[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 74 (Wednesday, June 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1011-E1012]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO NELSON DeOLIVEIRA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 14, 2000

  Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Nelson DeOliveira. 
Nelson was a positive, outgoing young man who lost his life too soon to 
an epidemic sweeping our nation--the epidemic of gun violence.

[[Page E1012]]

  Nelson was born and raised in Medford, Massachusetts. He was known 
for his boundless energy and for enjoying life to the fullest. Whether 
hard at work, participating in one of his many favorite sports, or 
having fun with family and friends, Nelson was always giving his all.
  With his ever-present smile and positive personality, Nelson endeared 
himself to all. Like most young men at 23, Nelson had dreams. He wanted 
something better out of life. He decided to return to school, and to 
prepare himself for a solid future. He looked forward to spending time 
as a loving uncle to his sister's child, and to one day enjoying a 
family of his own. Nelson always regarded family and friends as the 
most important aspect of his life.
  On the night of February 12, 1995, Nelson was visiting the home of a 
new girlfriend when suddenly the girl's ex-boyfriend arrived angry, 
jealous and ready to assault the couple. The police were called, and 
upon their arrival the man was taken to jail. Believing the situation 
was safe, Nelson continued his visit unaware the ex-boyfriend would be 
freed that very night. Once out of jail, the man armed himself with a 
38 caliber handgun. He then proceeded to smash his way into the girl's 
basement apartment with the intent to murder everyone inside. And 
murder he did--killing the girl's brother, Nelson, and firing two shots 
into the girl, who has since survived.
  Since that moment, the family and friends of Nelson have focused 
their love, emotions, and sense of loss through the creation of the 
Nelson Foundation. The mission of the Foundation is to provide public 
awareness on the true costs of gun violence. The Nelson Foundation 
raises funds for organizations that fight gun and domestic violence 
through positive community programs. In addition, it has developed a 
scholarship program for students who are dedicated to the message of 
peace and non-violent conflict resolution.
  I commend the family and friends of Nelson DeOliveira in their 
efforts to honor the spirit of this exceptional young man by working to 
put an end to the epidemic of gun violence.
  And I urge Congress to do its part by passing meaningful gun safety 
legislation. We can not afford to lose one more life to one more 
bullet. We can not afford to lose the promise and the hope of young 
people like Nelson DeOliveira.

                          ____________________