Supporting The Goals And Ideals Of Peace Officers Memorial Day

Floor Speech

SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY -- (House of Representatives - May 08, 2007)

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Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

H. Res. 291 supports the goals and ideals of Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor Federal, State and local law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, and encourages the citizens of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and respect.

Police officers have been protecting American citizens since April 1631, when the city of Boston first established its ``night watch'' law enforcement program in the colonies. There is a quote by President George H.W. Bush engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial located at Judiciary Square here in Washington which summarizes the mission of the 870,000 current sworn law enforcement officers in the United States. It states that it is their daily ``quest to preserve both democracy and decency, and to protect a national treasure that we call the American Dream.''

Law enforcement officers face dangers on the job every single day. On May 17, 1792, New York City's Deputy Sheriff Isaac Smith became the first recorded police officer to be killed in the line of duty. Today, more than 56,000 are assaulted each year, and every 53 hours an officer is killed while serving the American people. September 11, 2001, was the deadliest day for police officers in all of American history when 72 officers were killed while responding to terrorist attacks.

Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the life of Sergeant Howard Plouff from my district, who was killed recently in the line of duty. He was known as an honorable man who selflessly served his family and community for more than 17 years in the Winston-Salem Police Department. He was dedicated to community development and service. His is a legacy of the spirit of service that permeates this great country.

He earned the respect of his fellow officers and did not hesitate to go above and beyond the call of duty. In fact, during his time with the Winston-Salem Police Department, he was awarded its highest honor, the Medal of Valor. He left behind a loving wife and two daughters. He was an extremely positive role model and an example of all the officers we are honoring with this resolution.

May 15 is Peace Officers Memorial Day, a holiday created in 1961 by Congress to honor fallen law enforcement officers who dedicated their lives to protecting this country and its citizens. The flag is flown at half staff and thousands of people visit the memorial which was authorized by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. Built in 1989, it currently has 17,912 names etched into the wall. Each of these names reminds us of the sacrifices these brave law enforcement officers have given in order to keep American citizens safe. They also stand for those living officers who would, without hesitation, do the same to protect all of us.

With gratitude to our law enforcement officers' devotion and dedication to our country, I ask all Members to join me in supporting H. Res. 291.

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