[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 16487-16489]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              IN MEMORY OF THE CALIFORNIA VICTIMS OF 9/11

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I thank the Senator from Florida for what 
he said on the need to get homeland security right. He touched on the 
Coast Guard as an example of where we don't want to lose the function 
of the Coast Guard that is so important to our States--those of us who 
have waterways and oceans and a search-and-rescue element. I could not 
agree more with that point.
  I am also going to be working on the Federal Emergency Management 
Administration. We know they have come to our rescue many times, and we 
don't want to lose the ability of that agency to function in a natural 
disaster, as well as, of course, utilizing them if, God forbid, we have 
another terrorist attack. I think these are things on which we need to 
reflect.
  I am very pleased that Senator Byrd has slowed us up on considering 
this bill because it is not about an artificial date; it is about 
getting it right.
  Mr. President, I am here in a very somber mood. We are approximately 
15 hours away from the very moment 1 year ago that our Nation was hit, 
and I want to take just a moment of the Senate's time--maybe 15 
minutes--to reflect on that day and, most of all, to remember the 
Californians we lost that day, numbering 54.
  For me, and perhaps for you and many Americans, September has really 
been a month of excitement and anticipation. I have always loved 
September. It is the end of the summer, the beginning of a beautiful 
fall with the changing of the leaves, back to school, and perhaps a 
little quicker pace, a faster step. September, for most of us, never 
reminds us of loss, of fear, of shock, of the horrors born of an 
extreme, unbridled, blind hatred.
  In September, we found out about those things. We also found out as a 
Nation what heroism truly is, how strong and united we can be, how we 
can set aside differences for the greater good and work together.
  The images of September 11 are deep in our minds and deep in our 
souls. The pain is there, just under the surface. For some of us in 
America, it is on the surface, and it will always be on the surface for 
the families who grieve, for the children who will never know a 
parent--thousands of them--for communities that were decimated.
  Today I want to remember those in my State who died on that day. Each 
was unique. Every one of those planes on that fated day was headed to 
California. So even though my State was 3,000 miles away from Ground 
Zero, from the World Trade Center or the Pentagon, we were linked in 
our sorrow, and we were linked in our outrage.
  I am going to read the 54 names, and then I am going to talk a little 
more about some of the people whose families wanted me to just say a 
little more about them and show their picture to you.
  David Angell; Lynn Angell; David Aoyama; Melissa Barnes; Alan Beaven; 
Berry Berenson; Dr. Yeneneh Betru; Carol Beug, and her mother Mary 
Alice Wahlstrom died together on flight 93. Mary Alice is from Utah.
  Mark Bingham; Deora Bodley; Touri Bolourchi; Daniel Brandhorst, 
Ronald Gamboa, and their adopted son, David Brandhorst. He was 3 years 
old.
  Charles ``Chic'' Burlingame, the captain of American Airlines flight 
No. 77. Technically, he was from McLean, VA, but his family is from 
California, and they considered him a Californian, and they said he 
considered himself a Californian.
  Thomas Burnett; Suzanne Calley; Jeffrey Collman; Dorothy DeAraujo; 
Lisa Frost; Andrew Garcia; Edmund Glazer; Lauren Grandcolas; Andrew 
Curry Green; Richard Guadagno; Stanley Hall; Gerald Hardacre; John 
Hart; John Hofer; Melissa Hughes; Barbara Keating; Chandler Keller; 
Christopher Larrabee; Daniel Lee; Maclovio Lopez; Hilda Marcin; Dean 
Mattson; Dora Menchaca; Nicole Miller; Laurie Neira; Ruben Ornedo; 
Marie Pappalardo; Jerrold Paskins; Thomas Pecorelli; Robert Penninger; 
Mari-Rae Sopper; Xavier Suarez; Alicia Titus; Otis Tolbert; Pendyala 
Vamsikrishna; Timothy Ward; Christopher Wemmers; John Wenckus.
  Mr. President, I want these names to be memorialized again today.
  There is a beautiful song called ``Try to Remember,'' and one of the 
lines is:

       Try to remember the kind of September when no one wept 
     except the willow.

