[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 65 (Thursday, May 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING VINCENT ROPER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 2013

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember Vincent Roper, who passed 
away on April 4 of natural causes at the age of 79.
  For decades, Vince and his wife Roberta worked tirelessly to advance 
victims' rights in Prince George's County and throughout Maryland, 
advocating for rights and support services for crime victims and their 
families as they heal and seek justice.
  Vince and Roberta suffered an unimaginable tragedy in 1982 when their 
daughter, Stephanie, was murdered. Following this tragic crime, the 
Roper family wasn't permitted to observe the trial and was denied the 
right to address the court at the sentencing. Their frustration led 
them to establish the Stephanie Roper Committee and Foundation, Inc., 
which is now known as the Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center. The 
Center actively lobbies legislators in Annapolis and played a 
significant role in the passage of the Federal Crime Victims Rights 
Act, the Maryland Crime Victims Rights Act of 1997, and other 
legislation that is making a substantial difference in the lives of 
crime victims and their families in Maryland.
  Born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, in 1933, Vince later enlisted in the 
U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and was selected to attend the U.S. Naval 
Academy. A graduate of the class of 1956, he served our nation for 
thirty years as a naval officer and retired as a Captain. In addition 
to serving as the Treasurer of the Stephanie Roper Committee and 
Foundation, he served our community as a member of the Knights of 
Columbus, the Most Holy Rosary Council No. 11511, and the Naval Weather 
Service Association.
  Prince George's County and the State of Maryland owe a great deal to 
Vince for his hard work and dedication to ensuring that every crime 
victim in Maryland is treated with the dignity and respect they 
deserve. I join our community in mourning his passing, and my thoughts 
and prayers are with Roberta and their family.

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