Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker we rise today in honor of Pastor Michael Surufka, Father George Kusy, Father Joachim Studwell, and every member of St. Stanislaus parish community, upon the dedication of the restoration of the parish rectory. We also rise in honor of the legacy and memories of Pastor William Gulas, whose life, though tragically taken from us two years ago, continues to rise in our hearts, memories, and in the Slavic Village neighborhood that he so loved.

The restoration of the St. Stanislaus Parish symbolizes the rebirth of faith and hope that was shattered when Father Gulas' life was felled by senseless violence. As the rectory is resurrected, so is the life of Father Gulas. His gentle guidance and support that he freely and openly offered to every parishioner continues to renew faith and inspiration along East 65th Street and far beyond. His willingness to learn the Polish language to better serve this parish community is testament to the unwavering dedication and love he shared with the people of Slavic Village.

Father Gulas led this parish with kindness, compassion and an undying faith in the goodness of all people. His life-long ministry was framed by his service to others and by his unshakeable faith and strong sense of spirituality. His graceful liturgy, outlined with poignancy and wit, captured the minds and hearts of his parishioners. His legacy of renewing the hearts and souls of all those who knew him, extended to the bricks and mortar of St. Stanislaus Church. Today, as we celebrate the renewal of the parish rectory, we pause in remembrance and honor of the man, Father Gulas, who led the colossal effort to renovate the historic and inspirational St. Stanislaus Church.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join us in honor and recognition of the dedication of the newly restored parish rectory of St. Stanislaus Parish. This restoration reflects the unity, strength and faith of this community to rise above the traumatic loss of their beloved Pastor, Father William Gulas. This celebration also reflects the commitment of Pastor Michael Surufka, Father George Kusy, Father Joachim Studwell, and every parishioner committed to carrying on the vital work of Father

William Gulas. The Peace Garden, planned and cultivated by parishioners, serves as a living reminder that hope will rise from the ashes, and that Father Gulas' light continues to offer guidance, inspiration and hope throughout the St. Stanislaus community, today, and for all time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of all veterans of the 10th Congressional District of Ohio--for their service, bravery, and dedication on behalf of our country. Most significantly, we stand in tribute and remembrance of those veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice when they answered the call to duty.

I also stand in honor and recognition of the children and educators of Holly Lane Elementary School. By allowing our students the opportunity to meet and know our veterans, we are presenting them living examples of real heroes. We are giving them a true understanding of the meaning of the words conviction, courage and selflessness. We are offering them the understanding of a vital, living lesson that speaks to our American history and to the preservation of our liberty-- the brave men and women who have endured great pain and sacrifice in order to secure freedom and democracy for us all--our United States Veterans.

Every veteran that stands before us today at Holly Lane Elementary School represents the heart and soul of America and reminds us of our quest for justice and peace here at home, and the struggle of those who seek justice and peace around the world. The staff and students of Holly Lane Elementary School reflect the gratitude and respect for our men and women in the armed forces, sentiments that are shared by all Americans. The students of Holly Lane Elementary School also reflect a vision of hope and faith for our future.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor, tribute and gratitude to the men and women of our armed forces, past and present. They reflect the quest and struggle for human rights and freedom from oppression, a basic human element that unifies us all. Let us forever remember and honor their ultimate service, great sacrifice and unwavering sense of commitment to the preservation of our American democracy and our freedoms.

Mr. Speaker I rise today in honor and recognition of Glenn and Lydia Hundertmark, as they celebrate 50 years of devotion to each other, to their family and to their extended family and many close friends. This unbreakable union represents a deep and abiding love, not only for each other, but also for their children, grandchildren and for their community.

Glenn Hundertmark and Lydia Nikishin met in the early 1950s while working at the Pick-n-Pay grocery store at Fulton and Memphis. Glenn left to serve our country during the Korean War in the United States Navy as an Aviation Mechanic. When Glenn returned home, he and Lydia dated, fell in love and became engaged in 1954. On November 6, 1954 they were married at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church by Reverend Herbert Blickensderfer.

Glenn worked for Cleveland Twist Drill Co. and American Steel and Wire until he became a fireman for the city of Cleveland in 1961. He worked in various fire stations over the years as a Lieutenant, then as Captain, until retiring in 1984. Lydia worked at Associates Finance Co. before they started their family in 1955. Being a full-time mom to Lynn, Ruth, Paul and Kathryn quickly became the main focus and joy of Lydia's life.

