[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 163 (Friday, October 20, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S15372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO THE CAPITOL POLICE

  Mr. WARNER. On Monday, October 16, a very significant number--I shall 
not make any estimate--of American citizens came from every corner of 
our land to answer a challenge to join in a day of atonement and 
brotherhood on the National Mall and the west front of the U.S. 
Capitol. Many visitors journeyed to Washington from distant States to 
join in what was characterized as the Million Man March, a successful 
occasion, indeed, by all press accounts.
  The Capitol Grounds, which belong equally to every citizen of this 
Nation, was one of the focal points of this gathering. Sometimes those 
of us who work in the Senate, whatever the capacity may be, tend not to 
fully appreciate what happens behind the scenes when large 
demonstrations of this magnitude occur.
  I stand today to pay tribute to the infrastructure of the Senate--
indeed, I think of both the House and the Senate--that contributed in 
some measure to making this an acceptable and safe event.
  Again, I thank all who helped make it a safe event. It was one of the 
largest demonstrations on the U.S. Capitol Grounds in contemporary 
history. I would particularly like to thank our Capitol Police 
Department; 1,100 U.S. Capitol Police officers were on duty on October 
16. All days off were canceled. Officers were required to work extended 
duty hours. Officers provided routine law enforcement, protective 
operations, and traffic control. Their professionalism assured that our 
visitors received the services they deserved and permitted Senators and 
staff to continue their work during the day.
  There was also significant infrastructure to provide for health and 
first aid.
  Planning meetings with the organizations began early in August to 
assure this public safety. Senator Ford and I convened two meetings of 
the infrastructure on the Senate side and carefully reviewed their 
plans. We thank Chief Gary Abrecht, Assistant Chief Robert Howe, and 
Deputy Chief James Rohan for their overall command, and we are grateful 
to Lt. Gregg Parman and Officer Terry Rinaldi for their involvement in 
all phases of the planning process.
  While the Nation focused its attention on the west front of the 
Capitol, the Capitol Police Department worked to assure the safety and 
security of all who assembled, preserving the tradition of our first 
amendment rights.
  We thank the Capitol Police for their good work. We thank many others 
in this institution who equally contributed. And I pay a special 
recognition to Mr. Howard Greene, the Sergeant at Arms, who was sort of 
the executive officer of this effort.

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