[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17314]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF HERMAN BOONE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 6, 2006

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute and recognition of 
Herman Boone. As a high school football coach in Alexandria, Virginia, 
Mr. Boone inspired players to set aside racial differences and unite 
into one of the most successful teams in Virginia's history.
  In 1971, Mr. Boone was named head football coach of TC Williams High 
School, a high school recently formed from smaller, segregated schools. 
In order to promote cooperation and teamwork, Mr. Boone used a game 
plan that was as strong on the field as off the field. Mr. Boone's 
leadership and love of the game led his team to an undefeated, 13-0 
season. But his most memorable win was helping the community of 
Alexandria traverse a racial divide. Mr. Boone's affect on the people 
of once segregated towns was an unconscious one, fueled by his 
willingness to put prejudice aside and cooperate with coaches and 
players from white schools. With an open mind, Mr. Boone set the 
standard and fans followed.
  Today, Mr. Boone travels the country as an inspirational speaker. His 
story, which inspired the Disney movie, ``Remember the Titans'', has 
been brought to northeast Ohio. Mr. Boone will be honored at the 40th 
anniversary luncheon of the West Side Ecumenical Ministry this month.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in tribute and recognition 
of Herman Boone. His leadership as a high school football coach tackled 
the challenge of racism. Now more than 30 years later, he continues to 
lead players, coaches, and teams to victory through his message of 
persistence and teamwork.

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