[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 8359-8360]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




DEEPEST SYMPATHY FOR THE FAMILIES OF LILIBETH GOMEZ AND HARRISON OROSCO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 2005

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep 
sorrow and heartfelt sympathy for the families of Lilibeth Gomez and 
Harrison Orosco, two beautiful children

[[Page 8360]]

who lost their lives last week in a school bus accident in Arlington 
County, Virginia. As a parent, I understand that losing a child 
produces immeasurable grief that words cannot adequately express. I can 
only hope that during this difficult time these families and the 
communities that embrace them will find strength and joy in fond 
memories of Lilibeth and Harrison.
  In newspapers and on television we have been witness to the images of 
scared parents, forlorn classmates, and the devastation a single 
accident can cause. These scenes are heartbreaking for everyone. What 
hasn't been widely exposed, but serves as an equally powerful 
statement, is the effort of the community to support the Gomez and 
Orosco families in their time of need. Parents, teachers, students, 
local officials and other residents in Arlington County and Northern 
Virginia have demonstrated their love and goodwill by offering sympathy 
letters and cards, a needed friend for survivors, and thoughtful 
financial support. The collective strength and love of this community, 
many of whom didn't know any of the families affected but still wanted 
to help, serves as a beacon for those struggling with the loss. I have 
never been more proud to represent this wonderfully caring and diverse 
community.
  Throughout this tragedy, the Parents and Teachers Association of 
Boston-Hoffman Elementary School has been centrally involved. Providing 
an outlet for the community to share in their collective grief and 
express their support, Boston-Hoffman PTA has established a donation 
fund, extra counseling for students, and a place to send flowers, cards 
and letters that respects these families' wishes to grieve privately. I 
greatly admire their noble actions and commend the Boston-Hoffman PTA 
for filling a needed void during such challenging circumstances.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope you will join me in expressing this body's 
condolences to these families who may never fully recuperate following 
the losses of Lilibeth and Harrison. In the midst of this tragedy 
though, we have experienced the Arlington community at its most caring 
best. This effort, along with the shared memories of these two 
children, will never be forgotten.

                          ____________________