[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 84 (Wednesday, May 15, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H3210-H3211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Virginia (Ms. Spanberger) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the courage 
and the sacrifice of the brave law enforcement officers who work each 
day to keep our communities safe and to honor those who have given 
their lives.
  This week, as we commemorate Police Week, a week of appreciation and 
of solemnity that was first honored and created back in 1962, when 
President Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and 
the week in which it falls Police Week, we know that this week draws 
between 25,000 and 40,000 attendees from across the Nation, including 
from Virginia; people who come to honor the sacrifice and the service 
of their fellow officers and their family members.
  I grew up in a law enforcement household. My father was a career law

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enforcement officer, and I grew up with a deep appreciation of those 
who commit themselves to service. I stand here today during National 
Police Week to recognize every officer who works to keep Virginia's 
communities safe.
  I am proud to represent many brave men and women who have answered 
the call to serve their fellow Americans, their neighbors, and our 
communities, and I am grateful for their service and their sacrifice.
  This week, we remember with reverence their colleagues and friends 
who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. We owe these heroes 
a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid. Their legacies live 
on in the continued dedication of the officers who served alongside 
them and the families who mourn and miss them.
  In Congress, I will continue to advocate for legislation to support 
our local police departments and sheriff's departments in carrying out 
the vital mission that they hold in our communities.
  Together, we can honor their dedication to duty by connecting them 
with the resources, the training, the support, and everything necessary 
for them to perform their jobs effectively, and importantly, to get 
home safely.
  To all those who wear the badge, I offer my deepest gratitude. This 
week and every week, we extend our appreciation to the men and women 
who continue to serve, and we remember those who did not come home. May 
their sacrifice never be forgotten, and may their legacies continue to 
inspire the next generation to serve and protect.


                  Honoring the Life of Terry Anderson

  Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the remarkable life and 
the legacy of a former constituent, Mr. Terry Anderson.
  When I was first running for Congress, I had the occasion of meeting 
someone who was known to be a local advocate and a local activist, but 
the name was familiar to me, Terry Anderson. I met with this gentleman, 
and I heard his story. It was one that was familiar to me from my 
childhood and one that was familiar probably to many of you.
  In 1985, Mr. Anderson became quite well known the world over when he 
was kidnapped in Lebanon and held hostage by Hezbollah until his 
release in the very late days of 1991.
  He was kidnapped when he was a reporter for the Associated Press. He 
was a correspondent who fearlessly pursued truth in some of the world's 
most volatile regions. His commitment to on-the-ground eyewitness 
reporting was unwavering.
  This continued his path as he had begun his inquisitive time in life 
through his service in the Marine Corps where he rose to the rank of 
staff sergeant, and he saw combat during the Vietnam war.

  It was from this time when he was in captivity in Lebanon that he 
brought back home a support for those who continue the mission of 
collecting knowledge, who continue the mission of reporting hard facts 
on the ground.
  Mr. Anderson continued to advocate for press freedom worldwide 
throughout the remainder of his career. Once he returned back home to 
the United States, he lived in many places. He even once ran for 
elected office in Ohio. He taught university-level journalism. He 
opened a few restaurants, a horse ranch, and a blues bar. For a time, 
he lived on a farm in Orange County, Virginia, which is when I had the 
opportunity to meet him, and, frankly, eat some of his extraordinary 
cooking.
  Terry was a man of many interests. He was a man of great passion. He 
was a man who loved and spoke often of his children. He was a man who 
inspired me. I am grateful I had the opportunity to meet him, to learn 
from him, and upon his passing, I wish his family the very best.
  Towards the end of his life he once remarked: I have lived so much, 
and I have done so much; I am content. His legacy has left an indelible 
mark on our world. His resilience and his courage have set an example 
for so many of us. I ask my colleagues to please join me in remembering 
Terry Anderson.

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