[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 15, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E662]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PATRICK MURPHY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 2013

  Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay 
tribute to all those who serve and who have served as peace officers to 
protect and serve our great nation. Today is the day we demonstrate our 
respect for the men and women and all that they do for us and our 
country. We especially honor those who sacrificed everything and lost 
their lives in the line of duty. On this day we remember all those who 
don a uniform signifying the protection of our country's citizens by 
means of defending the laws of our nation.
  Since October 1, 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed a special 
law, May 15 has been National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week 
containing May 15 has been recognized as National Police Week. This is 
a time when Americans are given a chance to honor the extraordinary 
service given year after year by our police forces. Although people 
sometimes forget those in uniform, we must recognize this day to 
understand the length these officers go to in order to do their job and 
serve our communities. These officers are special because they have 
taken the initiative to sacrifice their own safety for the safety of 
others. They exhibit bravery and courage every day to keep our 
communities safe, to preserve and protect our laws and our constitution 
in their line of duty. It is important they know that they have the 
full support of the United States Congress and the American people.
  We must commemorate the dedicated law enforcement officers who serve 
our communities, states and country. This being said, I would like to 
take this opportunity to remember our own Sergeant Gary Morales, who 
was shot and killed in the line of duty at the age of 35 on Thursday 
February 28, 2013 in Fort Pierce, Florida. He was a selfless hero, like 
all those who have lost their lives during service. The motto of police 
week, ``Never Alone, Never Forgotten,'' must be observed and remembered 
not only today, but every day. Sergeant Morales--you will never be 
forgotten.
  Peace Officers Memorial Day gives us all the opportunity to thank 
those in our community who do so much for us. This day, as well as 
National Police Week, pays tribute to the local, State, and Federal law 
enforcement officers who serve and protect us with courage and 
dedication. This opportunity to thank those around us also allows for 
the coming together of communities. These observances remind us all of 
the ongoing need to be vigilant against all forms of crime and 
violence. The service of these brave men and women must not go 
unrecognized and I would like to extend my personal thanks to all those 
who serve.

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