[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 60 (Tuesday, May 16, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H2601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        BLACK CLOTH OF SACRIFICE

  (Mr. POE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, today I would like to remember the 155 men 
and women ripped from the ranks, gunned down, stabbed, ambushed, 
killed. Not soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan, but American peace 
officers fighting an insurgency on American streets.
  We honor those who died and those who survive them. They drape their 
badges in the black cloth of sacrifice to respect their fellow 
warriors. They lay their friends to rest, but they still risk their own 
lives to protect and serve.
  One of the 13 Texas officers murdered last year, Officer Hank Nava, 
Jr., of Fort Worth was savagely gunned down by an outlaw on parole who 
shot Officer Nava in the face.
  Just days ago, Detective Vicky Armel of Fairfax County, Virginia, was 
ambushed by a street punk firing more than 70 rounds from an attack 
rifle.
  We do not know the agony of these officers, but we know their 
indifference to danger. This Police Week we honor the honorable. We 
give our gratitude to police officers nationwide for their courage. We 
say thank you to those who turn toward turmoil so that we may turn 
toward safety.
  And that's just the way it is.

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