[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 120 (Friday, September 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO MIGUEL RAMIREZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 14, 2001

  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this week, our Nation has 
experienced much human tragedy. Although my hometown of Houston, Texas 
was spared the devastation that occurred in New York City and in 
Washington, D.C., we did suffer from a tremendous loss. Today, I rise 
to pay tribute to Miguel Ramirez.
  On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, Aldine High School lost Miguel 
Ramirez, one of its most promising ninth grade students. Miguel had 
been preparing for an afternoon football practice session before he 
collapsed.
  Miguel was new to Aldine High School, but he quickly embraced the 
school and its traditions. He was an honor student and was enthusiastic 
about football. Despite the fact that Miguel Ramirez was only fourteen 
years old, he made a lasting impression on his family, his friends and 
his teachers.
  Recently, the Houston Chronicle reported on the impact Miguel had had 
on his football teammates. I would like to share the following excerpt:


       ``We had a meeting this morning, and the attitude of the 
     team is that they wanted to go out and win a game for 
     Miguel,'' said freshman coach Mark Muilenburg. ``There really 
     wasn't any hesitation about them wanting to play and we 
     talked about that as a team. Miguel was a guy that was always 
     at practice and a guy that always wanted to play. He just 
     started playing this year, and he was so proud of his jersey 
     and so proud of the fact that he was on a team.''


  Mr. Speaker, the loss of any life is sad, but the loss of a young 
life is truly tragic. Even in death, Miguel will continue to lead 
through the contributions he has left behind, the relationships he has 
forged, and the example he has set.
  I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in 
expressing our heartfelt condolences to the Miguel Ramirez family, 
especially to his parents David and Maria, and to his many friends and 
classmates at Aldine High School.

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