[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 80 (Monday, June 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING AND ACKNOWLEDGING DEDICATION AND SACRIFICE MADE BY MEN 
      AND WOMEN KILLED OR DISABLED WHILE SERVING AS PEACE OFFICERS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 11, 2002

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 406, a resolution commemorating and acknowledging the dedication 
and sacrifice made by the men and women killed or disabled while 
serving as peace officers.
  Each day more than 700,000 peace officers patrol the streets and 
borders of this nation. They work tirelessly to stamp out crime, 
eradicate drugs, and preserve civility. They knowingly and willingly 
make a commitment to uphold the law of this country at any cost. There 
are truly no words to express my gratitude to the commitment peace 
officers make day in and day out, but these will have to do. Because of 
these noble men and women, Americans can sleep better at night knowing 
that their streets are safe and borders are secure.
  On September 11, our nation lost 70 peace officers in a single act of 
violence, the largest number of law enforcement officers our nation has 
ever lost in a single act. However, we can rest assured that more than 
740,000 peace officers continue to work on the behalf of the American 
people. They have vowed to ensure peace and will not rest until that 
promise is made true.
  In appreciation of peace officers efforts, Congress has recognized 
May 15 as the day in which we will nationally acknowledge the men and 
women who gave their life or way of life for peace. By enacting H. Res. 
406, Congress joins the families of more than 14,000 fallen law 
enforcement officers since this countries birth. 14,000 officers that 
gave their life so Americans can preserve their way of life. There is 
truly no greater gift. Therefore, Mr. Speaker I stand before you today 
to show my enthusiastic support of H. Res 406.

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