Together, Glenn and Lydia created memorable holiday celebrations. Every Christmas morning, their children would wake up to a beautiful tree and gifts that they built. Lydia would sew Halloween costumes, and Glenn made carving a pumpkin an art form. Birthdays were special days with favorite meals being served and grandparents, aunts and uncles joining the party. Their young family played board games, went on picnics and hikes and went for boat rides on the ``Busy Liz.'' Glenn and Lee took their family on a variety of vacations each year from camping and fishing trips, to the trip of a lifetime traveling out west for a month in 1973. The beloved Rustic Rest in Vermilion holds cherished memories that began with Glenn's childhood and has continued throughout his grandchildren's lives.

Glenn and Lydia taught their children the value of tradition by sharing stories and keepsakes of their ancestors--giving them a clear understanding and appreciation of their German, Russian and Ukrainian heritage. The family baptismal gown was sewn in 1911 by Glenn's grandmother Ida Christianer, and has been worn by every newborn baby since. The Santa Claus suit that was made by Gordon and Ruth Hundertmark in 1960 thrilled their children and grandchildren when Santa Claus visited them every Christmas. On Easter, you will still hear Mildred and George Nikishin's blessing: ``Christos Voskres; Voyistino Voskres,'' being spoken, while Millie's tradition of homemade Paska bread is shared by all.

As much as Glenn and Lydia love their family, they also love their friends. Glenn's fellow firemen and their families, and the families of the Orchard Avenue neighborhood, became like second families to the Hundertmark's. There was always a neighborhood picnic or party planned, ending with everyone being thrown in their neighbor's pool. They had Halloween parties, Christmas parties, and 35 Dance Club parties. They vacationed together in large groups, taking the party on the road. Lifelong friendships were formed.

Throughout their lives, Glenn and Lydia have volunteered their time and talents within their community. Their dedication to helping others is evidenced at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, homeless shelters and in causes including Cerebral Palsy and Habitat for Humanity. In their spare time, they could always be found at their grandchildren's sporting events, choir concerts and award nights.

Their great joy for life radiates throughout every aspect of their lives. Glenn and Lee are fabulous dancers, they are animal lovers, they have traveled all over the world--they are can-do people who have always been there for everyone. Lydia has nursed her adult children back to health, proving you will always need your mother. She is famous for her exceptional potato salad--and a picnic wouldn't be a picnic without it! Glenn has an unbelievable memory and tells wonderful, colorful stories. They have an extensive collection of slides capturing their life's story.

Glenn and Lydia were faithful children to their parents--George, Mildred, Gordon and Ruth--who are no longer with us, but are here today in spirit. They are parents, grandparents, a brother, a sister, a mother and father-in-law, a brother and sister in-law, an aunt and uncle, cousins, a friend--and together, they are surely one. Their legacy will be one of dedication to their family, to their church, to their community, and their devoted faithful service to the Lord.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of Glenn and Lydia Hundertmark, as we join them in celebration of this momentous occasion--their 50th wedding anniversary. Glenn and Lydia Hundertmark continue to inspire us to understand our past, to follow our dreams, to give back to our community, and to hold family closest to our hearts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of every victim of gun violence within our Greater Cleveland community. We gather in honor, support and hope for each family member and friend, whose lives have been forever altered in the wake of gun violence.

We also stand in honor of the members of the Million Mom March, Greater Cleveland Chapter; InterAct Cleveland, Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence; Black on Black Crime, Inc.; Survivors/Victims of Tragedy; VOICES; and the National Council of Jewish Women, for their collective efforts and dedication focused on preventing gun violence.

Today, on the Third Annual Day of Remembrance of Victims of Gun Violence, we honor and recognize the dedicated residents of our Cleveland neighborhoods. The unwavering commitment of our neighborhood activists and leaders continues to raise up our community, one avenue at a time. The work of our neighborhood leaders, young and old, serves to build strength, hope and creates the power to eradicate violent crime within our homes and along our streets.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of the victims of gun violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with every family member and friend of loved ones lost. Let us remember that our unified energy, focused on peace and security within our neighborhoods, provides light and hope to the families touched by gun violence, and radiates outward, offering the promise of peace for us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of my dear friend, Goldie Malone, as she is being honored by the Croation Fraternal Union, (CFU) for her remarkable service to the Union, and for her outstanding and continued service to our community.

