[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21611]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



  PRESENTATION OF PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER MEDAL OF VALOR IN RESPONSE TO 
                TERRORIST ATTACKS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 30, 2001

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I also rise in support of H. Con. Res. 243 
sponsored by Congressman Joseph Crowley. My wife DeDe and I would like 
to extend our deepest sympathies to Congressman Crowley and his family 
for the tragic loss of his cousin, John Moran, a Battalion Chief in the 
New York Fire Department, who died during the attacks on the World 
Trade Center.
  Since September 11 we have listened to a myriad of accounts focusing 
on courageous men and woman, often referred to as ``guardian angels'' 
who lost their lives during sheer acts of bravery at the World Trade 
Center and Pentagon. We have continued to watch firefighters, law 
enforcement officers, and emergency assistance personnel work around 
the clock as they tirelessly assist in the rescue and recovery efforts. 
We have been able to listen and focus on these heroes who have put 
their lives first and have displayed true loyalty and dedication to 
their role as emergency leaders.
  The Medal of Valor is a symbol of our country's appreciation to all 
of those who have served over and beyond their basic duty and have 
helped us to rise from this great challenge. This medal ensures that 
these acts of courage on and after September 11 will never be 
forgotten. Their endurance and bravery has given us the unconditional 
strength to move forward and to focus on the positive energy that so 
many role models have displayed during these tragic times. Whether it 
be those who lost their lives or those who continue to assist in 
recovery projects, we have been able to look up to these heroes who 
have motivated us to reach out and unite.

                          ____________________