  Sadly, those of us who lived through September 11, 2001, will weep 
for our lost brothers and sisters, but we will always remember our 
country, our embrace of freedom, and our democracy. And we will always 
cling closer to our loved ones. This place, this great democracy, 
America, will endure.
  Now I am going to tell you a little bit more about a few of the 
people we lost in California. Many people noted that the New York Times 
has run an ongoing biography of the people who were lost on that day. I 
was talking to Bob Kerrey, the former Senator from Nebraska, and he 
said this to a group of us: When you read those memorials, what you 
realize is how wonderful and important each of these people was and 
what wonderful stories were related from their families, their friends, 
and their coworkers. What really emerged is why this is such a great 
country. These people, they do not get in the news. They get up and go 
about their lives. That is what you are going to find out as I read 
about these people and show these pictures in memoriam.


                           Lauren Grandcolas

  Mrs. Grandcolas was a 38-year-old advertising sales consultant when 
the flight she was on, United flight 93, was hijacked by terrorists. As 
we all know, that plane crashed in a Pennsylvania field killing 
everyone on board. We also know of the heroism of the passengers on 
that plane.
  Mrs. Grandcolas was born in Bloomington, IN, and attended the 
University of Texas at Austin where she met her husband, Jack 
Grandcolas. After graduation, she worked as a marketing director for a 
law firm and then for PricewaterhouseCoopers.
  At the time of her tragic death, Mrs. Grandcolas was working as an 
advertising sales consultant at Good Housekeeping magazine and was 
researching and writing a nonfiction book to help women boost their 
self-esteem.

[[Page 16488]]

  Lauren had enthusiasm and passion for life, loved the outdoors and 
was devoted to physical fitness. She hiked, jogged, kayaked, and 
enjoyed in-line skating around her neighborhood. Her energy was 
boundless. She took classes in cooking and gardening, scuba diving, and 
wine appreciation. Lauren was active with the United Way, March of 
Dimes, Project Open Hand, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Breast Cancer 
Awareness, and Glide Memorial.
  Her husband Jack recalls she had a heart the size of Texas. Knowing 
her flight had been hijacked, Lauren left her husband a message on 
their home answering machine and then loaned her cell phone to another 
passenger to call loved ones.
  The joy Lauren felt pursuing new interests and developing new skills 
was being interwoven in the book she was writing for women. Jack 
recalls:

       She made a point to do things that were good for her, and 
     she thought she could extend what she had learned to help 
     other adult women gain confidence. Her sister and I will 
     fulfill her dream by completing the book.

  Lauren Grandcolas is missed deeply by her family.
  I wanted to take a moment to tell you a little bit more about her.


                          Nicole Carol Miller

  This next picture in memoriam is of Nicole Carol Miller. I want to 
start out by reading a poem that was dedicated to Nicole that was 
written by her father, David James Miller. It was written last 
September 11. If I cannot get through this, I will put it in the 
Record. My daughter's name is Nicole. This is the poem.

     How I love thee My Nicole.
     When the thoughts of you come into my mind
     It's as if a breeze has passed through our rose garden and 
           the sweet savory I smell
     The taste of roses upon my tongue brings the sweetness of 
           your memory to my mind
     It comes upon me as the morning dew weighs the roses down
     Smooth and pleasant are the thoughts of you, as the petals of 
           a rose
     And once again I am nourished with your love.

  Nicole Carol was a lovely 21-year-old college student when the flight 
she was on, United flight 93, was hijacked by the terrorists. That was 
the plane that was brought down by the passengers in Pennsylvania.
  Nicole's memory lives on in the hearts of those she loved. She took 
great joy in life and exemplified this with her wonderful outlook and 
her tenacious personality. Nicole's radiant smile, which we can see in 
this photo, could light up the room as she energized those around her. 
She knew how to be an outstanding friend. She was blessed with two 
families, her father and stepmother, David and Catherine Miller of 
Chico, CA, and her mother and stepfather, Cathy and Wayne Stefani, Sr., 
of San Jose, CA.
  In her father's words:

       She had that sweet baby quality. She could make you smile 
     and forget your troubles for a little bit.

  Friend Heidi Barnes describes Nicole as very friendly and welcoming. 
She had a big heart, and it was open to everyone.
  Nicole lived in San Jose, CA, with her mother and stepfather. She 
attended local schools and graduated from Pioneer High School in 1998. 
A talented softball player during all 4 years of high school, Nicole 
won a college softball scholarship during her senior year. Even though 
she had never been a competitive swimmer, she tried out for the Pioneer 
High swim team as a freshman and made the team. At the time of her 
tragic death, she was a dean's list student at West Valley College in 
Saratoga working part time and weighing whether to transfer to 
California State University at Chico or San Jose State University.
  I offer this tribute to Nicole.


