[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 161 (Monday, November 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 28, 2009

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Res. 729, to designate a National Firefighters Memorial Day to 
honor the courage, bravery, service and sacrifice of the Firefighters 
of the United States.
  Firefighters are the backbone of our communities. Of the 1,000,000 
firefighters in America, 71 percent are volunteer firefighters. They 
are often the first to respond to an emergency, whether the emergency 
is a fire, transportation accident, natural disaster, act of terrorism, 
medical emergency, or spill of hazardous materials. These great men and 
women respond to nearly 2 million calls each year without hesitation. 
They have an unwavering dedication to protecting those that are in 
distress.
  First responders are often under-appreciated and taken for granted 
until crisis strikes and the public reaches out for help and rescue. 
Against all common sense and natural instinct, firefighters rush to the 
scene of an emergency and into harm's way without the slightest 
hesitation. While our natural instinct is to run away from the fire--
our fire fighters are running in.
  Without the promise of any fame, fortune, or so much as a simple 
``thank-you'', firefighters remain constantly vigilant and ready to 
serve. On that horrendous September day in 2001, we lost 343 
firefighters in the line of duty.
  In responding to approximately 1.6 million fires set each year, we 
see our firefighters rushing to the scene saving countless lives and 
sometimes giving theirs in return.
  I know sometimes younger people idolize professional athletes and 
cheer for their favorite sports teams. And the same could be said for 
some adults too. But if you really want to see true teamwork search no 
further than your local fire station. It is here where men and women 
work together and count on each other to protect lives. Their service 
demonstrates courage, camaraderie, and bravery.
  It is time that we honor those men and women who have given their 
lives and those that were disabled in the line of duty. I urge the 
President to designate a day as National Firefighters Memorial Day and 
I urge my colleagues to support this very important legislation.

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