[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 40 (Tuesday, April 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E589]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN MEMORY OF ANN HARRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 1997

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate a 
young and vital member of the northern Virginia community whose life 
was tragically cut short by gun violence. Ann Harris' life was filled 
with promise. She came from a wonderful, devoted family; she was a 
varsity tennis and soccer player at Mount Vernon High School; a member 
of the National Honor Society; and, she had just been accepted in the 
early admissions program at Purdue University. Ann's natural vibrance 
and exuberance for life made her a very popular and outgoing young 
woman. A former intern of mine, Jennifer Reiley, who was one of Ann's 
best friends and soccer teammates described Ann as someone who always 
looked on the bright side and helped others see the best in themselves. 
She said Ann was a natural leader, who knew when to listen and when to 
lead.
  While on vacation in Washington State visiting a friend and former 
student at Mount Vernon High School, Ann, just 17 years old, was 
fatally shot in a drive-by shooting. The unprovoked attack has shocked 
northern Virginians and Tacoma, WA, residents, who can't believe such a 
senseless act of violence could happen in such a peaceful community. 
Ann's parents, Coleman and Jean Harris, have been actively involved in 
every aspect of Ann's life: Coleman Harris is currently president of 
the Parent-Teacher Association and Jean Harris is president of the 
Choral Boosters. Yet, for all of their involvement, they could not 
prevent the senseless act of violence that stripped them of their 
talented young daughter.
  Mr. Speaker, the violence must stop. Congress must act to ensure that 
guns are taken off the streets and out of the hands of reckless 
criminals who have no respect for human life. Our efforts together can 
help prevent such needless tragedy in the future. As our community 
mourns Ann's all too brief life and tragic end, we must work to ensure 
that our children can feel safe and that no other parents will have to 
endure the kind of suffering that Coleman and Jean Harris now endure.

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