Born to Nicholas and Helen Strahinic in Cleveland, Ohio, Goldie learned the significance of family, faith community, heritage and hard work from an early age. While attending Jane Addams High School in Cleveland, Goldie worked at the White Dove Mattress Company. After high school graduation, she continued working at Dove Mattress for another 13 years. In 1952, Goldie married James Malone, and together they raised their daughter, Jamie, who now resides in Illinois. Beyond caring for her family, Goldie Malone has always reached out into the community, sharing her time and talents with those around her. She joined Zumberak Lodge nearly 60 years ago, and became Fraternal Secretary in October of 1953, a position she still holds today. Throughout the years, Goldie has consistently reflected a spark of energy and joy within every CFU project and event.

Ahead of her time, Goldie organized CFU's first Ladies Basketball Team in 1952--a division of the CFU. The league still exists today. She has organized numerous youth basketball teams and projects, and initiated countless fundraisers in support of community youth activities. Her abilities as a leader were evidenced during her 8 year tenure as President of the Board of the CFU, and as the past President of the Ohio Fraternal Congress in the late seventies. Moreover, Goldie actively worked to preserve and promote the culture and history of Croatia. She directed her energies toward the youth of the CFU, so that they would gain a deep understanding and appreciation of their Croation heritage. She led the efforts to raise funds for costumes, musical instruments and other materials reflective of their Eastern European homeland.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in tribute and recognition of Goldie Malone, as she is honored by the Croation Fraternal Union for her outstanding dedication, clear vision, hard work and unequalled leadership within this historic organization. Goldie Malone continues to be an inspiration to everyone in her life--especially to her family and friends. Her loyalty, friendship, convictions, boundless energy and good works are invaluable gifts to all of us who know her well, and her dedication and work has uplifted the Croation Fraternal Union, and has uplifted our entire Greater Cleveland community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the leaders and members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Parma, Ohio, as they celebrate one hundred years of faith, guidance and support, embracing generations of citizens within our Parma community and beyond.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church was established at the turn of the century to serve the spiritual needs of farming families of German heritage, who settled in the Parma area. On November 13, 2004, the official name of Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church was adopted and celebrated at the original church at State and Pleasant Valley Roads. Since that time, Bethlehem Lutheran Church has evolved into a multifaceted congregation that continues to provide an array of services.

Along with the rich tradition of faith and family, the leaders and members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church have consistently planned to meet the present and future needs of the congregation. In 1967, a new, contemporary church was built on fourteen acres along State Road. Over the years, the Extended Family Daycare Center was opened, along with many additions, including an Educational Room and the Garden of Prayer.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of every past and present leader and member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Parma, Ohio, as they celebrate one hundred years of fostering faith and hope for generations of families within our western Cleveland community. The services and guidance offered here continue to strengthen the lives of countless families and individuals, and thereby serve to strengthen our entire community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC), as students, instructors, administrators and members of the community gather today to dedicate the expansion of the new building addition at the Center--the largest expansion in the thirty-two year history of the Career Center.

Although CVCC's structure has evolved, the core mission has remained constant for more than three decades--to prepare all students, regardless of their age, to achieve their professional goals and dreams. In order to successfully navigate through the changing tides of today's society and economy, the CVCC is a critical resource and guide for students either choosing the the path that leads to a career, or students on the path to higher education.

The services, instruction and guidance offered by the CVCC is multi- layered and varied. Since its inception thirty-two years ago, the CVCC has assisted thousands of high school and adult students advance and succeed in numerous business, technical, civic, service and trades careers. The School-to-Career program provided by the CVCC has offered more than 24, 000 students, grades K through 12, the opportunity to acquire first-hand knowledge regarding future career choices.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and celebration of the Dedication Ceremony for the newly completed expansion of the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center. As in the past, the Center promises to continue the vital work of preparing our students for professional achievement within today's workforce. We honor the leadership and vision of the CVCC administrators. And moreover, we honor the dedicated work of every teacher, counselor, and every staff member of the CVCC, whose day-to-day impact, guidance, encouragement and instruction gives every student the power to embrace and capture their dreams, and thereby strengthening the hope and promise of our entire community.

Mr. Speaker, the United States must begin to present an exit strategy in Iraq. Bombing the villages to save the villages is not an exit strategy. It is absolutely horrific that as many as 100,000 innocent civilians may have perished in Iraq. Stopping troops who have served their tour of duty from returning to their families is not an exit strategy. Expanding house-to-house fighting across Iraq is not an exit strategy.

