[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 73 (Thursday, May 15, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS' MEMORIAL DAY

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                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2003

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to all the 
true heroes--our law enforcement officers--who last year made the 
supreme sacrifice of their tomorrows so that we might live in peace and 
safety today.
  President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace 
Officers' Memorial Day in 1962. However, it was not until May 15, 1982 
that the first National Peace Officers' Memorial Day Service was held 
in Washington, DC. It is important that all citizens know and 
understand the duties, responsibilities, hazards, and sacrifices of 
their law enforcement agencies. The memorial that was created in 
Washington, DC stands as a daily reminder of these dangers facing our 
law enforcement officers and of how these brave men and women died 
facing them.
  In honor of the law enforcement officers who, through their 
courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their 
community or have become disabled in the performance of duty, Mr. 
Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and paying 
respect to our fallen heroes.

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