[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 16593]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRATULATING THE BOSTON RED SOX

  Mr. MARKEY. Madam President, I come to the floor to discuss the first 
policy-focused legislation I am introducing as a Senator. I believe it 
will be a win for Massachusetts and a win for the Nation. But before I 
do so, I would like to comment briefly about another win last night for 
Massachusetts and for Red Sox Nation everywhere.
  Behind the mighty bat of Big Papi, the tireless and tough arms of Jon 
Lester, John Lackey, and Koji Uehara, and the incredible power of the 
beard, this unlikely Red Sox team took us from last in the division to 
first in the world.
  For many of us in Massachusetts, this was not just about baseball. 
Because on Patriots' Day, when the Sox play in the morning and New 
England comes together for a celebration, evil visited our city at the 
Boston Marathon this year.
  While this team cannot bring back the lives we lost or heal the 
wounds inflicted, it did what no other team besides the Red Sox can do: 
It reaffirmed our common bond in Massachusetts, in New England, and 
with Red Sox Nation fans everywhere.
  It is often said that baseball is a game of inches. But it is also a 
game that can span miles, bringing people together across entire 
communities and cultures, bridging differences and building 
friendships. That is what Red Sox baseball did for Boston, for 
Massachusetts, and for New England this year, when we needed it the 
most. The Red Sox gave us the chance to all raise our hands in triumph 
once again together as one.
  The Red Sox came back to win in dozens of games. They never gave up. 
They fought to the last pitch in every game, showing the resilience 
that reflected the response of an entire city and region after the 
marathon tragedy, and in doing so they gave us so much more than 
entertainment. They gave us hope, something to cheer for, and something 
else to talk about at a time of deep sadness in our region.
  As the song says: ``Don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little 
thing gonna be all right.'' Watching the celebrations last night in and 
around Fenway and especially on Boylston Street, just a brief distance 
from the marathon finish, reminds me of how proud I am to represent 
this great city and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the Senate.
  The Sox team that won the World Series in 2004 allowed us to release 
86 years of disappointment. This year's team allowed us to cheer again 
after months of mourning. For that, we congratulate and thank the 2013 
World Series champions, the Boston Red Sox.
  (The remarks of Mr. Markey pertaining to the introduction of S. 1627 
are printed in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills 
and Joint Resolutions.'')
  Mr. MARKEY. I yield back the remainder of my time.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Republican whip.
  Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, I offer my congratulations to the 
Senator from Massachusetts for the World Series victory by the Boston 
Red Sox, and I know it is a happy day in his State.

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