[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6291]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



    HONORING PAUL POLO FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 25, 2001

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to 
pay tribute to an outstanding Connecticut business leader and my dear 
friend, Paul Polo, who has been honored by the Italian American 
Historical Society of Greater New Haven with their 12th Annual 
Distinguished Service Award.
  Each year, the Italian American Historical Society of Greater New 
Haven honors members of Connecticut's Italian American community for 
their service and dedication. The Distinguished Service Award is a 
reflection of their commitment to the Society and to it's mission--
preserving the culture and heritage of Italian-Americans. Throughout 
his life, Paul has demonstrated a unique commitment to public service 
in both his professional and philanthropic efforts.
  Paul's contributions to the Italian-American community are 
innumerable. For over four decades, Paul has been a member of the Order 
Sons of Italy in America, serving as president of the nation's largest 
and oldest Italian American organization for two years. Under his 
leadership, the organization raised millions of dollars that was 
contributed to education, medical research, and social awareness 
issues. Paul now serves as the president of the Sons of Italy 
Foundation, where he has again played a crucial role in fund-raising 
efforts on behalf of a variety of service organizations. In addition to 
his work on the national stage, Paul is also involved in several 
organizations in Connecticut. A member of the Knights of Columbus, 
Elks, Mount Carmel Society, the Chamber of Commerce, and as an 
organizational representative of the American Society of Association 
Executives, Paul has dedicated much of his life to making a real 
difference in the lives of others.
  An avid political activist, Paul has long been a figure in Washington 
as well as Connecticut. In 1991, Paul met with former President Bush as 
a representative from the Order Sons of Italy in America during an Oval 
Office meeting to discuss initiatives for social equality. In addition, 
he served on President Bush's policy round table. Former President Bill 
Clinton named Paul an alternate delegate to the U.S. Small Business 
Administration. Currently serving as the chairman of this year's 
Democratic National Convention and co-vice chairman of the Italian 
American Democratic Leadership Council--an organization which he helped 
to establish--Paul remains an active participant in public affairs.
  As a respected business leader, volunteer, an political activist, 
Paul has left an indelible mark on the State of Connecticut. His 
commitment and dedication has gone a long way to enrich our communities 
and strengthen the bonds we share. It is with great pride that I rise 
today to join his children, Paul Jr., Daniel and Michael; 
grandchildren, Daniel Jr., Anthony, Philip, Nicole and Emily; family, 
friends, and colleagues in extending my sincere appreciation and 
congratulations to Paul Polo for his outstanding service to Connecticut 
and our great nation.

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