[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 159 (Thursday, October 29, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 28, 2009

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of House Resolution 729, which expresses the sense of Congress that a 
day be designated to honor America's firefighters who have made 
enormous sacrifices through loss of life and limb in their service to 
protect our communities.
  There are over 1 million firefighters in the U.S., and each time they 
respond to an emergency, they risk their own personal safety to help 
others. Each year, roughly 100 firefighters die in the line of duty.
  The City of Houston has one of the largest fire departments in the 
country with almost 4,000 firefighters and about 100 fire stations. 
Since the modern-day Houston Fire Department was formed, over 60 
firefighters have lost their lives in the line of duty. Two of these 
died this year alone.
  It is therefore imperative that we take this moment to show our 
appreciation for the services they provide and the sacrifices that so 
many have made.
  As a cosponsor of this resolution, I urge my colleagues to support 
House Resolution 729, which calls for the President to formally 
commemorate these brave men and women by designating a National 
Firefighters Memorial Day.

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