[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 92 (Wednesday, July 7, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1298-E1299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MATTIE STEPANEK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 6, 2004

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mattie 
Stepanek--a remarkable

[[Page E1299]]

poet and precocious young man from my district. Mattie died recently 
from complications due to a rare form of muscular dystrophy. The 13-
year-old captured the hearts of millions with his poetry and message of 
peace.
  Mattie will forever be remembered as a bright-eyed boy with a big, 
dimpled smile whose personal philosophy was ``remember to play after 
every storm.'' Mattie's poetry rose to the top of the New York Times 
best seller list and will now inspire people for generations to come.
  Mr. Speaker, Mattie was an incredible role model and inspiration for 
all Americans. In spite of his hardships, he dedicated his life to 
spreading harmony and hope. Mattie's message will live on through his 
poetry. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during 
this time of loss.

                          ____________________