[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 112 (Friday, July 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1660-E1661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MR. RICK MERRI

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DOUG OSE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 25, 2003

  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note the upcoming celebration 
of the 60th birthday of Mr. Rick Merri of Sacramento.
  I have known Mr. Merri for many years. I have had the pleasure of 
being involved with the Merri family since the early 1980s. I have had 
the honor of conducting the marriage ceremony of his eldest son Rick 
Jr. I have had the privilege of coaching and playing soccer with each 
of Mr. Merri's three sons. I say with some measure of pride that I was 
a contributor in making each of these three young men into contributing 
members of our American society.
  Mr. Merri has been a quiet and effective participant in various youth 
activities in and around Sacramento for at least two decades. He has 
consistently lent his insights and initiative to making our community 
better for those that come behind him.
  He has not been alone in this effort. Paulette Merri has stood 
alongside him at every step of the way and provided valuable course 
corrections at every step. These two Americans, as a team, without 
regard to recognition

[[Page E1661]]

or reward, have over the course of their lives strived to provide a 
safe and healthy and improving community for their three sons and many 
neighbors and friends. Truth be told, it is hard to distinguish where 
the efforts of one of these individuals ends and the other begins. They 
are emblematic of so many other Americans across this country.
  August 9, 2003, will mark the occasion of the 60th birthday of Rick 
Merri. Rick and Paulette have done a remarkable job in successfully 
raising three sons, who now are each making their own way and mark on 
our country. It is fitting and appropriate that we wish Rick Merri the 
very best wishes on the occasion of his 60th birthday. Happy birthday, 
my friend.

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