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Tribute to Mattie Stepanek

Date: July 7, 2004
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Health and Health Care


TRIBUTE TO MATTIE STEPANEK-HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN (Extensions of Remarks - July 07, 2004)

HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN
OF MARYLAND
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2004

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mattie Stepanek-a remarkable poet and precocious young man from my district. Mattie died recently from complications due to a rare form of muscular dystrophy. The 13-year-old captured the hearts of millions with his poetry and message of peace.

Mattie will forever be remembered as a bright-eyed boy with a big, dimpled smile whose personal philosophy was "remember to play after every storm." Mattie's poetry rose to the top of the New York Times best seller list and will now inspire people for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, Mattie was an incredible role model and inspiration for all Americans. In spite of his hardships, he dedicated his life to spreading harmony and hope. Mattie's message will live on through his poetry. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this time of loss.

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