[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 144 (Thursday, October 23, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H9042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   ANN'S CAMPAIGN FOR A SAFER AMERICA

  (Mr. MORAN of Virginia asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 
resilience of a remarkable northern Virginia family. In April I was on 
the floor commemorating a young woman whose life was cut short in an 
act of senseless, random violence. At that time, the Mt. Vernon 
community in my district was attempting to come to grips with the loss 
of Ann Marie Harris, who was shot and killed in Tacoma, WA, during her 
spring break.
  Madam Speaker, since this senseless tragedy Ann's friends and family 
have worked hard to keep her memory alive through the founding of 
``Ann's Campaign for a Safer America.'' This organization is working to 
help all of us live the life that Ann radiated; a life in which we care 
more and are more understanding of each other.
  I have the deepest respect for the Harris family as they try to turn 
this tragedy into a positive contribution for our communities. The 
Harrises have undertaken a speaking campaign to spread their experience 
through school presentation, conferences, and other forums. They will 
work with parents and school groups to prevent tragedies like this from 
recurring.
  Madam Speaker, it epitomizes the best of the human spirit.
  The Harris family is truly an example for us all. They have taken 
this shattering experience and turned it into a living tribute to their 
daughter. Ann's exceptional energy and enthusiasm lives on through 
these efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, ``Ann's Campaign for A Safer America'' epitomizes the 
very best of the human spirit. I can think of no more appropriate 
memorial from Ann's family and friends than this effort to bring more 
understanding and less violence to our community.

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