[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 108 (Thursday, July 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. DAVID McCOURT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2013

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, on July 11, 2013, the State of Connecticut 
and our nation lost an extraordinary man, David McCourt. A New London 
native, David's life served as a beacon of hope and wisdom in our 
difficult times. David was a highly successful businessman who took 
over a family business, ABCO Welding Supply, in 1986 with his brother 
Bill. Through hard work and entrepreneurial skill, they grew the 
business and achieved a comfortable station in life.
  Tragically on September 11, 2001, that idyllic story was violently 
upset when his wife Ruth and four-year-old daughter Juliana died aboard 
United Flight 175 that crashed into the Twin Towers in New York City. 
The horror and pain of that loss was devastating to David and any 
person would be forgiven for reacting to such a loss with anger and 
depression. David, however, responded differently. After a period of 
mourning he sought heal the division and conflict which are part of 
modern existence, rather than inflame violence and hate.
  After a spiritual awakening, he helped found B.R.A.V.E. Juliana, a 
program of HELP USA. He devoted his time to teach children nonviolence 
and conflict resolution. He said ``what we have to do is start with the 
children in this country and teach them tolerance, compassion, and 
understanding.'' In 2002, he also founded the Juliana Valentine McCourt 
Children's Education Fund. Each year the fund gives out funding to 
local youth organizations.
  Each year the New London Police Department and Fire Department host a 
benefit softball game to remember the events of 9/11 and raise 
donations for the McCourt Fund. The Juliana Valentine McCourt Memorial 
Softball game brings the whole community together in remembrance of the 
victims. New London was very pleased and excited when David attended 
the 2012 game, which raised over $1,000 for the McCourt fund.
  New London's Lyman Allyn Art museum established a garden to honor the 
memories of Juliana and Ruth. The McCourt memorial garden according to 
David serves as a ``metaphor for seasons and renewal and healing for 
those who are left behind.'' David spoke powerfully at the 10 year 
commemorative event held at the McCourt memorial garden.
  Mr. McCourt passed away on July 11 after a courageous battle with 
metastic melanoma. He leaves behind his current wife, Mary Bryant 
McCourt, his four children, and nine grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask 
all my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of David McCourt, and 
sharing our condolences with the family he leaves behind.

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