[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 105 (Thursday, July 30, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               IN TRIBUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BILL LUTHER

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 28, 1998

  Mr. LUTHER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to add my voice today to the 
much-deserved tributes being paid to U.S. Capitol Police Officers Jacob 
Joseph Chestnut and John Michael Gibson. This is a sad day for Congress 
and our nation. Just a few short steps from here two American heroes 
lay in honor in the rotunda of the United States Capitol. This past 
Friday these men gave the last full measure of devotion to their 
country. Their honored sacrifice no doubt saved numerous lives and 
served as a stark reminder of the reality of the violent world in which 
we live. This tragedy also reminds us of the price that must sometimes 
be paid for the great privilege of having our democratic form of 
government.
  So today it is appropriate that all of us pause for a moment to thank 
officers Chestnut and Gibson for what they did last week. Their 
sacrifice will never be forgotten. And we should also extend our thanks 
to all of the members of the Capitol Police force and all other law 
enforcement officers throughout our nation. They have an incredibly 
difficult mission--providing security while serving as goodwill 
ambassadors for their communities. They do a terrific job day in and 
day out and frankly we don't do enough to show our appreciation for all 
of their hard work.
  And finally, Mr. Speaker, I just want to point out that this seems 
like a different place today than it did when I left here on Friday. 
The tragic events of last week seem to have pulled us together. 
Democrats and Republicans, Members and staff, as well as so many people 
of our country have all joined hands in coming to terms with what 
happened here. If there is a silver lining in these tragic 
circumstances perhaps it is that we all may gain a little more 
appreciation for the people we work with on a daily basis and for the 
wonderful country we are proud to call our own. The differences we have 
pale in comparison to the bonds we share as Americans. A tragedy like 
this reminds us of this simple truth and affords us the opportunity for 
a renewed perspective as we face the challenges ahead.

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