President George Bush on November 5 recognized Dr. Mekonnen Meshesha of Boston, Massachusetts, as “The 606th Daily Point of Light” for the Nation. Dr. Meshesha, a native of Ethiopia, helps to resettle and support African refugees in his community.

Dr. Meshesha, age 37, began his voluntary efforts in 1979 at Boston’s Ethiopian Family Center. He has offered his home, his time, and his service to refugees in his community struggling to assimilate into a new culture. His generosity and caring are exceeded only by his passion and determination to help those less fortunate than himself.

Dr. Meshesha volunteers countless hours as a counselor, translator, leader and role model for Ethiopian and other African community groups. He is available to them 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most of his work is done in the field: in the courtroom on behalf of Ethiopians unable to defend themselves in English, in the hospital translating for those unable to express themselves in English, or at a local jail counseling incarcerated refugees.

President Bush salutes Mekonnen Meshesha for his volunteer efforts and for exemplifying his belief that, “from now on in America, any definition of a successful life must include serving others.”

From The White House office of the Press Secretary
November 5, 1991