[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 70 (Tuesday, June 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1017]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE OF SERGEANT ALESSANDRO CARBONARO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 6, 2006

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I have the honor today to recognize the 
life of Sergeant Alessandro Carbonaro, a courageous Marine who passed 
away on May 10, 2006 in Germany as a result of injuries he received in 
Iraq. I had the privilege to attend a moving memorial service for this 
young man on May 23rd at the National Cathedral. There, those who knew 
him best testified to his commitment to his friends, family, and 
country. Alex was a proud and dedicated soldier, a loving son and 
husband, and a loyal friend who loved ice hockey and played in a local 
rock band. I thank him for his service to the country, and offer my 
condolences to his parents, Fulvio and Gilda Carbonaro, his wife, 
Gilda, and all who had the pleasure and good fortune to know him.
  I would like to submit to the Record a poem Alex wrote in the Spring 
of 2004. I hope the words of this talented young man bring comfort to 
all who mourn his loss.

                               From Afar

     Dear little star
     How I miss having you near me.
     And though your light shines on me from afar
     I have to continue on and appreciate
     Your warmth from across the cosmos
     Dear little shining star
     At the end of the day
     I look at you and my emotions just flow from me
     And all I feel is your warmth.
     One day things will be different for you and I
     My little precious star.
     But until then
     I must be content to take you in from afar.

                          ____________________