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Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to and in recognition of the 61st National Convention of the Assyrian American National Federation which will take place September 1 through 5 in San Jose, CA. As the only Member of Congress of Assyrian descent, I am proud to have this distinguished event taking place in Santa Clara County, part of which I have the privilege to represent.

My father, Fred Georges, who emigrated to the United States as a youngster, taught me about my cultural heritage as I grew up in Connecticut. Thanks to him and my relatives, I learned how to speak the Assyrian language, a form of Aramaic which scholars call `neo-Syriac,' and absorbed the history of my people. I came to appreciate the richness of Assyrian culture, as well as the lives Assyrians led in Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Assyrian immigrants have come to the United States in search of a better life and have made their homes and have established businesses in New York, Illinois, Michigan, California, and Connecticut.

Assyrian -Americans are hard working, patriotic citizens who have created a supportive organizational network for themselves while making major contributions to the communities in which they live. Many, like my father, are successful small businesspeople.

I pay special tribute to Adam Benjamin, the first Assyrian -American Member of Congress, who represented Gary, Indiana for many years after having worked as an Assyrian community leader in the 1950's and 1960's, most notably as the editor of the Assyrian Star, the official publication of the Assyrian American National Federation.

The federation for which Rep. Benjamin worked was established in 1933 to create unity among Assyrians, preserve their heritage, and represent them in the United States. The fact that the AANF is holding its 61st annual national convention is proof of how successful the organization has been in its mission.

On Labor Day weekend, over 4,000 Assyrians will arrive in San Jose. They will come from across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East to renew their commitment to Assyrian traditions, causes, and ideals. For 5 days, they will participate in a wonderful series of programs concentrating on culture, art, athletics, children and youth development, business seminars, and tours. At the end of that time, they will leave having rejuvenated their faith in their heritage and their future.

It is with no small amount of pride that I note that this convention is being hosted by the Assyrian American Association of San Jose, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the cultural, educational, and social activities of Assyrians in the Bay Area and the South Bay. This remarkable group provides classes in Assyrian language, history, art, folklore, and dance. It is also involved with the Assyrian Nineveh Choir, weekly Atour TV broadcasts, and a wide array of sports activities. No one can question the contributions which the Assyrian American Association of San Jose has made to the local Assyrian community, and I am pleased that Assyrians from around the world will be able to appreciate the tremendous work which it performs.

Mr. Speaker, the 61st National Convention of the Assyrian American National Federation is an event worthy of commendation and celebration for Assyrians and all Americans. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting the entire Assyrian -American community, the Assyrian American National Federation, and Assyrians from around the globe who are delegates and attendees at the 61st National Convention.