[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 52 (Wednesday, May 4, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 4, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   TRIBUTE TO A HERO: SYLVESTER WELCH

                                 ______


                       HON. WALTER R. TUCKER III

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 4, 1994

  Mr. TUCKER. Mr. Speaker, Webster's New Dictionary on American 
Language defines the word hero as, and I quote: ``A man of exceptional 
quality who wins admiration by nobel deeds, especially deeds of 
courage''.
  Mr. Speaker, after reading that definition, it gives me great 
pleasure to rise and pay tribute to a man of exceptional quality who 
has won the admiration of many by his nobel and courageous deeds, Mr. 
Sylvester Welch.
  Sylvester Welch was named ``Western Region Hero of the year'' by the 
National Association of Letter Carriers, for saving a woman from 
assault by two gang members trying to steal her purse at a city bus 
stop.
  In the predawn darkness of downtown Los Angeles, Sylvester Welch 
watched in horror as a gang attack unfolded at a bus stop across the 
street from where he stood. Ms. Linda Shine was waiting, as she did 
every morning, for the bus to take her to work. Suddenly, two gang 
members, one carrying a knife, came out of the darkness and accosted 
Ms. Shine. They tried to snatch her purse and her gym bag, and when Ms. 
Shine held on to her possessions one of the thugs knocked her down and 
began dragging her along the sidewalk while others stood by and watched 
in horror and dismay. Sylvester Welch, a letter carrier, refused to 
stand by and do nothing while the assault took place. He immediately 
rushed across the street to help the struggling victim, Faced with 
Sylvesters' strong challenge, the two juveniles let go of the purse and 
fled into the shadows with the gym bag. Stopping only long enough to 
make sure that the woman was unharmed, Mr. Welch then hopped into his 
truck, pursued the assailants, but lost sight of them in the dark 
streets.
  At a time when senseless acts of violence plague our society and 
citizens are afraid to walk the streets of their own neighborhoods, Mr. 
Sylvester Welch took bold and fearless action to protect the life and 
property of one of his fellow citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, be it therefore acknowledged that Mr. Sylvester Welch is 
recognized as one of this Nations great American heroes and that his 
act of bravery be recognized as a ``random act of kindness.''

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