Expressing Sympathy for Victims of October 28, 2007, Fire in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

EXPRESSING SYMPATHY FOR VICTIMS OF OCTOBER 28, 2007, FIRE IN OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA -- (House of Representatives - November 06, 2007)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Clyburn and my colleagues for bringing this resolution to the floor.

I'm deeply saddened by the circumstances we're addressing today. As we have all learned, seven students were killed in a house fire that took place at Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, over a week ago. This tragic accident reminds us all how precious life is, and I want to express my condolences to the families and friends of these students.

As a University of South Carolina Law School graduate and a parent of a current Clemson student, I've grown to know the strength and character of these communities. I have had the privilege of getting to know many of their students, faculty, and administrators all my life. Under the leadership of USC president Andrew Sorensen and Clemson president Jim Barker, the students and families of these two universities have found comfort and kinship during this difficult time.

I also want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and the Delta Delta Delta sorority who lost members in this tragic fire. My father and my mother were members of these two USC organizations respectively; and as a member of a fraternity, with three sons in a fraternity, I know the bond that these students and alumni feel for one another and the grief they are experiencing.

South Carolina's media have been very thoughtful, respectful, and helpful in providing tributes to the students.

Today, we offer our support and comfort to the students who were injured in this terrible accident. We will continue to pray for their full and speedy recovery.

Additionally, we must recognize the brave members of the local fire departments and emergency personnel, as well as the Ocean Isle Beach citizens who responded to the fire and called for help.

Again, I want to thank my colleague and long-time friend Congressman Jim Clyburn for bringing this resolution to the floor.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source