[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E523]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING RICO GIRON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 3, 2001

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of my 
constituents who has demonstrated great heroism. This extraordinary 
individual is Mr. Rico Giron, of San Miguel County, who risked his own 
life to save the lives of two young drowning children. Upon hearing the 
cries of the drowning children at a lake, Mr. Giron raced his boat 
toward the younger brother and sister and dived into the water after 
them. After pulling the girl ashore, Mr. Giron plunged back into the 
water to rescue the other boy. Using every last ounce of strength and 
energy, Mr. Giron was able to pull the boy ashore before collapsing 
from exhaustion. Mr. Giron's valiant efforts saved the lives of these 
two young children. For this exceptional bravery, the Andrew Carnegie 
Hero Fund Foundation has awarded Mr. Giron the prestigious Carnegie 
Medal which recognizes those individuals who risks his or her own life 
to save or attempt to save the life of another person. Very few 
individuals are awarded the Carnegie Medal, hence this is a grand 
achievement and Mr. Giron deserves a hero's welcome. The quotation that 
adorns the Carnegie Medal truly describes Mr. Giron's act of bravery: 
Greater love hath no man than that a man lay down his life for his 
friends. Please join me in recognizing the generous actions of Mr. 
Giron.

                          ____________________