[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 29, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1459-E1460]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               IN TRIBUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. ANNE M. NORTHUP

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 28, 1998

  Mrs. NORTHUP. Mr. Speaker, I recognize that my few remarks here today 
could never adequately express the profound sadness felt by myself, my 
Congressional colleagues members of the Capitol Hill Police Force and 
indeed the entire nation, over the slaying of Officer J.J. Chestnut and 
Detective John Gibson.
  Last Friday, an individual bent on destruction and misery, launched 
an attack on this building. But he did much more than that. He also 
attacked the very freedom this building symbolizes. But he was not 
successful. At that critical moment in time, two officers performed the 
duties they were sworn to, and sacrificed their lives to saved others.
  This tragedy has affected all of us. I believe that during the past 
few days, Americans have paused to reflect what freedom and democracy 
mean to them. Because the Capitol is much more than just a building. 
The Capitol Hill Police Force do not just project a physical

[[Page E1460]]

structure, but also the very center of our democracy.
  In my year and a half in Congress, I have often commented on the 
openness of our capitol building. I have seen how the history of both 
the building and our nation, expressed the walls and ceilings and 
stairs, interested and inspired school children and senior citizens 
alike. The supreme sacrifice given us by Officer Chestnut and Detective 
Gibson is in the same tradition of courage and honor demonstrated by 
every man and woman who have given their lives so that we may be free.
  I would like to complement the outstanding work performed daily by 
the Capitol Hill Police Force. Every day, they stand on the street 
corners and in doorways and give directions to lost and tired visitors. 
They answer the same questions one hundred times a day. And they do it 
with courtesy, dignity, and professionalism. They are goodwill 
ambassadors to thousands of visitors--yet they remain largely 
unheralded. Finally, they are highly trained law enforcement agents 
sworn to protect the lives of Members of Congress, staff, and all 
others who make their way to Capitol Hill.
  Last Friday, two brave men upheld their oath with heartbreaking 
efficiency, and today we mourn their loss.

                          ____________________