[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7720]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE THIRTIETH QUADRENNIAL CONVENTION OF THE SLAVONIC 
                 BENEVOLENT ORDER OF THE STATE OF TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 5, 2008

  Mr. CARTER. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize the Thirtieth Quadrennial Convention of the Slavonic 
Benevolent Order of the State of Texas (SPJST), which will be held on 
June 8-11, 2008. For 111 years, SPJST has served as a fraternal 
organization and an educational tool for Czech immigrants to learn the 
democratic process, the value of free speech, and the importance of 
voting in their newly adopted homeland.
  Today, there are more than 47,000 members of the SPJST in 120 lodges 
throughout the state of Texas. In recent years, SPJST has expanded to 
include youth activities and community service programs. As a result, 
many SPJST projects and members have been recognized by the Texas 
Fraternal Congress for their service and contribution to communities 
throughout Texas. SPJST has provided its members with identity and 
support throughout the years. In lodges all over the state of Texas 
members are committed to helping those in need by working in hospitals, 
providing scholarships, and supporting drug abuse programs and other 
charities. The members of SPJST have upheld the tradition of helping 
people to care for their families and their communities.
  With its great commitment to its members, communities, and 
organizations that it serves, SPJST embodies the value and tradition of 
the great state of Texas.

                          ____________________