[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 11, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING MS. ANTOINETTE TUFF

                                 ______
                                 

                  HON. HENRY C. ``HANK'' JOHNSON, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 11, 2013

  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following 
Proclamation.
  Whereas, today we pause to recognize a virtuous woman of God whose 
actions, thinking, and spirit blessed the lives of the children, 
parents, teachers, and support staff of not only the Ronald E. McNair 
Discovery Learning Academy, but the hearts of citizens across America; 
and
  Whereas, Ms. Antoinette Tuff on August 20, 2013 gave of herself to 
calm and defuse an incredibly dangerous situation that could have 
devastated our community and our Nation; and
  Whereas, Ms. Antoinette Tuff talked down an armed and troubled 
intruder who was focused on harming elementary school children, their 
teachers, support staff, and police officers on the scene; and
  Whereas, Ms. Tuff stood as a citizen diplomat, cool and calm, 
communicating with the would be assailant, as she advocated for life, 
not only for the intruder and herself, but for every life in the school 
building on that day; and
  Whereas, this wise woman of God shared her stories, her struggles, 
her trials and her triumphs, to breathe in words of encouragement and 
comfort, transforming a spirit of destruction into a spirit of 
redemption, allowing herself to be an instrument of God ensuring that 
all would live to see another day; and
  Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia 
has set aside this day to honor and recognize Ms. Antoinette Tuff for 
her bravery, her selflessness, leadership, and service not only to 
those students, teachers, support staff, police officers, and 
administrators at Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy in DeKalb 
County, Georgia, but also for her heart and spirit that have touched 
our Nation and the World; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, 
Jr. do hereby proclaim August 25, 2013 as Ms. Antoinette Tuff Day in 
the 4th Congressional District of Georgia.
  Proclaimed, this 25th day of August, 2013.

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