[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 132 (Thursday, October 4, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10338-S10339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   MEMORIALIZING FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of H.J. Res. 42, which is at the 
desk.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the joint resolution by 
title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A joint resolution (H.J. Res. 42) memorializing fallen 
     firefighters by lowering the American flag to half-staff in 
     honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in 
     Emmitsburg, Maryland.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the joint 
resolution.
  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I rise in strong support of House Joint 
Resolution 42, a bill to memorialize our Nation's fallen firefighters 
by lowering the American flag to half-staff in honor of the National 
Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, MD. This measure is 
similar to legislation

[[Page S10339]]

that I introduced earlier this year. Both bills seek to recognize the 
courage and commitment of America's fire service and to pay this 
special tribute to those firefighters who have made the ultimate 
sacrifice in the line of duty.
  Our Nation's firefighters are among our most dedicated public 
servants. From major cities such as New York to our smaller rural 
communities, every day America's firefighters answer emergency calls, 
willing to sacrifice their own lives to protect the lives and property 
of their fellow citizens. Sadly, this dedication to service can result 
in tragedy.
  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 19 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, Congressionally designated monument to 
these brave men and women. On October 7, at the 20th Annual National 
Memorial Service, an additional 101 names will be added. I am pleased 
that President and Mrs. Bush will be present this year to lead the 
Nation in honoring these fallen fire heroes and to pay special tribute 
to those firefighters who perished as a result of the events of 
September 11.
  Over the years, I have worked very closely with the National Fallen 
Firefighters Foundation to ensure that National 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 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 express my gratitude to those Senators who agreed to cosponsor my 
legislation, S.J. Res. 18, and urge my colleagues to support the swift 
passage of H.J. Res. 42.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the joint 
resolution be read the third time and passed, the motion to reconsider 
be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating to the joint 
resolution be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The joint resolution (H.J. Res. 42) was read the third time and 
passed.

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