preserved the Armenian spirit by introducing Armenian-
American youth to the rich Armenian culture and heritage, and has 
provided them with physical, moral and social education.
  Founded in 1978, the Homenetmen Glendale ``Ararat'' Chapter is the 
largest chapter in Homenetmen Western USA. It has served thousands of 
children, young adults and seniors over the years and has provided 
scouting, athletic, educational, cultural, and wellness activities to 
the comunities it serves. The organization has been especially 
committed to improving the lives of our next generation by offering 
healthy programs for teens and young adults through supervised weekend 
and after school activities in a family-oriented environment. In 
addition, it has championed teaching the importance of volunteerism, 
teamwork and citizenship.
  The time, effort, and care that the Homenetmen Glendale ``Ararat'' 
Chapter has given to the community is invaluable, and the Armenian-
American residents of Southern California have benefited greatly from 
its dedicated work. The organization has played a significant role in 
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 
Glendale ``Ararat'' Chapter for forty years of dedicated service.

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