[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 45 (Friday, April 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBERING MELINDA MONTGOMERY STRONG

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 1, 2004

  Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, Dr. Barbara Montgomery, 
noted educator, world traveler and lecturer, and leader in the local, 
State, and national Democratic Party, suffered the loss of her second 
child, Melinda Montgomery Strong. Melinda passed away in Watsonville, 
California on February 4th. Melinda's twin, Melody Montgomery Law, and 
her father, James Kenneth Montgomery, pre-deceased her.
  As a special tribute, and following a traditional Indian farewell, 
Chief Tecumseh of the Shawnee Nation was quoted at Melinda's final 
rites. It is a beautiful and appropriate guideline for all of us--and 
especially for the beautiful Melinda Montgomery Strong:

       So live your life that the fear of death can never enter 
     your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect 
     others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. 
     Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in 
     your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the 
     service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the 
     day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or 
     a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a 
     stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people 
     and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks 
     for the food and for the joy of living. Sing your death song 
     and die like a hero going home.

  As a longtime friend and admirer of Dr. Montgomery, I ask that 
Congress adjourn today in memory of this beautiful life--and that we 
collectively send our condolences and our prayers to Dr. Barbara 
Montgomery.

                          ____________________