[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17331]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO UNION BENEFICA MEXICANA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 6, 2006

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and pleasure that 
I stand before you today to recognize the Union Benefica Mexicana 
(U.B.M.) on its many accomplishments throughout its 50 years of service 
to the people of Northwest Indiana and Mexico. This exceptional 
milestone will be highlighted at the annual Mexican Day Parade to be 
held on Sunday, September 10, 2006, in East Chicago, Indiana.
  The U.B.M., officially founded in November 1956, was the result of a 
merger between three established organizations: the Cuatemoc 
Association, the Benito Juarez Association, and the Union of Latin 
Steel Workers. Since its inception, the U.B.M. has always taken pride 
in being a pillar of the Mexican Community. They have always made it a 
priority to remember and celebrate Mexico's independence, through the 
organization of parades and festivities. At the same time, they have 
focused on improving the lives of the youth, speaking out against 
discrimination, and assisting those in need, both here in Northwest 
Indiana and throughout Mexico.
  Throughout its history, the U.B.M. has been instrumental in improving 
the quality of life in the Mexican community. The efforts of the U.B.M. 
have been felt by every generation, but nowhere has the selfless 
commitment of its members been demonstrated more than to the youth of 
Northwest Indiana and Mexico. Locally, the U.B.M. has a strong 
tradition of sponsoring youth activities, such as Little League 
baseball teams, soccer teams, boxing teams, and folkloric dance groups, 
as well as organizing special events, such as Christmas and Halloween 
parties and the annual Fiesta De Los Ninos celebration.
  In addition, the U.B.M.'s commitment to improving educational 
opportunities for the youth of the community is evidenced by their 
sponsorship of storytelling sessions by renowned authors, their 
participation in public library reading programs, and training seminars 
focused on public speaking and artistic performance. The U.B.M.'s 
dedication to the youth, specifically towards young women in the 
community, is further demonstrated by an annual program which, with the 
support of local elected officials, awards scholarships to three 
deserving young women each year.
  Outside of the United States, the U.B.M.'s commitment to the people 
of Mexico is a shining example of the dedication, generosity, and 
compassion found in the people of Northwest Indiana. The U.B.M's 
efforts in Mexico, throughout the years, have included relief for 
victims of natural disasters in Mexico City, Acapulco, Oaxaca, and 
Jalisco, to name a few. The U.B.M. has also conducted fundraising 
efforts that have led to the building of churches in El Llano, 
Michoacan, and Aguas Caliente, as well as the purchase of an ambulance 
in Nuevo Leon. In addition, to assist Mexican families during the most 
difficult of times, the U.B.M. has demonstrated its benevolence by 
providing financial assistance to families in order to assist with the 
transporting of deceased relatives back to Mexico.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating the Union Benefica 
Mexicana, its members, and its President, Mr. Tony Barreda, on the 
organization's 50th anniversary. Their many accomplishments, their 
tireless efforts to improve the community, and their service to the 
people of Northwest Indiana and Mexico will forever be remembered.

                          ____________________