[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 24 (Thursday, February 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E146]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY--REMEMBERING THOSE LOST ON FEBRUARY 14, 
                                  2008

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FOSTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2013

  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today 
to ask the House to observe a moment of silence for the tragedy that 
occurred at Northern Illinois University five years ago. On February 
14, 2008, we lost five very bright and energetic young students--
students who had hoped to one day become the future of our nation.
  Each year since that tragic day, members of the community gather to 
remember those students and to present the memorial wreathes. Gayle 
Dubowski, Catalina Garcia, Julianna Gehant, Ryanne Mace, and Daniel 
Parmenter will never be forgotten, for they will always be in our 
hearts. Their memories will live on through their family and friends, 
as well as Northern Illinois University.
  ``Forward, Together Forward,'' three simple words that stem from the 
University's Fight Song, teach us a lesson that we can all learn from. 
It reminds us that even in the darkest of situations, when all seems 
lost, if we come together as a community there is nothing that we 
cannot get through. It gives us the strength and motivation to move 
forward.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering those lost 
and to support all who were affected by this tragedy.

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