                              hilda marcin

  I would like to take this opportunity to share with the Senate the 
memory of one of my constituents, Hilda Marcin, who lost her life on 
September 11, 2001. Mrs. Marcin was 79 years old when the flight she 
was on, United Airlines Flight 93, was hijacked by terrorists. As we 
all know, that plane crashed in a Pennsylvania field, killing everyone 
on board.
  Mrs. Marcin was born in Schwedelbach, Germany. When she was 7 years 
old, her family emigrated to the United States to escape oppression. 
Like many immigrants, her family left all possessions behind and came 
only with the clothes on their backs.
  Her family settled in Irvington, NJ, where she attended local 
schools. She worked seven days a week in the payroll department of the 
New Jersey shipyards during World War II.
  A friend arranged a blind date with Edward Marcin and they were 
married on February 13, 1943. They had two daughters, Elizabeth and 
Carole. The Marcin family enjoyed participating in school functions, 
class trips, the PTA, and various church activities. Mr. and Mrs. 
Marcin were also socially and politically active in Irvington. Mrs. 
Marcin later worked as a special education teacher's aide.
  Hilda Marcin embraced life with enthusiasm and made the most of every 
minute. She adored her family and her granddaughter, Melissa Kemmerer 
Lata. She was an inspiration to those she touched, including the 
special needs children in the school where she worked. Her friends 
admired her positive attitude and her desire and ability to continue 
working during the later years of her life. Mrs. Marcin treasured 
freedom and democracy, and her American citizenship.
  At the time of her death, Mrs. Marcin was flying to San Francisco to 
live with her younger daughter, Carole O'Hare. She is survived by her 
daughter, Elizabeth Kemmerer and son-in- law Raymond Kemmerer; daughter 
Carole O'Hare and son-in-law Thomas O'Hare; and granddaughter Melissa 
Lata and Melissa's husband, Edward Lata. I offer this tribute to her.


                               DANIEL LEE

  Daniel Lee lost his life on September 11, 2001. Mr. Lee was 34 years 
old when the plane he was on, American Airlines Flight 11, was hijacked 
by terrorists. As we all know, that plane crashed into the World Trade 
Center, killing everyone on board.
  Daniel Lee grew up in Palm Desert, CA. He was a carpenter and a 
drummer in a local southern California band. He met his wife, Kellie, 
in 1991 at a rock concert in which he was playing the drums. They were 
married October 7, 1995 and their first child, Amanda Beth, was born 
December 11, 1998.
  Mr. Lee was a dedicated and successful set carpenter in the music 
industry, known to work 20 hour days when necessary. He worked with 
many talented musicians including Neil Diamond, Barbara Streisand, 
N'Sync, Aerosmith and Yanni. He was touring with the Backstreet Boys 
when, on September 11, 2001, he left to fly home to be with his wife as 
she was about to give birth to their second child. Allison Danielle Lee 
was born September 13, 2001.
  Kellie Lee recalls Dan's bright, relaxed and charming smile. ``He was 
caring, loving, funny and romantic. He loved being a Dad and was so 
excited about having another child on the way,'' she says. One of his 
special joys was getting friends together for barbeques and pool 
parties,'' Kellie remembers.
  Dan Lee is survived by his wife, Kellie Lee, his daughters, Amanda 
and Allison, mother and stepfather Elaine and John Sussino, brothers 
Jack Fleishman and Stuart Lee and sister, Randi Kaye. I offer this 
tribute to Daniel Lee.
  Mr. President, I take this opportunity to share with the Senate the 
memory of one of my constituents, Mari-Rae Sopper, who lost her life on 
September 11, 2001. Ms. Sopper was a 35-year-old lawyer and gymnastics 
coach when the flight she was on, American Airlines Flight 77, was 
hijacked by terrorists. As we all know, that plane crashed into the 
Pentagon, killing everyone on board.
  Ms. Sopper was a native of Inverness, IL, and attended William Fremd 
High School in Palatine, IL. At the age of 15 she set the goal of 
becoming a champion gymnast. She succeeded, becoming all-American in 4 
events, the school's Athlete of the Year and the state's Outstanding 
Senior Gymnast of the Year.
  Larry Petrillo, her high school gymnastics coach, remembers her as 
brash and committed. ``One thing she taught

