Supporting the Goals and Ideals of Peace Officers Memorial Day

SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY -- (House of Representatives - May 16, 2006)

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Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, each day, peace officers nobly protect our families, friends, and neighbors from crime and work to improve the quality of life for all of us. For that, they deserve our sincere appreciation and respect.

While it is impossible to suitably thank these brave Americans for the tremendous sacrifices they make, we pause this week to salute them for their courage, dedication, and service and to pay our respects to those who have fallen in the line of duty.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 of every year as Peace Officers Memorial Day. This day was set forth to give special recognition to the brave men and women who protect our lives every day, often at great risk to their health and lives.

On average, a crime is committed in this country every 2 seconds, and you can rest assured that one of the nearly 800,000 law enforcement officers in this great country will respond promptly and courageously, no matter how dangerous the situation might be. It is appropriate that we both honor current peace officers and memorialize fallen heroes for the safety and assistance they provide us all.

Recent events just miles from this building in Fairfax, Virginia, offered a clear and present example of the dangers law enforcement officers face each day. In this past year alone, 155 law officers were killed and over 10,000 were assaulted in the line of duty as they protected and served their communities. While this number is down from the previous decade's average of 169 annually, it is still very unacceptable.

This week, thousands of law enforcement officers from around the country gathered in Washington, D.C., to pay tribute and to mourn together. Those of us who benefit from their hard work and sacrifice also honor their work and sacrifices. We all owe them a debt of gratitude that we can never repay.

Madam Speaker, I support the goals and ideals of Peace Officers Memorial Day, as I am sure every Member of the House does, to honor Federal, State and local peace officers killed or disabled in the line of duty; and I support this day to honor those who stand for us every day in the line of duty. I call upon the people of the United States to observe such a day with appropriate ceremonies and respect, wherever they are.

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