[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 8085-8086]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO CONSULAR CORPS ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2006

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Consular 
Corps Association of Philadelphia.
  In celebration of 44 years of promoting international understanding, 
I extend congratulations to the first Consular Corps in the United 
States, the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia.
  With the founding of the Corps, now one of the largest diplomatic 
associations in the Nation, a model was created that allows us to reach 
beyond geographic boundaries to strengthen international relations.
  Thirty-seven countries are represented in the Philadelphia 
Association and as a result there are increased opportunities for 
business, educational and diplomatic partnerships.
  The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia has also provided 
humanitarian aid. Its members aided relief efforts for Asian and 
African victims of the tsunami disaster and survivors of civil war.
  On the educational front, the organization has developed innovative 
cultural exchange programs, including partnerships with the World 
Affairs Council, the International Visitors' Council and the Bodine 
High School for International Affairs. As a result of these outreach 
programs, many area young people now see themselves as world citizens 
with a greater appreciation for cultural and racial diversity.

[[Page 8086]]

  Mr. Speaker, the Consular Corps of Philadelphia helps us understand 
that by reaching beyond our geographic boundaries, there is hope that 
we can learn to share more fairly in the world's bounty and it is for 
these reasons that I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
rise to honor them.

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