[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 130 (Thursday, September 10, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          ``LOVE MOM AND DAD''

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 10, 2015

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, ``Love Mom and Dad,'' are the words 
stenciled on a piece of cardboard, attached to a 36-foot-tall beam 
known as the ``Last Column.'' Mom and Dad are Arnold and Rosemary Roma 
of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who lost their son, Keith on September 
11, 2001. Serving as a make shift memorial, the column was covered with 
personal messages from first responders who lost loved ones. Arnold, 
``Dad,'' retired NYPD and several Port Authority Police officers spray 
painted ``KR FP2'' in honor of Keith Roma, son and friend, of Fire 
Patrol 2.
  Presently, the ``Last Column'' stands as an exhibit at the 9/11 
Museum in New York City.
  On Christmas Eve 2001 Arnold helped uncover the body of his son from 
the ruins of the North Tower. The Roma's considered themselves 
fortunate as they were able to bring their son home for a proper good 
bye.
  Following the attacks on September 11, 2001, we would say ``good 
bye'' to 343 New York Firefighters, 72 Law Enforcement Officers, and 
one New York Fire Patrolman, Keith Roma. As September 11th approaches, 
we are reminded to express appreciation for the sacrifice paid by these 
first responders and their families.
  Today, in the midst of many conversations regarding the state of law 
enforcement in our country, we still find ourselves saying ``good 
bye.'' Those conversations must also include, ``Thank you.''

                          ____________________