[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 29 (Tuesday, March 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF ROSE MERRY MYERS DARDEN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 2004

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
life of Rose Merry Myers Darden, who died on February 20, 2004. Ms. 
Darden was a lifelong community activist and defender of less fortunate 
citizens. She was married to William (Boone) Darden, former police 
chief of Riviera Beach, Florida. Her husband, the first black man to 
become police chief of a major Florida city, preceded her in death.
  After her husband's passing, Rose threw herself entirely into 
community work. A caring and compassionate individual, she sold her 
jewelry and her automobile to raise the necessary funds to open St. 
Matthew's House, a shelter for homeless veterans. It later became St. 
Matthew's Safe House for Women, where many former drug abusers sought 
refuge and respite from their troubles while they worked to turn their 
lives around.
  A person of principle, Rose Darden gave up an opportunity to receive 
a $250,000 federal grant for expansion of St. Matthew's because she 
felt the guidelines would restrict her efforts to assist the women. She 
commented at the time, ``If we can't do the job the way it should be 
done. . . . I don't feel we should take the money.'' I agree 
wholeheartedly with her sentiment.
  I always had the greatest respect for Ms. Darden and her late 
husband. Her passing leaves us all poorer, and I challenge everyone who 
knew and loved her and the many whose lives she touched to continue the 
wonderful work she did.
  I offer my sincerest condolences to her family. We can all take 
comfort in knowing that her spirit will guide us always.

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