[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 10, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E693]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CELEBRATING MOTHER'S DAY

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 10, 2000

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Mother's Day, 
today I celebrate the enormous contributions of mothers all over the 
country. I want to pay a special tribute to those mothers who have lost 
their children in the prime of their lives, much too early. One such 
mother is Ruth Tinsman, who has served as my Congressional Aide for 
seven years. Ruth served my two predecessors in Congress as well, and 
did so with the highest level of commitment and honor. Her commitment 
as a mother, however, has been her truest and most noble calling, as 
she will remind those who admire her long and devoted public service.
  Mr. Speaker, Ruth Tinsman lost her son Robert Tinsman in Miami, 
Florida last week, his candle burned out all too soon, as the poet E.E. 
Cummings once said. ``Bobby,'' as he was known to his friends and 
family, was a veteran of the Vietnam War, an American hero to those of 
us who recognize the value of his tremendous sacrifices, and whose 
service will never be forgotten. Bobby will be remembered fondly by all 
who knew him, but most lovingly by his mother, whose life has always 
revolved around her children and grandchildren. My heart is saddened 
because her heart is heavy, but my sorrow is tempered by the wonderful 
memories that this devoted mother will always cherish. As a Member of 
Congress, I am honored to take this opportunity to praise the 
remarkable women who each day in their own way work to build a society 
where all of us can be free. Ruth Tinsman is such a woman, such a 
mother. As I salute all the mothers in this country, it is my special 
honor to salute her this Mother's Day.

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