[[Page 16489]]

me is, you never settle for less than you are capable of. We should 
never accept limits. We should always fight the good fight. She was a 
staunch supporter of gymnastics and what's right,'' he recalls.
  Upon graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in exercise 
science, Ms. Sopper earned a master's degree in athletics 
administration from the University of North Texas and a law degree from 
the University of Denver. Ms. Sopper was an accomplished dancer and 
choreographer and continued to coach at gymnastics clubs.
  Ms. Sopper practiced law as a Lieutenant in the Navy's JAG Corps, 
focusing on Defense and Appellate Defense. She had left the Navy JAG 
Corps and was an associate with the law firm Schmeltzer, Aptaker & 
Sheperd, P.C. when she found her dream job: to coach the women's 
gymnastics team at the University of California at Santa Barbara.
  It was a 1-year appointment and Ms. Sopper was looking forward to the 
challenge. Her mother, Marion Kminek, says Mari-Rae was excited about 
the opportunity. ``I said go for it. Life is too short. It was 
something she had always wanted to do and she was so happy and 
excited,'' recalls Kminek.
  At the time of her death, Ms. Sopper was moving to Santa Barbara to 
begin her appointment. Her close friend, Mike Jacki, recalls ``This was 
to be a new adventure for Mari-Rae, and an opportunity to get back into 
the sport she loved. We have lost a very special person. She was 
prepared to make her dream come true, and in an instant it was gone.''
  Mari-Rae Sopper is remembered for her loyalty, strong values, 
excellent work ethic and spirit for life. She is survived by her 
mother, Marion Kminek and stepfather, Frank Kminek, her father Bill 
Sopper, sister Tammy and many loving friends.
  Mr. President, the last story I share with the Senate is the memory 
of one of my young constituents, Deora Bodley, who lost her life on 
September 11, 2001. Ms. Bodley was a 20-year-old college student when 
the flight she was on, United Airlines Flight 93, was hijacked by 
terrorists. As we all know, that plane crashed in a Pennsylvania field, 
killing everyone on board.
  Ms. Bodley grew up in San Diego, California. As a high school 
student, she visited local high schools to discuss HIV/AIDS with her 
peers. She volunteered with the Special Olympics and a local animal 
shelter. Chris Schuck, her English teacher at La Jolla Country Day 
School, recalls, ``Deora was always thinking big and going after big 
game.''
  At the time of her death, Ms. Bodley was studying psychology at Santa 
Clara University. She coordinated volunteers in a literacy program for 
elementary school students. Kathy Almazol, principal at St. Clare 
Catholic Elementary, recalls Ms. Bodley had ``a phenomenal ability to 
work with people, including the children she read to, her peer 
volunteers, the school administrators and teachers. We have 68 kids who 
had a personal association with Deora.''
  In the words of her mother, Deborah Borza, ``Deora has always been 
about peace.'' At the tender age of 11 years, Deora wrote in her 
journal, ``People ask who, what, where, when, why, how. I ask peace.'' 
A warm and generous person, Deora was a gifted student and a wonderful 
friend. Wherever she went, her light shined brightly.
  Deora's father, Derrill Bodley, of Stockton, CA, feels her life was 
about ``getting along'' and sharing a message of peace. Her 11-year-old 
sister, Murial, recalls Deora taught her many things and says, ``Most 
of all she taught me to be kind to other people and animals. I cherish 
the memories of my sister and plan to work hard in school and in 
everything I do so she can be proud of me like I was of her.''
  Mr. President, none of us is untouched by the terror of September 
11th, and many Californians were part of each tragic moment of that 
tragic day. Some were trapped in the World Trade Center towers. Some 
were at work in the Pentagon. And the fates of some were sealed as they 
boarded planes bound for San Francisco or Los Angeles.
  So I am honored and very moved to have had this chance to put into 
the Record today the names of these more than 50 Californians, every 
one now a bright and shining star in the sky. Their memories will live 
on and their legacies will live on, as will the memories and legacies 
of every American and every person, every innocent victim, who was cut 
down in the most hateful way on that tragic day.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Dayton). The Senator from Alabama.

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