[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 70 (Wednesday, May 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E818]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 16, 2012

  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with you remarks I 
made earlier this week at home in North Texas in recognition of 
National Police Week. I was honored to be present with many 
constituents of the 24th District of Texas alongside the Addison, 
Carrollton, Coppell and Farmers Branch, Texas police departments 
remembering those brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice 
in protecting our communities and neighborhoods. It was my honor to 
speak to this group and it is my privilege to express again my 
gratitude to the men and women who serve as peace officers and protect 
us each day.

   Address Given at Memorial Ceremony, May 15, 2012, Liberty Plaza, 
                         Farmers Branch, Texas

       Friends, it is with both pride and sadness that I am here 
     before you today to recognize National Police Week. We come 
     together today to recognize and honor those men and women 
     nationwide who gave the ultimate sacrifice as officers of the 
     peace. We must give thanks to them and the entire law 
     enforcement family for their selfless actions in keeping our 
     communities safe.
       National Police Week is a time for all of us to come 
     together to understand the important role these officers play 
     in protecting the rights and freedoms of our community. It is 
     a time for citizens to reflect and understand the duties, 
     responsibilities, and sacrifices of our law enforcement 
     officers. These men and women provide a vital public service, 
     risking their lives on a daily basis to protect our own.
       Today, May 15th, 2012, marks the 20 year anniversary of the 
     first National Peace Officers' Memorial Day Service. That 
     first service was held in Washington, D.C., on Capitol Hill 
     to commemorate the peace officers who had fallen nationally. 
     In 1989, the first annual candlelight vigil was held at 
     Judiciary Square in Washington, D.C. to honor the men and 
     women who sacrificed their lives.
       In 1991, President George H. Bush dedicated a National 
     Memorial for these fallen men and women, honoring them for 
     eternity. This Memorial honors federal, state and local law 
     enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for 
     the safety and protection of our nation and its people.
       On the walls of this memorial are the names of more than 
     19,000 officers who have given their lives in the line of 
     duty throughout U.S. history. Today we celebrate the lives of 
     all these brave public servants.
       Each spring since that first fateful day in 1982, we have 
     gathered nationwide to celebrate and venerate these men and 
     women for their bravery. I ask that you join me today in 
     commemorating and remembering law enforcement officers past 
     and present. These are diligent and loyal men and women. They 
     are devoted to their responsibilities and are dedicated in 
     their service to their communities. Their reputation for 
     preserving the rights and security of all citizens should be 
     honored along with their sacrifice today.
       Many officers have come from a home where their mother, 
     father, brother or sister served their community in the same 
     capacity. Family members often serve as an inspiration for 
     their siblings, children and peers to serve as an officer. 
     These inspired few that have the desire to protect and 
     safeguard our communities are truly remarkable. It is that 
     inspiration to protect and dedicate oneself to a community 
     that brings us here today.
       These men and women who serve with one another are a 
     family. This is a family that I am very proud to support. 
     They have a deep partnership with their community and each 
     other. When a fellow officer falls in the line of duty, they 
     do not lose a colleague, but a brother or sister. These 
     brothers and sisters may have different badges or different 
     oaths, but their valor in the line of duty is what binds them 
     together. This partnership and this family are being 
     remembered nationwide today.
       Every day, officers put themselves in harm's way to protect 
     the citizens and families they serve. These men and women are 
     the continuous barrier between lawlessness and peace.
       As a former city councilman, mayor, state representative 
     and now Member of Congress, I have had the privilege of 
     working with our community law enforcement for quite some 
     time. I have the honor of calling countless police officers 
     my friends. I will continue to be proud of their deeds and 
     accomplishments in protecting North Texas, my family and my 
     friends in all of you.
       The honor these officers receive must be derived not only 
     from their personal deeds, but the countless acts of violence 
     and crime they have prevented. Today and every day we should 
     remember that with courage, these fallen officers that we 
     call to mind have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to 
     their community.
       It is with a heavy heart that we celebrate the lives of 
     these men and women today. Let us not forgot the service and 
     duty they have done for us. And let us pay respect to the 
     survivors of our fallen heroes, and we humbly thank their 
     friends and loved ones for their sacrifice.

                          ____________________