[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 97 (Monday, July 24, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H6755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      REMEMBERING OUR HEROES, JACOB J. CHESTNUT AND JOHN M. GIBSON

  (Mr. DeLAY asked and was given permission to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, today is a time of remembrance and deep 
appreciation. It was 2 years ago that we lost our brave friends, J.J. 
Chestnut and John Gibson. As we recall their sacrifices, I wish to 
place the accomplishments of these two great heroes into a larger 
context.
  The shock of tragedy we all felt at their loss has grown into the 
deeper pain of longing. We wonder how can it be that God chooses to 
allow tragedy to visit the homes of good people, people we honor, love 
and respect? This we cannot know.
  Scripture teaches that God pursues his own purpose in his own time.
  But there are questions we can answer. What did these men live for? 
What drove them to revere their work and to carry out their duty even 
in the face of terrible danger?
  The simple truth is that they lived to defend freedom that is 
cherished and loved by us all. This passion for liberty is the 
foundation of our democracy. It is the sturdiest support upholding 
democracy across the globe.
  These officers loved their jobs despite the risks because they 
embraced a broader commitment to a most noble purpose. In doing so, 
Detective Gibson and Officer Chestnut have taken their place in the 
continuum of freedom.
  From the New England farmers who routed the British on the road to 
Saratoga to the volunteers who marched south to San Antonio, as the 
determined men who charged into destiny at Gettysburg, Americans have 
always answered freedom's summons. From the fearless defenders of 
Corregidor, to the besieged ranks of guarding the Chosin Reservoir, to 
the GIs in the heat of the Ia Drang Valley, the call has been answered.
  From our sailors under the strange stars of distant oceans, to our 
pilots flying above the hostile lights of unfamiliar lands, the work of 
freedom goes on. From the Marine stationed at a tiny embassy in a 
strife-torn nation, to the officers on duty today under the dome of 
this Capitol, the tradition endures and America goes on.
  It is a continuous line of Americans demanding the most from 
themselves, freedom for our Nation and the best for this world.
  This unwavering commitment is the foundation of our democracy.
  In Paul's letter to the Corinthians he states, ``If any man builds on 
this foundation using gold, silver or costly stones, wood, hay or 
straw, his work will be shown for what it is because the day will bring 
it to light. It will be revealed with fire and the fire will test the 
quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will 
receive his reward.''
  Mr. Speaker, these men were tested. They endured the flames. Their 
work still stands, and I know in my heart that having received their 
reward they are now enjoying a peace and joy beyond our worldly 
understanding.
  God bless John Gibson and J.J. Chestnut and their families. Let us 
never forget their awesome sacrifice.

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