[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 3, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            TRIBUTE TO THE FEDERAL WORKERS IN OKLAHOMA CITY

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                          HON. CARDISS COLLINS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 1995

  Mrs. COLLINS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the 
Federal workers who are among the bombing victims in Oklahoma City. 
Their great sacrifice deserves our respect. Their public service 
deserves our gratitude. Their memory deserves our reflection.
  We have just begun the annual commemoration of Public Service 
Recognition Week, an occasion where Federal agencies and employee 
organizations recognize the contributions made by public servants at 
all levels of Government. The Oklahoma bombing victims are truly the 
most deserving of recognition this year. Those who were killed or 
injured while working for America, shall forever remain among our 
Nation's most honored.
  The loss of these workers reminds us that Federal service does have 
its risks, as well as its rewards. The blast hit the Alfred P. Murrah 
Federal Building just as the employees inside began another workday. 
Now many of them are gone, but they have left behind a legacy of 
service to the public that is warmly remembered by the people of 
Oklahoma City.
  Since the bombing, the Nation has witnessed the fine work of other 
Federal employees working tirelessly in Oklahoma City. During each day 
that has passed, we have seen Federal law enforcement officers 
effectively pursuing suspects and witnesses, the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency responding to the needs of Oklahoma citizens affected 
by the tragedy, and the General Services Administration's Emergency 
Operations Center coordinating the restoration of Federal agency 
operations in the area. This is Government service at its best.
  This terrible event has caused many Americans to learn more about 
Federal workers--who they are, where they live, and what they do. Let's 
remember with pride those who served and are still serving today in 
Oklahoma City. Let's also recognize that there are many more like them 
serving Americans across this land.


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