[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 81 (Friday, June 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1259]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONCERNING THE DEATH OF PUERTO RICAN WRITER ENRIQUE LAGUERRE

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                           HON. LUIS FORTUNO

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 16, 2005

  Mr. FORTUNO. Mr. Speaker, today, Puerto Rico grieves the loss of one 
of our most famous and talented writers, Enrique Laguerre.
  Born in Moca, Puerto Rico, on July 15th, 1905, Laguerre devoted his 
life to enrich society by creating literature and promoting the 
development of theatrical studies. His work as a playwright has taken 
root on the lives of three generations in our Island and the Hispanic 
community in general, with masterpieces like ``La Llamarada'', ``La 
Resaca'' and ``El Laberinto''.
  In 1975, the Puerto Rico Institute of Culture decorated him with the 
National Literature Award; in 1985, the Puerto Rico Humanities 
Foundation declared him the Humanist of the Year; and as recent as in 
1999, he was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature.
  Enrique Laguerre, novelist, essayist, playwright, professor, poet and 
critic, is in fact one of the foundations of Puerto Rico's literary 
history.
  At 99 years of age, Laguerre says farewell to all of us, leaving an 
invaluable legacy to be cherished by future generations.
  As I mentioned, Puerto Rico grieves the loss of Laguerre, but we are 
also very thankful to the Almighty for the opportunity of having among 
us someone with such sensitivity and devotion towards the arts, 
humanities and society.
  May God have him in his glory . . . rest in peace, Enrique Laguerre.

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