[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 112 (Tuesday, July 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1089]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF LUIS DANIEL WILSON-LEON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ALAN GRAYSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 12, 2016

  Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Luis 
Daniel Wilson-Leon, a resident of my district who resided in Orlando, 
Florida. Luis lost his life during the tragic shooting at Pulse 
nightclub in the early morning hours of June 12, 2016.
  Luis, who was also known as Danny, liked to wear black and grow his 
sideburns long while growing up in his small town in Puerto Rico. He 
encountered many bullies, but never retaliated with hate. His friends 
and family remember his loving, positive energy and spoke of him as a 
protector and confidante. Danny moved to Vero Beach, Florida, on his 
own in 2004. Once there, he quickly learned English and landed a job at 
a shoe store. Danny earned a promotion to store manager, was dedicated 
to his work and attended church.
  Danny eventually met the love of his life, Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, 
a salesperson at the shop, Perfumania. Their friends described the 
moment as ``love at first sight,'' and the beginning of their nine-year 
relationship. The two shared a home, frequented their favorite Hispanic 
restaurants and loved going to Latin Night at the Pulse club.
  Luis Daniel and Jean Carlos died alongside one another that night in 
Orlando. Luis was 37 years old.
  Luis will never be forgotten in our pursuit of a more just and loving 
world. His memory and acts of kindness will live forever in the hearts 
and minds of those who knew him.
  May his family, relatives and friends eventually find solace and 
comfort, and may he rest in eternal peace.

                          ____________________