[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 112 (Tuesday, July 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF OSCAR ARACENA-MONTERO

                                 ______
                                 

                           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 Oscar 
Aracena-Montero who was a resident of my district and lived in 
Kissimmee, Florida. Oscar's life was cut short in the early hours of 
June 12, 2016, during the tragic shooting at Pulse nightclub in 
Orlando.
  Oscar was a business management student and worked as an assistant 
restaurant manager. He moved from the Dominican Republic with his 
father as a child and grew up in Central Florida. His friends describe 
him as a sweet guy who was the type of person who gets along with 
anybody. They remember him as a charismatic person who always looked on 
the bright side of things.
  Oscar was excited about the prospects of a career after completing 
his college degree. He and his partner, Simon Fernandez, purchased a 
home last year where they lived together with their three lovely 
Chihuahuas. They enjoyed traveling together, dancing, riding their 
bikes and going water skiing.
  Oscar and Simon had been vacationing in Canada and New York the week 
before the tragedy. Friends enjoyed seeing their photos posted online 
from their stop in Niagra Falls. The couple had just returned to 
Orlando earlier in the day before heading out with friends to Latin 
Night at the Pulse club on the night of the attack.
  The two died alongside one another at the club. Oscar was 26 years 
old.
  Oscar Aracena-Montero 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.

                          ____________________