[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 105 (Thursday, July 30, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1469]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               IN TRIBUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 28, 1998

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, upon my return from my home district of 
Guam yesterday, I had the privilege to pay respects to slain Officers 
Jacob J. Chestnut and John Gibson. As Members of Congress join the 
nation in mourning the passing of these two gentlemen who paid the 
supreme sacrifice for our safety and protection, I could not help but 
reflect upon my constituents from Guam, people who, like me, have to 
overcome the rigors of traveling several thousand miles in order to 
experience, to participate, or maybe even just to catch a glimpse of 
their government at work.
  As with everyone, the highlight of my constituents' Washington, D.C. 
trip is a visit to Members' offices and a tour of the Capitol. Times 
like these remind us of the valuable service provided by police 
officers stationed at different posts within the Capitol complex 
ensuring the safety of constituents who travel the many miles in order 
to visit members who represent them in this body.
  Speaking not only for myself but for the people of Guam, I wish to 
express appreciation to the Capitol Hill Police Force who, by the loss 
of Officers Gibson and Chestnut, demonstrated their willingness to lay 
down their lives for the safety and protection of Members of Congress 
and our constituents. As quoted from the Book of John, ``Greater love 
hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'' 
John Gibson and J.J. Chestnut gave their lives so that others may live.
  Roman Benavente, a retired Capitol Police officer--a native son of 
Guam who has chosen to reside in the State of Maryland, has called 
together members of the Guam Society of America to honor the slain 
officers in a Memorial Mass to be celebrated this Friday at St. 
Ignatius Catholic Church in Oxon Hill, Maryland. I hope that my 
colleagues would be able to join Guam residents in the area for this 
memorial service.
  The sacrifice of Officers Gibson and Chestnut will never be 
forgotten. On behalf of the people of Guam, I extend sincerest thanks 
to Officer Chestnut and Officer Gibson for their sacrifice. To the 
families and loved ones of these two American heroes, we offer our most 
heartfelt sympathies.

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