Larson Leads The House in Moment of Silence in Honor of Victims of Manchester Shooting
For Immediate Release: August 10, 2010
Contact: Paul Mounds 860-278-8888
LARSON LEADS THE HOUSE IN MOMENT OF SILENCE IN HONOR OF VICTIMS OF MANCHESTER SHOOTING
Washington, DC- Today, one week after the death of eight employees of Hartford Distributors, Inc. in Manchester, U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) addressed the House of Representatives and led his fellow members in a moment of silence in honor of the deceased and their families.
Larson stated,"Eight men went to work that morning, some of them followed in the footsteps of their fathers and brothers before them, many of whom had served and worked at this family business for over 20 years. Neither they nor their families and friends could anticipate the senseless, unthinkable actions that occurred on that morning. But yet bad things, happen to good people and through this, so many ordinary people are going through such extraordinary circumstances."
Below are Congressman Larson's remarks in advance of the moment of silence (as prepared for delivery):
"Madam Speaker, I rise solemnly with a heavy heart and deep sadness.
"I thank my colleagues for indulging me the time to express the heartfelt condolences of the nation and this body.
"I always empathized with my fellow colleagues when they address the House about fateful events that occur in their communities. I just never imagined that tragedy would strike so close to home…it's hard to conceive bad things happening to good people.
"On the morning of August 3rd, 2010, 8 men went to work. Some looking forward to vacation, others nearing retirement.
"None expecting the calamity that would follow.
"On that fateful day at Hartford Distributors Inc in Manchester , a former employee shot and killed eight of his fellow workers and injured many more, before taking his own life.
"Eight men went to work that morning, some of them followed in the footsteps of their fathers and brothers before them, many of whom had served and worked at this family business for over 20 years.
"Neither they nor their families and friends could anticipate the senseless, unthinkable actions that occurred on that morning. But yet bad things, happen to good people and through this, so many ordinary people are going through such extraordinary circumstances.
"What sustains everyone in Greater Hartford is that somehow, everyone in the community knew someone or was themselves a family member or friend of someone at HDI.
"This experience has been horrifying for the families and employees. They are going through the post traumatic stress of a war zone, where they watched innocent people die at the hands of a distraught worker.
"Ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances took solace and comfort in themselves, their communities, friends and family.
"Together at Manchester High School as employees of HDI consoled with their family;
"At a memorial, united by the words of Rev. Daniel Sullivan and Archbishop Henry J. Mansel in South Windsor as the community gathered for reflection and prayer,
"At a candlelight vigil at Center Springs Park in Manchester.
"These 8 men,
Bill Ackerman of East Windsor
Bryan Cirigliano of Newington
Francis Fazio of Bristol
Louis Felder Jr., of Stamford
Victor James of Windsor
Edwin Kennison of East Hartford
Craig Pepin of South Windsor
Douglas Scruton of Manchester
"Many of them were members of the Teamsters Union Local 1035, but beyond that they were husbands, fathers, grandfathers, coaches and friends.
"They were leaders and stalwarts in the communities they lived and served. All were part of this family business. That's what makes this so tragic.
"In the midst of this, you have a family business. The Hollander family: first under the stewardship of Jules Hollander, and now under his son Ross, have run this business since 1955.
"I know this family personally. I was there with Ross on that day, and he was there on behalf of his employees, thinking aloud: "Where do we go from here?"
"He stated with certainty, "I know all of these people will be paid and taken care of and we will provide for their families."
"The Hollander and Stack Families, and their employees are prepared to roll up their sleeves and lock arms and go back and start over.
"In so many ways, we owe that to the men we lost and the communities they serve.
"Eight men went to work on August 3rd, some looking forward to retirement, spending more time with their families, enjoying life with the ones they loved.
"This event will leave a lasting mark, this is the time to help the families and this business cope with this tragedy and heal.
"The community has rallied around them and will continue to.
"This can only enhance their memories and purpose of life by helping each other go forward.
"In the end, all we have is one another in this great nation of ours and in times like these. We lock arms with the people of Hartford Distributors and move forward toward a more perfect union. God bless them, their families and America.
"I ask that the Congress rise for a moment of silence in memory of these eight men and their families."
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