[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 149 (Thursday, September 14, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4301]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF EL PACHUCO ZOOT SUITS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Correa) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate the 45th 
anniversary of El Pachuco Zoot Suits stores in Fullerton, California. 
El Pachuco is a very important cornerstone of our community in Orange 
County.
  Phyllis Estrella first heard the word ``Pachuco'' in the 1940s and 
1950s when this word was linked to racial tension and riots in Los 
Angeles, California.
  Later, in the summer of 1978, she was inspired by the Luis Valdez 
production centered on the Pachuco and the iconic zoot suit. She opened 
up an El Pachuco Zoot Suits store that year.
  Now, high schoolers across Orange County wear zoot suits to proms and 
graduations, bringing dignity and pride to the name ``El Pachuco.''
  Congratulations to Phyllis and the entire El Pachuco Zoot Suits team 
for 45 years and 45 years to go.


                  Honoring the Life of Minh Tam Nguyen

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
a beloved member of the Orange County community, Mr. Minh Tam Nguyen.
  Minh was a Lieutenant Colonel in the South Vietnamese Navy. After the 
war, Minh and his family sought refuge in America and made southern 
California their home.
  Minh was a pillar for Little Saigon and the Vietnamese-American 
community across the United States. He started Advance Beauty College 
to provide for his family and encourage other Vietnamese families to 
become nail technicians.
  He was known as the Godfather of Manicures, and his work as an 
entrepreneur opened and provided for the community and those like him 
who left everything behind in Vietnam for a better life in America.
  Today, more than 40,000 students have graduated from Minh's beauty 
salon and school. His children, Linh and Tam, continue to carry his 
legacy in Orange County and all over the United States.
  Minh is the American Dream. His story is the story of Little Saigon, 
entrepreneurship, and of the American melting pot.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Minh for his hard work. May he rest in peace. 
His memory lives forever.

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