[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 28, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H6498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO THE BRAVERY OF DETECTIVE JOHN GIBSON AND OFFICER J.J. 
                                CHESTNUT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Barr) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, last Friday, shots rang out in the 
Halls of this Capitol, and today we come together to remember two 
officers and the tragedy that has befallen all of us. Even in the midst 
of tragedy, we must reflect on the fact that these two men were 
defending this Capitol, the Capitol which is a symbol of freedom around 
the world. These two men not only gave their lives in the line of duty 
and in order to protect innocent citizens, but also to protect freedom.
  Throughout the history of this Nation, there have been several 
demonstrations perpetrated on the walls of this Capitol in a way to 
scar the symbol of freedom. In each instance we have reached within us 
to find the strength to go on because we realize that which is so 
precious must continue.
  Officers Gibson and Chestnut have made the ultimate sacrifice for us, 
and they would want us to continue on, to take up their post and to 
continue to preserve this Democratic institution. We as a nation owe it 
to them to do just that.
  Although they are not here anymore with us, we remember them as the 
heroes they are. There is no way to fill the void they have left in 
their families. I can only say to the families of Officers Gibson and 
Chestnut, may not a month, not a week, not even a day go by that you 
and we do not forget that these two men will always be our heroes in 
the truest sense of the word.
  As the light on top of the Capitol burns bright at night, may it be a 
constant reminder of our freedom and our fallen heroes. May that light 
always shine bright for the memories of Officers Gibson and Chestnut, 
because they paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the principles of 
this country and for which that light burns so bright.
  We must continue to hear the sound of freedom that rang out Friday 
afternoon and every day here, not the sound of one cowardly, solitary 
enemy of freedom. Let freedom ring in our ears, and their memories in 
our hearts, as we stand here in the people's Chamber and as we also 
stand in the rotunda of the Capitol Building itself, which, in its 
majesty, fairly reaches up to the heavens, just as the souls of these 
two brave officers rose Friday to heaven to join our Lord God in 
eternal bliss.

  In God they trust, and as the words raised in marble behind me state, 
In God We Trust, Now and Forever.

                          ____________________