[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17893]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   THIS 45TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY J. HYDE

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2006

  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to congratulate The Hospitality 
and Information Service, THIS, of Washington, DC, on its 45th 
anniversary. Since 1961, THIS volunteers have welcomed diplomats and 
their families to Washington, providing friendship, assistance and an 
understanding of Washington and the United States.
  THIS was organized in 1961 at the suggestion of Angie Biddle, then 
Chief of Protocol, to help the hundreds of newly arrived diplomats and 
their families adjust to Washington. THIS is a private, 501(c)(3) non-
profit volunteer organization that receives financial support from its 
volunteers, the Meridian International Center, and corporations. Its 
sponsors include members of the President's Cabinet or their spouses, 
and the spouse of the Mayor of the District of Columbia.
  In 1961, there were 101 embassies with 1,200 diplomatic families. 
Today, embassies total more than 170, with 4,000 diplomats and families 
in Washington. The 400 volunteers of THIS provide a variety of services 
and programs to help diplomats and their families learn about 
Washington through English and seven foreign conversation groups and a 
book club. Programs include forums for discussion of issues that are 
worldwide in scope, such as health, human rights and education. We also 
have programs on government affairs, performing arts, art and 
architecture, and American history, among others.
  In today's difficult world, THIS is a beacon of light, holding out 
the arm of friendship without expecting anything in return. THIS has 
made a difference in the lives of so many diplomats, and I would like 
to share with you a few comments from some grateful recipients:
  ``THIS has enriched my stay in the United States by enhancing my 
fundamental understanding of the culture and society.''--Pakistan
  ``I would like to thank THIS for the wonderful work that you do and 
for your warm and friendly attention.''--Miriam Barak, Israel
  ``I express both my pleasure and my gratitude to the THIS 
organization as a whole. THIS is a wonderful vehicle by which the best 
of America is portrayed. Such an organization can only be an 
influential force for good.''--Ann Robinson, Great Britain
  ``THIS is a fantastic organization. It makes me feel very welcomed 
and comfortable . . . THIS has given me a better understanding of U.S. 
life and society and also has given me some new good American 
friends.''--Ingela Beiming, Sweden
  ``THIS is a window that opens Washington for us and lets us 
experience and know it. It opens opportunities to meet different 
people.''--Marilia Bulhoes, Brazil
  Congratulations, THIS, on 45 splendid years. May you enjoy many more.

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