[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 106 (Friday, July 31, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               IN TRIBUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHRISTOPHER JOHN

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 28, 1998

  Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I wish to join my colleagues today in honoring 
the selfless acts of Detective Gibson and Private First Class Chestnut 
of the United States Capitol Police.
  As we know, the U.S. Capitol is the people's house and the dedicated 
men and women of the United States Capitol Police guard this 
institution to protect the Members of Congress, their staff and 
millions of people who come to bear witness to the working of our 
democratic process. The Capitol is a living testament to the rights of 
our citizens and those that are sworn to guard it truly defend the 
rights of mankind.
  On July 24, 1998, Officers Gibson and Chestnut made the ultimate 
sacrifice for these unalienable rights in courageously protecting the 
lives of tourists, staff and Members of Congress. We are forever 
indebted to these brave men. Had it not been for their heroic actions, 
many more innocent people could have been seriously injured or killed.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand with my colleagues today to honor these men 
killed in the line of duty and to pay my condolences to their families. 
I vow to ensure their legacy of defending the people's house will live 
on for generations to come; symbolized by our continuing commitment to 
open the halls of democracy to the public. God Bless Officers Gibson 
and Chestnut for their memory will forever survive in the freedoms of 
our nation's Capitol.

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