[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 135 (Thursday, September 26, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S11435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION 301--DESIGNATING NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS 
                              MEMORIAL DAY

  Mr. SARBANES submitted the following resolution; which was referred 
to the Committee on the Judiciary.


                              S. Res. 301

       Whereas children's eyes fill with wonderment when they 
     announce that their life's ambition is to become a 
     firefighter, and adults are inspired by the bravery of the 
     men and women of the fire service;
       Whereas the men and women of the fire service are advocates 
     for preventing the great amount of injuries, death, and 
     damage to property that fire causes in this Nation, as well 
     as the first line of defense in preventing these problems;
       Whereas career and volunteer firefighters of this Nation 
     enrich the communities in which they live and work, and 
     exemplify the highest standards of service, dedication, 
     dependability, selfless determination, honor, and civic 
     spirit;
       Whereas twenty years ago, when thousands of individuals 
     were dying as the result of fires, and men and women of the 
     fire service helped to focus this Nation's attention on fire 
     prevention and safety, thereby reducing by half the number of 
     fire related deaths;
       Whereas due to the commitment and support of the men and 
     women of the fire service, this Nation continues to make fire 
     prevention and safety a top priority;
       Whereas by placing the safety and well-being of others 
     above their own, firefighters confront grave dangers every 
     day in order to protect this Nation from the devastation 
     caused by fires and other emergencies;
       Whereas 102 firefighters died in the line of duty in 1995 
     and more than 94,500 were injured;
       Whereas on Sunday, October 13, 1996, at the National Fallen 
     Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland, this Nation 
     will pay its respects to the firefighters who have given 
     their lives to protect this Nation; and
       Whereas the men and women of the fire service who have 
     given their lives in order to protect this nation are truly 
     American heroes: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate designates October 13, 1996, as 
     ``National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day''. The President 
     is requested--
       (1) to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the 
     United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies 
     and activities; and
       (2) to urge all Federal agencies, entities of each branch 
     of the Federal Government, and interested organizations, 
     groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States 
     at half-staff on October 13, 1996, in honor of the 
     individuals who have died as a result of their service as 
     firefighters.

  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, today I am submitting a resolution to 
designate October 13, 1996 as National Fallen Firefighters Memorial 
Day. At a time when we bemoan our Nation's lack of heroes, I contend 
that we can find them in every firehall across the country. The fire 
service, career and volunteers alike, confront grave dangers day in and 
day out in protecting lives and property against the devastation of 
fire. More than 100 firefighters die in the line of duty during the 
average year, making firefighting one of the world's most dangerous 
professions. As a cochairman of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, 
it has always been one of my top priorities to ensure that our men and 
women in the fire service receive the recognition they deserve. While 
the National Fallen Fighters Memorial Service on the campus of the 
National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD provides a deeply moving 
tribute and strong support for the friends and families of the fallen 
each year, I contend that as a nation we can always do more to 
recognize the sacrifice and commitment demonstrated by the fire 
service.
  It is for that purpose that I have introduced this legislation. This 
resolution requests that the President issue a proclamation calling on 
the Nation as a whole to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies 
and activities along with all those gathered at the National Fallen 
Fire Fighters Memorial in Emmitsburg. This Presidential Proclamation 
would also urge all Federal agencies, entities of each branch of the 
Federal Government, and interested organizations, groups, and 
individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff on 
October 13, 1996, in honor of the individuals who have died as a result 
of their service as firefighters. I urge my colleagues to support this 
resolution.

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