[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 40 (Thursday, March 21, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H2661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING EUNICE MERRILL, WOMAN OF THE YEAR FOR THE FIFTH DISTRICT OF 
                                ALABAMA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Alabama [Mr. Cramer] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CRAMER. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to come before the House 
tonight to pay tribute to a very special woman from the Fifth District 
of Alabama. She is Mrs. Eunice Merrill from Huntsville, AL.
  Many years ago, at a time when there were very few women in Alabama 
running their own businesses, Miss Eunice opened Eunice's Country 
Kitchen.
  It is a place where people of all ages and all stations in life 
gather together. It is truly a crossroads in our community, where 
everyone can share breakfast and a common table.
  The food and the conversation are big attractions, but one of the 
main reasons people come from all around is Miss Eunice herself.
  She treats everyone who walks through her door like they are family, 
whether they are long-time friends or first-time customers. No matter 
how early it is or how busy it is, Eunice always has a smile and a kind 
word for every person.
  While she is beloved for her kindness and her hospitality, Miss 
Eunice is revered for her extraordinary work for charity, especially on 
behalf of the Arthritis Foundation.
  But, last November, Mr. Speaker, tragedy struck Miss Eunice. She was 
leaving her house for work at 4 o'clock in the morning, as she did most 
every morning to begin fixing breakfast for her customers.
  As she walked from her house to her car, Miss Eunice was brutally 
attacked and robbed. She was rushed to a hospital to undergo emergency 
surgery.
  Not only did she survive the attack, but after a week's stay in the 
hospital, at the age of 78, Miss Eunice was back at work.
  She didn't even postpone the fund-raiser she had organized for the 
Arthritis Foundation, which she held, just as she planned, on the very 
first day she returned.
  Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Eunice Merrill is a glowing testament to the heart 
and strength of the human spirit. While her story of survival is 
inspiring, it is simply one chapter in a life story of faith and 
perseverance.
  I am proud, Mr. Speaker, to stand here tonight to honor the Woman of 
the Year for the Fifth District of Alabama, Mrs. Eunice Merrill.

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