[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 106 (Friday, July 31, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S9553]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO DETECTIVE JOHN GIBSON, OFFICER JACOB CHESTNUT, AND THE 
                      UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE

  Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, today Capitol Police Officer Jacob J. 
Chestnut was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, concluding a 
week that has saddened and shocked every American and touched the 
hearts of millions of people around the world. I rise to express my 
profound sorrow over the death of Officer Chestnut and Detective John 
Gibson, and to extend my sympathy to the families, friends, and fellow 
officers of these two brave men. The tremendous outpouring of grief and 
respect we have experienced and witnessed during the Congressional 
ceremony and honors on Tuesday, and in the requiem services for 
Detective Gibson and Officer Chestnut over the past two days are 
fitting tribute to the courage and selfless sacrifice of these fallen 
heroes.
  The deaths of Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson, killed in the 
line of duty as they defended all of us who are privileged to work and 
visit the Capitol, is a testament to the fidelity and valor of these 
men, as well as a reminder of the exceptional bravery and courage of 
the men and women of the Capitol Police who protect the Capitol complex 
and grounds. We are fortunate to have these officers on the job, 
protecting all of us, willing to confront the dangers and violence that 
too often afflict our world today, so that our Capitol can remain open 
and accessible to the public. The professionalism, pride, and good-
natured courtesy which these officers bring to their duties, day in and 
day out, serves our democracy by keeping the Capitol open to the people 
and safeguarding, with their lives if necessary, the freedom and 
liberty we cherish.
  On the Capitol dome, looking across the Capital City, stands the 
Statue of Freedom Triumphant in War and Peace, an emblem of democracy 
and hope, a symbol of America's promise that every citizen has the 
freedom and opportunity to realize their God given potential. In her 
right hand Freedom holds an olive branch, in her left, a sword, a 
reminder that the preservation of freedom and democracy often requires 
sacrifice.
  Over the course of our history, the Capitol has witnessed stirring 
oratory and the passage of landmark legislation which have inspired us, 
strengthened our nation, restored hope, preserved our Republic, and 
maintained our resolve. The heroic actions of Officer Chestnut and 
Officer Gibson, who acted to preserve and protect life without regard 
to their own safety, bonds deeds to the ideals and values we celebrate 
and honor here at the heart of our democracy. The President said it 
best when he stated that the actions of these brave men sanctified the 
Capitol. May God bring comfort and peace to the families, friends, and 
colleagues of Detective John Gibson and Officer Jacob Chestnut.

                          ____________________