[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26004]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ITALIAN CEMETERY AND MAUSOLEUM OF COLMA, 
                               CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 19, 1999

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of my 
colleagues the 100th Anniversary of the Italian Cemetery and Mausoleum 
of Colma, California. This institution has made a significant 
contribution to the Italian-American community of the Bay Area, and I 
want to recognize the institution and pay tribute on this centennial 
observance.
  The Italian Cemetery serves as dignified resting place for Italian-
Americans. To date, some 50,000 individuals have been laid to rest in 
this beautiful location, and many of these are prominent Italian 
Americans who have played a leading role in the growth and progress of 
our area.
  Mr. Speaker, the Italian Cemetery is not only a distinguished burial 
ground, but it is also a place of beauty to which the entire Bay Area 
looks with pride. The cemetery contains some of the most beautiful and 
architecturally acclaimed mausoleums that have been built throughout 
our entire nation.
  The Italian Cemetery was first used in 1899, one year after it was 
established by La Societa Italiana Di Mutua Beneficenza, the oldest 
continuous Italian organization in the United States. After more than 
75 years of service to the community, the Italian Cemetery became a 
nonprofit corporation, with the goal of maintaining the cemetery for 
future generations.
  The Italian Cemetery's service to the Italian community of California 
is commendable and deserves our recognition and commendation. I would 
like to invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Italian 
Cemetery and Mausoleum on its 100th anniversary.

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