[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 17, 1995)] [House] [Pages H10093-H10094] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HARRY KIZIRIAN POST OFFICE BUILDING Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1606) to designate the United States Post Office building located at 24 Corliss Street, Providence, RI, as the ``Harry Kizirian Post Office Building.'' The Clerk read as follows: H.R. 1606 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. DESIGNATION. The United States Post Office building located at 24 Corliss Street, Providence, Rhode Island, shall be known and designated as the ``Harry Kizirian Post Office Building''. SEC. 2. REFERENCES. Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the United States Post Office building referred to in section 1 shall be deemed to be a reference to the ``Harry Kizirian Post Office Building''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New York [Mr. McHugh] and the gentlewoman from Michigan [Miss Collins] each will be recognized for 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York [Mr. McHugh]. Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight voted favorably on the measure before us. Congressman Reed of Rhode Island introduced H.R. 1606 and was joined by his State delegation in cosponsoring his bill, as required by committee policy. This legislation designates the main U.S. Post Office in Providence, RI, be named the ``Harry Kizirian Post Office.'' The measure before us honors Mr. Kizirian, a World War II marine veteran and former Providence Postmaster. Mr. Kizirian is Rhode Island's most decorated living veteran and was a career postal worker who held the position of Providence Postmaster for 25 years until his retirement. Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues to support H.R. 1606, a bill which would name a Post Office after the postal employee who served as Postmaster at the facility for 25 years. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Miss COLLINS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I again join my colleague and chairman of the Subcommittee on the Postal Service in support of H.R. 1606, legislation naming the U.S. Post Office, located at 24 Corliss Street in Providence, RI as the, ``Harry Kizirian Post Office Building.'' It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge Mr. Kizirian. He retired from the Post Office as the Postmaster of the facility being named after him and is the most decorated World War II veteran in Providence. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my colleague, the gentleman from Rhode Island, Mr. Jack Reed, sponsor of the bill. Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I would first like to thank Chairman McHugh and the ranking member, Representative Collins of the Subcommittee on Postal Service and Chairman Clinger of the Government Reform and Oversight Committee for helping me bring this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank my colleague from Rhode Island, Mr. Kennedy, who cosponsored this bill with me, and Senators Chafee and Pell, who have introduced an identical bill in the Senate. This bill would designate the main U.S. Post Office in Providence, RI, as the ``Harry Kizirian Post Office.'' Because some of you may not know Harry, I would like to tell you a little about this outstanding Rhode Island citizen. Harry Kizirian is the most decorated living veteran in Rhode Island. On Okinawa, he was severely wounded while leading an infantry assault. For his extraordinary heroism, Harry was awarded the Navy Cross, the Bronze Star with V Device for Valor, the Purple Heart with a Gold Star, and the Rhode Island Cross. When Harry returned to the United States, he immediately went to work at the main post office in Providence where he had worked during high school to support his widowed mother. Displaying the same commitment and teamwork he showed on the frontlines at Okinawa, he worked his way up to an appointment as the Postmaster. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 1961, and held the position of Postmaster for 25 years. Throughout his career with the Postal Service, Harry also devoted much of his time to the community, serving on numerous boards and committees. Harry served on the board of directors for Butler Hospital, Big Brothers of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Blue Cross, the Rhode Island Heart and Lung Associations, and numerous others. Harry and his wife, Hazel, also successfully raised a wonderful family. [[Page H 10094]] They have five children: JoAnne, Thomas, Janice, Shakay, and Richard; four grandchildren: Rebecca, Thomas, Joseph, and Janice; and three step-grandsons: Dylan, Collin, and Matthew. Harry has served his country in every capacity: in the military, as a civil servant, as a devoted husband and father, and as a loyal American. Harry Kizirian is a source of inspiration for the young and old, and he is a particularly cherished member of Rhode Island's proud and vibrant Armenian community. This bill would commemorate his generosity and valor for future generations, and it would pay tribute to a remarkable gentleman who has given so much to his Nation, his community, and his family. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Harry Kizirian by supporting this bill. {time} 1445 Miss COLLINS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Rhode Island [Mr. Kennedy]. Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1606, a bill that will designate the main post office in Providence, RI, as the ``Harry Kizirian Post Office.'' Harry Kizirian is a shining example of someone who has fully realized the American Dream. A dedicated individual, Harry grew up in my own neighborhood of Mount Pleasant in Providence and worked hard to support his widowed mother. As a high school graduate, Harry enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in the South Pacific, where he would lead a Marine fire team to victory despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. For this selfless heroism, Harry was awarded the Navy Cross, the Bronze Star with a device for Valor, the Purple Heart with a Gold Star, and the Rhode Island Cross. Harry's service to our country did not end with the Allied Victory in World War II. For the next 35 years, Harry would demonstrate the same commitment to duty and service at the Post Office in Providence as he did during his days in Okinawa. In 1961, the honor and respect that Harry had earned from, not only his colleagues, but also the people of Rhode Island, reached a pinnacle as Harry was confirmed by the Senate as Postmaster. During his tenure as Postmaster, Harry went well beyond his required duties and served many important social causes. As a leading member of the Big Brothers of Rhode Island, the Providence Human Relations Commission and the Providence Heritage Commission, Harry demonstrated his high regard for his friends and citizens of his community. Perhaps Harry's greatest achievement is shared with his wife Hazel as they have successfully raised five children, who now have several children of their own, Shakay and Richard. When asked about all his achievements, Harry humbly responded: ``I'm just an ordinary American boy who loves dealing with people from all walks of life.'' In my opinion, Harry Kizirian is anything but ordinary. Raised with a strong Armenian heritage, Harry is a living tribute to his family, his friends, and his country. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand with my colleague, Jack Reed, to offer this bill which will honor Harry Kizirian's commitment and generosity for generations to come. Miss COLLINS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Riggs). The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from New York [Mr. McHugh], that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1606. The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________