[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 100 (Thursday, July 21, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING ROBERT ATKINSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 21, 2005

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courageous and 
heroic efforts of Mr. Robert Atkinson.
  On June 25th of 2005, when vacationing at Destin Beach with his wife 
and two daughters, Mr. Atkinson acted above and beyond the duties of an 
ordinary citizen. While others ran for safety, he did what many would 
not think of doing--he jumped into the water while a shark was still in 
the water.
  Mr. Atkinson's instinctive and courageous act was an attempt to save 
the life of Jamie Daigle, a 14 year old girl from Gonzales, Louisiana. 
He had put himself in danger's way and risked his own life to save 
another.
  A hero is someone who shows great courage and is to be admired for 
his achievements and noble qualities. I feel that Mr. Atkinson's act of 
selflessness and courage is one that we all can admire. Therefore, it 
is with great honor that I stand here today to recognize Mr. Robert 
Atkinson as a hero in the not only the eyes of his daughters and his 
hometown of Argyle, Texas, but also the 26th District of Texas.

                          ____________________