[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 112 (Tuesday, July 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1094]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF JUAN RIVERA VELAZQUEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           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 Juan 
Rivera Velazquez of Kissimmee, Florida. Juan was a resident of my 
district. His life was cut short in the early morning hours of June 12, 
2016, during the tragic shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando.
  Juan died at the club alongside his life partner of 16 years, Luis 
Daniel Conde. The two grew up in the same small town in Puerto Rico, 
and even attended the same school, Jose Campeche High School in San 
Lorenzo, Puerto Rico.
  Juan Rivera Velazquez was 37 years old.
  Juan and Luis were co-owners of Alta Peluqueria D'Magazine Salon & 
Spa in Kissimmee where they enjoyed a loyal client base and frequently 
offered their services to victims of domestic abuse, free of charge. 
The pair were known to friends as exceptional people and a loving 
couple. While Juan is remembered as the shy, quieter half, driven and 
focused on the work, Luis was more the jokester, who was always making 
people laugh. They valued their clients as friends with their 
encouraging words, always reminding them that they look `beautiful' and 
`amazing' before leaving the salon.
  Juan Rivera Velazquez 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.

                          ____________________