[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 12]
[House]
[Page 16744]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        CELEBRATING THE ALBANIAN DIASPORA OF SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Peters) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Albanian 
diaspora of southeast Michigan and to raise the concern they have 
expressed to me.
  Respect for people of diverse cultures is an American value and has 
made our Nation great. Our national heritage reflects the cultural 
contributions of a wide range of ethnic groups.
  I am fortunate to represent the Ninth District of Michigan, a 
district rich in ethnic and religious diversity and one that includes 
many families from the Balkan region. In my time as a Congressman and 
resident of the Ninth District, I have developed a strong bond with the 
Albanian American community. This is a people that strongly value 
community service, family, and education. These are the values we can 
all admire and strive to instill in our children.
  The Albanian American community of southeast Michigan is relatively 
new to our country. Most are first- or second-generation Americans. 
However, this community has established strong roots in southeast 
Michigan, establishing churches, community centers and small 
businesses. These places preserve and celebrate Albanian culture. They 
help enrich the lives of fellow Albanian Americans and the broader 
community alike.
  Saint Paul's Albanian Church in Rochester Hills, Michigan, a city in 
my district, boasts nearly 5,000 members and is a shining example of 
how the Albanian diaspora has taken root in southeast Michigan. These 
roots are nourished by the community's focus on family, a value deeply 
embedded in Albanian culture, and one that I greatly respect.
  As with many new immigrant communities, the entrepreneurial spirit 
runs deep among our Albanian Americans. Our Nation has provided many 
Albanian Americans with their first opportunity for business success. 
Members of the community have embraced these opportunities and worked 
tirelessly for the success of their endeavors, helping to grow our 
economy and create jobs in our region.
  The community's affinity for entrepreneurship is coupled with a deep 
appreciation for education. Albanian Americans recognize the invaluable 
return on investment that educational achievement brings to the next 
generation.
  I am particularly proud of the Albanian American community's 
patriotism, love for America and participation in the American 
democratic process.
  Albanian Americans truly are full participants in the American 
democratic system. They understand that the essential element of a 
thriving democracy is active engagement.
  Albanian Americans' unwavering dedication to democracy does not stop 
at our borders. The Albanian community is working tirelessly to bring 
attention to the needs of the emerging democracies in the Balkan region 
and to strengthen U.S.-Balkan relations.
  I am proud of the relationship the city of Rochester Hills has formed 
with Tuz, Montenegro. For example, the Albanian American diaspora in 
Michigan and the city of Rochester Hills recently worked together to 
provide school supplies to the cities of Tuz, and I commend them for 
these efforts.
  While many are aware of the efforts made by the Albanian American 
community to assist refugees during the Kosovo conflict, it is 
important to highlight important work still being performed by the 
Albanian American community.
  The Albanian diaspora continues to seek further recognition for the 
Republic of Kosova and has been vital in helping former refugees 
rebuild their lives. The recent independence of the Republic of Kosova 
and the induction of Albania into NATO are a testament to the Albanian 
American community's progress.
  The Albanian community in Michigan remains concerned with events and 
issues currently affecting their brethren and families overseas. Some 
particular concerns of my constituents I want to raise today relate to 
recent reports of inequities in the Montenegrin justice system. In 
particular, reputable human rights organizations like Amnesty 
International have reported that several Albanian American citizens 
convicted in connection with the Eagle's Flight case have been subject 
to torture and physical abuse. These incidents and reports have caused 
tremendous anxiety and uncertainty in the Albanian American community. 
It is my hope that the Montenegrin Government will work diligently to 
protect human rights and the rule of law in the exercise of justice in 
the future.
  Whether fighting for justice, advancing democracy, supporting our 
schools, or working hard to strengthen our economy, Albanian Americans 
in my district and across America are helping to make our Nation even 
greater. It is an honor to represent a prominent Albanian American 
community here in the United States Congress.

                          ____________________