[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 124 (Thursday, September 17, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1746-E1747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           NATIONAL HUMANITARIAN AWARD FOR CHRISTINE BURRAGE

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                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 17, 1998

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your 
attention the actions of a spectacular humanitarian, Christine

[[Page E1747]]

Burrage. She is a letter carrier in my home town of Springfield, 
Massachusetts. Ms. Burrage has recently been honored as the National 
Association of Letter Carriers' National Humanitarian Award winner, an 
event I was proud to attend.
  The letter carriers employed by the United States Postal Service have 
the opportunity to positively influence the neighborhoods in which they 
work. Though the opportunity may present itself daily, not every letter 
carrier is willing to become a part of the community to which they 
deliver mail. On the other hand, there are a number of letter carriers 
that become deeply involved with the people in the communities through 
which their route takes them. Christine Burrage is one such person.
  Christine Burrage delivers mail in a poor, downtrodden neighborhood. 
She learned Spanish from her patrons in order to interact with them 
more effectively, and interact she has. Ms. Burrage gives food to those 
who cannot afford groceries, toys and clothing to children in need, and 
all manner of relief for victims of fire. The people to whom she 
delivers mail know that if they have a problem, Christine Burrage will 
do whatever she can to help.
  There are many children along her route whose family life is less 
than ideal. For these children, and for many adults as well, Ms. 
Burrage serves as a role model. She reminds the children who follow 
along with her of the value of an education and the rewards for hard 
work. She is also willing to take the time to explain the many dangers 
associated with drugs. Christine Burrage does not only deliver the 
mail. She also plays the roles of social worker, counselor, and 
teacher. She has become an indispensable member of the Memorial Square 
community.
  In a time when the people of the United States are searching for 
heroes to look up to, some need only look down their own street. The 
real heroes are ordinary people who take the opportunity to do 
extraordinary acts of kindness. People who are willing to take risks 
for the welfare of others are a credit to their town, their state, and 
their country. Christine Burrage is that kind of person and I feel 
honored and privileged to serve as her representative in Congress.

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