[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 88 (Friday, June 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1396]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CONDEMNING SHOOTING AT U.S. HOLOCAUST MUSEUM

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 11, 2009

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise 
today in support of House Resolution 529, condemning the violent attack 
on the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum on June 10, 2009 and 
honoring the bravery and dedication of United States Holocaust Memorial 
Museum employees and security personnel. I also rise to pay tribute to 
officer Stephen Johns.
  A Maryland resident, Officer Johns was a devoted husband and father. 
He was a man who lived his life protecting other people, and worked 
every day to ensure the safety and security of the patrons of the 
National Holocaust Museum, a place devoted to the pursuit of peace and 
the end of intolerance. It was a responsibility Officer Johns took very 
seriously, and one he gave his life to uphold.
  Moments like these are the most painful of reminders that when hate 
results in violence, it robs us of our family members, neighbors, and 
friends. It claims the best and bravest among us. Yesterday, in a place 
dedicated to ending such bigotry, a well-liked and thoughtful man was 
stolen from us.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the life of Stephen Johns and 
in renewing our vow to be united in our effort to extinguish the flames 
of bigotry and intolerance in this country and around the world once 
and for all.

                          ____________________