The United States must develop an exit strategy in Iraq. It must bring our troops home, and we must seek a new relationship with the United Nations to help make this possible.

In the weeks ahead, I will join with other Members of the House in expanding this discussion. We have a new Congress coming up. We have to take new directions. And we can start by discussing a new direction for Iraq that will result in the United States getting out, bringing our troops home and reestablishing our relationship with the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Dr. James Zogby, husband of Eileen Patricia McMahon, father of five children, and founder and president of the Arab American Institute (AAI). Under his leadership and vision, the Arab American Institute has advocated for the Arab community in a number of areas impacting public policy. Where the Arab American Institute has been instrumental in empowering Arab Americans through education, voter registration, and mobilization, James Zogby has led the way.

Dr. Zogby earned his doctorate from Temple University's Department of Religion after receiving his Bachelor of Arts from Le Moyne College. In 1976, Dr. Zogby was chosen as a Humanities Post-Doctorate Fellow at Princeton University and, on various occasions, has been awarded grants for research and writing by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Defense Education Act, and the Mellon Foundation. Dr. Zogby was a cofounder and chairman of the Palestine Human Rights Campaign in the late 1970's, and he later co-founded and served as the Executive Director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. In 1982, he co-founded Save Lebanon, Inc., a non-profit, relief organization funding Lebanese social welfare projects and health care for Palestinian and Lebanese victims of war.

Following the 1993 signing of the Israeli-Palestinian peace accord in Washington, Dr. Zogby led Builders for Peace, a private sector committee promoting U.S. business investment in the West Bank and Gaza. Along with former U.S. Congressman Mel Levine, his colleague and co- president of Builders for Peace, Dr. Zogby led a U.S. delegation to the 1994 signing of the Israeli-Palestinian agreement in Cairo. After 1994, Dr. Zogby continued to work with U.S. agencies including AID, OPIC, USTDA, and Departments of State and Commerce to promote and support Palestinian economic development.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Dr. James Zogby for numerous accomplishments and advocacy efforts for peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month--a celebration of Americans of Hispanic heritage and their significant, collective and individual contributions to our community and to our nation.

Hosting one of the events this year is the Cleveland Public Library. The Cleveland Public Library and regional branches continue their commitment to promoting our diverse community, richly infused with Hispanic culture and language. As part of the Library's 2004 Strategic Plan, new and permanent resources of Spanish Language collections are now underway, along with the implementation of a Spanish language Web site.

Hispanic Heritage Month is reflective of the 500-year history of Hispanic culture and contributions to America. Hispanic Americans have contributed immeasurably to all areas of our culture--from medicine, law, and business, to education, music and the fine arts. Hispanic Americans in our community and in communities across the country are life-saving doctors and nurses, veterans, inspiring professors, dedicated teachers, committed elected officials, fair-minded judges, and hardworking factory employees. Americans of Hispanic heritage bring energy, innovation, and a real sense of social justice to America, while retaining the cultural traditions of their homeland for all citizens to enjoy.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honor and celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, and join me in expressing my gratitude for the outstanding contributions made by Hispanic Americans. Their journey to America, fraught with significant obstacles and strife, paved the way for a better life for their children and future generations, and signifies what it means to be an American. Within our diversity we find strength. Within our traditions we find unity. And because of their journey, and the journey of people from all points of the world, we are stronger as a community, more unified as a Nation, and better as people.

Mr. Speaker, the 14th amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the same rights to all people under the law, all people. It is what keeps us a United States. We call ourselves one Nation under God. Surely we know from the Bible that a city, a house, or a nation divided against itself cannot stand.

This amendment divides our Nation. This amendment creates two classes of people based on sexual orientation. It creates a second-class citizenship. In America, every individual is entitled to equal protection of the law. We could not remain a United States, half slave, half free. We could not remain a United States if a woman's right to vote or to choice were denied, and we cannot remain united if our brothers and sisters are denied equal protection of the law because of their sexual orientation.

In America, we work to eradicate discrimination. In America, we work to create a more just and equal society. In America, our Constitution should further that goal. In America, our Constitution should give rights, not take them away. In America, we must continue to fight for equality and justice. Here we must always be the land of the free, the home of the brave, where the rights of all people are protected, regardless of race, color, creed, or sexual orientation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Zachary Virgin, an angel of light and love, whose brief journey here brought joy and love to his mother and father, Shane and Joseph, and to everyone who held him, loved him, and gazed upon him.

