[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 157 (Wednesday, November 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2072-E2073]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING VICTIMS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT 587

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 14, 2001

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the victims who lost 
their lives in the

[[Page E2073]]

crash of American Airlines flight #587 on Monday, November 13, 2001 and 
to offer my condolences and support to their families and friends. In 
the last two months, New York has witnessed such horrific losses and 
today we mourn the loss of more than another 250 friends. The flight 
that crashed was heading to the Dominican Republic and the list of 
passengers reflects the Dominican presence in New York City--a vibrant 
community that is an integral part of our National cultural mosaic and 
part of the wonderfully diverse constituency that is my privilege to 
serve in the U.S. Congress. Our attention now turns to the Dominican 
people, both here and in their motherland, who suffered a grievous 
loss.
  As I read the news reports, I notice the family relations on the 
flight which ties our community to a small country in the Caribbean. 
Mothers taking children to visit a never seen homeland. Nephews 
visiting aunts. Husbands returning to bring wives to their new lives. 
Parents on first vacations without the children. All the stories 
reflect lives prematurely ended leaving loved ones.
  We cannot reverse the tragic event of yesterday and only time will 
perhaps reveal the circumstances that caused it, allowing us to better 
understand why. Today we can stand with the Dominican community and 
offer our assistance in the healing and restoring of their lives. We 
can let them know that they are not alone during this time and that we 
pledge to provide every available resource to them.
  To the people of my district and its people of Dominican heritage: 
The past years we have worked side by side to improve the lives of our 
people and we have seen many wonderful changes. Your presence has 
enriched my life and contributed to the diversity that defines Upper 
Manhattan. I am so proud to represent you. Last night, in Washington 
Heights, I saw your tears and felt your pain. Please know that I mourn 
with you for your loss is my own. Mi apoyo, compansion, y solidaridad 
va para todos mis hermanos dominicanos. Frente a la tragedia y la 
adversidad, mi corazon esta con todos ustedes.

                          ____________________