[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 95 (Tuesday, July 10, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7431-S7432]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. SARBANES (for himself, Mr. Biden, Mr. McCain, Mr. 
        Campbell, Ms. Mikulski, and Mr. Carper):
  S.J. Res. 18. A joint resolution memorializing fallen firefighters by 
lowering the United States flag to half-staff on the day of the 
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland; 
to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, today I am introducing legislation, 
together with my colleagues Senators Biden, McCain, Campbell, Mikulski 
and Carper, to recognize the courage and commitment of America's fire 
service and to pay special tribute to those firefighters who have made 
the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Specifically, this 
legislation requires that the United States flag be flown at half-staff 
at all Federal facilities on the occasion of the annual National Fallen 
Firefighters Memorial Service at Emmitsburg, MD.
  Our Nation's firefighters are among our most dedicated public 
servants. Indeed, few would question the fact that our fallen 
firefighters are heroes. Throughout our Nation's history, we have 
recognized the passing of our public servants by lowering our Nation's 
flag to half-staff in their honor. In the past, this list has included 
elected officials, members of the Armed Services and America's peace 
officers. In my view, our fallen firefighters are equally deserving of 
this high honor.
  For the past nineteen years, a memorial service has been held on the 
campus of the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, to honor those 
firefighters who have given their lives while protecting the lives and 
property of their fellow citizens. Since 1981, the names of 2,081 
fallen firefighters have been inscribed on plaques surrounding the 
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, a Congressionally designated 
monument to these brave men and women. On October 7, at the 20th Annual 
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, an additional 93 names 
will be added.
  Over the years, I have worked very closely with the National Fallen 
Firefighters Foundation to ensure that the National Fallen Firefighters 
Memorial Service is an occasion befitting the sacrifices that these 
individuals have made. In my view, lowering the United States flag to 
half-staff is an essential component of this ``Day of Remembrance.'' It 
will be a fitting tribute to the roughly 100 men and women who die each 
year performing their duties as our Nation's career and volunteer 
firefighters. It will also serve to remind us of the critical role 
played by the 1.2 million fire service personnel who risk their lives 
every day to ensure our safety and that of our communities.
  I ask unanimous consent that this joint resolution be printed in the 
Record and urge my colleagues to support its swift passage.
  There being no objection, the joint resolution was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                              S.J. Res. 18

       Whereas 1,200,000 men and women comprise the fire service 
     in the United States;
       Whereas the fire service is considered one of the most 
     dangerous jobs in the United States;
       Whereas fire service personnel selflessly respond to over 
     16,000,000 emergency calls annually, without reservation and 
     with an unwavering commitment to the safety of their fellow 
     citizens;
       Whereas fire service personnel are the first to respond to 
     an emergency, whether it involves a fire, medical emergency, 
     spill of hazardous materials, natural disaster, act of 
     terrorism, or transportation accident; and
       Whereas approximately 100 fire service personnel die 
     annually in the line of duty: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled, That each 
     year, the

[[Page S7432]]

     United States flags on all Federal facilities will be lowered 
     to half-staff on the day of the National Fallen Firefighters 
     Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

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