[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 40 (Friday, April 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E509]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MAYOR ERIC HOLMES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 11, 2002

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to pay 
tribute to Mayor Eric ``Red'' Holmes Shelby, Mississippi. After a long 
battle with illness, Mayor Holmes died on March 11, 2002.
  Although he was only in his second term, Mayor Holmes will be dearly 
missed by the citizens of Shelby. He is quoted as saying that his 
secret to success was that he worked to serve the citizens if Shelby 
instead of himself. This was indeed the case. While in office, Eric's 
main priority was to improve the future of children in Shelby. He 
served as an official with high school football and with the Delta 
Softball League. He was also instrumental in securing grants to 
construct the Shelby City Park in order to give children a decent place 
to play on weekends and after school. On the day the park opened, it 
should be of note, that he was there cooking hotdogs and playing with 
the kids as well. Mayor Holmes should be commended because he is truly 
a modem day ``role model'', displaying the characteristics of integrity 
and commitment for all to admire.
  Today, I express my sincerest condolences to the family of Mayor Eric 
Holmes. Not only has his family experienced a great loss, but the town 
of Shelby and Mississippi Delta has lost a dedicated public servant as 
well.

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