[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 28, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H6501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO THE SLAIN OFFICERS WHO DEFENDED THE U.S. CAPITOL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the slain 
officers who valiantly have defended the people's House last Friday, 
Special Agent John Gibson and Special Agent Jacob Chestnut.
  Shakespeare wrote, ``All the world is a stage, and all the men and 
women, merely players. Each has his entrance and his exit. One man in 
his time may play many parts.''
  So it was with Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson. They, too, 
played many roles. They were sons, husbands, fathers, friends, 
coworkers. They were great men, great not because of the titles they 
carried, not because of the uniforms they wore. They were great not 
because of where they worked, nor because of who they worked with.

                              {time}  1415

  No, they were great because, measured by the true standard of 
greatness set by Jesus, that is, ``he who is great among you shall be 
your servant and he who is greatest shall be servant unto all,'' they 
measured up.
  They served us all. They stood by the door to protect us and 
thousands who visit this Capitol each day. Both literally and 
figuratively, they served us and America by giving their last full 
measure of devotion and to protect us and the House of Democracy.
  Too often, those in exalted places of power overlook the nameless 
persons who serve and wait. Whether those who sweep the floors, hold 
the doors, service or drive the elevators, serve the food, cut the 
grass, or clean the toilets, they are too often overlooked. But they, 
too, are great, because they also serve.
  We are grateful to God and to the families of Officers Gibson and 
Chestnut for allowing us in America to benefit from their service.
  Yes, all the world is a stage and all the men and women merely 
players. Each has its entrance and his exit and these two in their time 
played many parts. For their service and their friendship, we are 
grateful.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Meeks).
  Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a sad heart to 
extend my condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of 
officers J.J. Chestnut and John Gibson. I do this on behalf of my wife, 
Simone, and our family, my staff, and the constituents of the Sixth 
Congressional District of New York.
  I have only been a Member of the Capitol community for about 5 
months, and it has been a learning experience for me and my staff, as 
most us are new to Washington. One of the things that we have learned 
is that there is a strong sense of community here. Members and staff 
view each other as colleagues, and we view our staffs as part of our 
families.
  The Capitol Police, in my opinion, are indeed an extension of that 
spirit of professional respect, friendship, and family. They protect 
Members, they protect our staffs, and they protect the many visitors 
that visit the Capitol every day. They risk their lives for us and for 
America. But we must ask ourselves, what is it that they are 
protecting?
  I believe, as I am sure all Americans believe, that they are 
defending the crucible of freedom. It is the crucible of freedom that 
is on display every day in this building. The fact that Officers 
Chestnut and Gibson gave their lives defending this place will serve as 
a reminder to me what the words ``duty'' and ``service'' really mean. 
The senseless act of this past Friday truly define the words 
``defending the Constitution.''
  Yes, I still learn every day that I am here, as I had learned before 
I arrived here, that we cannot place a value on human life. But a 
person who is willing to give their life, make the ultimate sacrifice 
so that someone else might continue to live, is one who really 
understands life and its value.
  Yes, as others have said, freedom is not free. And it is with a 
tremendous sacrifice that we are free in this country, a freedom that 
we all to often take for granted.
  But I just pray that we all understand what sacrifice means after 
this tragedy. I again send my prayers to the families of these heroes. 
I know, and I want them to know, that they are not alone. This House, 
this Congress, and indeed America's prayers are supporting them.

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