Forever perfect and innocent baby Zachary's message of giving and grace brought light and warmth into our world. He will live forever within the hearts and memories of his parents, and his song will be heard for all time.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Zachary Virgin, whose beautiful, brief life has become a miracle of life for others. We honor and recognize the love and courage of Shane and Joseph Virgin, loving parents of baby Zachary. We extend our condolences to you both, and to your extended family and friends, and we wish you strength and peace within your deep sorrow.

An angel of heaven, baby Zachary will forever soar with a song of life and message of hope for other babies: A baby breathes with his breath; a baby sees with his eyes; a baby lives with his life. Baby Zachary is their guardian angel, he lives on through all of them, and he will never be forgotten. May his life, love, and memory forever bring you strength, comfort and peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of Sherman Hendricks, United States veteran, beloved family member, friend and mentor to many.

Mr. Hendricks was committed to family, faith, community and country. He proudly and honorably served our country as a member of the United States Army, and was a veteran of the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, Mr. Hendricks brought the integrity and strong work ethic that was reflected in his service to our country to his work and community service.

Back in Cleveland, Mr. Hendricks worked diligently at Anchor Industries and RBW Company. He loved his work and developed long- lasting friendships with colleagues. He was always known as a giving, caring person who would go the extra mile for anyone in need. His concern for others branched out into the community, where he was active in the Cuyahoga County Republican Party as a Precinct Committee Person, a position he held for nearly forty-two years. Additionally, Mr. Hendricks continually inspired others within his church community. He served as a Senior Trustee at the Antioch Chapel Baptist Church of Cleveland, and read Scripture every morning at 7:00 am without fail.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of Sherman Hendricks, an outstanding American citizen whose

integrity, warmth, and concern for others has left an indelible mark upon on our Cleveland community. I extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Hendricks' beloved sisters and brothers, Celestine Maudlin, Isabelle Hendricks, Napolean Hendricks, Spencer Hendricks and William Hendricks; to his many nieces and nephews and to his extended family members and many friends. Although he will be deeply missed, the wonderful life and legacy of Sherman Hendricks will be remembered always by all whom he loved and inspired--especially his family and closest friends--today, and for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Catholic Charities' La Providencia Family Center, a Hispanic Senior Center that exists to provide support, programs and services for Cleveland's westside elderly Hispanic citizens.

In 1984 several community leaders and residents within the Cleveland Hispanic community came together to address the issue of Cleveland's vulnerable and increasing elderly Hispanic population. The facility, programs and services that were developed twenty years ago have evolved over the years, but the vision, assistance and compassion has remained a constant source of comfort and hope for countless seniors and their families.

Along with providing vital services such as transportation, health screenings, home visits, social activities and events, the bi-lingual and bi-cultural Center staff and volunteers consistently understand and focus on the cultural and linguistic needs of those whom they serve. All services provided at La Providencia are offered without regard to race, religion, gender, disability or ability to pay.

Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the La Providencia Family Center-- Cleveland's Westside Hispanic Senior Center. For two decades, the Center has existed as a vital lifeline to our elderly Hispanic citizens, providing hope, health and a true understanding and connection to the homeland of every senior who visits there.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and welcome of Andy Montanez, premier singer from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. For nearly 40 years, the salsa sound of Mr. Montanez has garnered countless fans in Cleveland, Ohio and around the world.

His love for music and exceptional voice was the driving force behind the immensely successful band, El Gran Combo. During the 15 years they played together, El Gran Combo recorded 37 LPs that included several hit singles. Mr. Montanez retired from El Gran Combo to pursue an international career. He joined the Venezuelan band, La Dimension Latina, one of the most popular orchestra's in Venezuala. His collaboration with La Dimension also produced several LPs and hit songs.

Today, Mr. Montanez continues to compose, play, record and tour with some of the finest Latin musicians around, including his grown children. His talent and enthusiasm continues to inspire and entertain fans located across the globe, yet connected through the universal language of music.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor of salsa legend and premier Latin singer, Andy Montanez. His rich and powerful voice continues to uplift our spirits and nourish our souls--here in Cleveland, throughout Puerto Rico and around the world. Let the song begin!