[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 129 (Thursday, July 31, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  THE DAILY 45: A HERO DIES TO SAVE OTHERS AS A GUNMAN ENTERS A CHURCH

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                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 2008

  Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, the Department of Justice tells us that, 
everyday, 45 people, on average, are fatally shot in the U.S. Last 
weekend, the nation's attention was riveted by the shocking act of a 
gunman who felt comfortable walking into a church, on Sunday, and 
opening fire. This incident, at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian 
Universalist Church, was especially horrific because of the loss of 
life--two, to date--as well as the long-term scars it will leave on the 
children who were participating in a choral presentation for their 
families and friends.
   As sometimes happens in these incidents, there was a hero involved 
who martyred himself to protect others. Such was the case, this time, 
as church members told police that 60-year-old Greg McKendry, without 
blinking an eye, saw what was happening and, literally, placed his body 
in the line of fire. I extend a heartfelt prayer to the church 
community, Mr. McKendry's family and the other victims whose sense of 
peace was violated.
   Americans of conscience must come together to stop the senseless 
death of ``The Daily 45.'' When will we say ``enough is enough, stop 
the killing!''

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