Patrick Kennedy: “it is my sincerest wish that I would not have the need to stand on the floor of this House and address my colleagues…”

“it is my sincerest wish that I would not have the need to stand on the floor of this House and address my colleagues today. My colleagues and I are here today to offer our prayers and condolences to Congressman Julian Dixon's constituents, friends, and family upon his sudden passing. I want to especially extend my prayers to his wife, Bettie, and his son, Cary. If I could take a second to address them personally, I simply say that while we cannot possibly share the sense of loss you are feeling, we can offer our understanding and our support in this trying time. If we could possibly bear your grief, we would gladly do so. Please know that you are in our thoughts. Those of us who knew Congressman Dixon understood him to be a tremendous leader, legislator, colleague, and friend. Congressman Dixon, like so many others who have served in this legislative body, had a sacred trust, a sort of covenant, with the people who elected him. In him, they entrusted their voice in government, and the direction of their futures. Congressman Dixon lived up to the trust that was placed in him with an energy and dedication that should serve as a tremendous example of public service to each and every one of us.…”