[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 84 (Wednesday, May 21, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. VITO FOSSELLA

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2008

  Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Resolution 1132, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Peace 
Officers Memorial Day and to honor more than 900,000 Federal, State and 
local law enforcement officials who serve this Nation. This year, 358 
new names were added to the National Law Enforcement Offices Memorial, 
representing names of officers who lost their lives over the course of 
many years. In 2007 alone, 187 officers from across the United States 
were killed in the line of duty. These heroes were sons and daughters, 
husbands and wives, sisters, brothers, and true role models for each of 
us.
  Congress passed legislation (PL 87-726) that requested the President 
to issue proclamations designating May 15th as National Peace Officers 
Memorial Day, and the week in which it falls as National Police 
Officers Week. National Police Week provides us with an opportunity to 
honor and thank those who keep us safe, protect our streets each day, 
and allow us to take advantage of the many freedoms we enjoy today. It 
also provides us with an opportunity to honor those who have paid the 
ultimate sacrifice.
  Our local police officers, like those throughout Staten Island and 
Brooklyn, commit their lives to serving and protecting our communities, 
keeping our neighborhoods safe for our families and loved ones. 
America's finest police officers across the country remain dedicated to 
their mission despite the tremendous risks involved with their service. 
Unfortunately, many of these brave members of our community pay the 
ultimate sacrifice and leave many families mourning the loss of loved 
ones.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this 
resolution.

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