[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 27, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JACOB ANISH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 2004

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate ten-year-old Jacob 
Anish of Chicago for his recent act of bravery and for the honor of 
receiving the Heroism Medal awarded by the Boy Scouts of America.
  Jacob achieved this accolade for the courage he demonstrated on the 
evening of May 21, 2003 when a fire broke out in his family's home. 
Awakened by the smoke, Jacob maintained his calm despite the danger all 
around him. At a time when many boys of Jacob's age might have 
panicked, his first thought was not to run for safety but to save his 
sleeping younger brother, Gary.
  As the smoke thickened, Jacob swiftly found his brother, then lifted 
him up and carried him from one side of the house to the other. The 
house faded into darkness as Jacob fought through the danger to find 
the rest of his family.
  Jacob did not hesitate, nor did he waver from the Anish family fire 
plan which called for him to carry his younger brother to the 
neighbor's house and out of harm's reach. He maintained his composure 
throughout the fire like a young hero and natural leader.
  Though their home was lost, Jacob's steadfast courage and sharp 
instinct made the difference in saving each of his family members, 
including their pet Dalmatian. Jacob's selfless act of valor is why the 
Boy Scouts of America are honoring him this year.
  Mr. Speaker, I join his family, his Cub Scout Pack 3943, and all the 
people of the fifth district of Illinois in recognizing Jacob for his 
courage and for receiving the Heroism Medal. I am confident that Jacob 
will continue to set a strong example for his brothers and sisters, his 
peers, and young men and women across Chicago. I am very proud of Jacob 
Anish.

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