[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 21]
[Senate]
[Page 28806]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    LOSS OF SOUTH CAROLINA STUDENTS

  Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, as we are confronted by the deep sadness 
of this tragic loss, may we never lose sight of the life, vitality, and 
youth that was suddenly taken from us on October 27, 2007, in Ocean 
Isle, NC. Today and in the difficult days to come, we offer our 
sincerest condolences to the family and friends of these seven young 
men and women. The University of South Carolina, Clemson University, 
and the State of South Carolina feel the immeasurable pain of losing 
seven of our most precious sons and daughters, and as the family South 
Carolinians are, we share in your grief and offer our love and support.
  Not only do we mourn the loss of sons and daughters, but we mourn the 
loss of future leaders and scholars, peacemakers and trailblazers, 
parents and friends. The world was vastly open to these young men and 
women. I ask others to find the courage and resolve to fulfill their 
suspended hopes and dreams, ensuring that futures overcome flames and 
aspirations prevail over ashes.
  Though it is grief that connects us now, let it be the spirit of 
their lives that forever bonds our community. We should honor these 
students by taking up the load they left for us to carry and seeing 
their earthly aspirations through to their full fruition.

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