SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY -- (House of Representatives - May 16, 2006)
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Mr. HEFLEY. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for bringing this to the floor today. This is something we don't have to sell.
Madam Speaker, I rise, as the chairman and ranking member have to honor more than 20,000 peace officers from around the Nation who are visiting Washington, D.C., this week in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week. These officers will commemorate the lives of 155 officers who died last year in the line of duty.
Today, we recognize May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and pay tribute to the commitment, sacrifice, and public safety and the services these officers provide for all Americans on a daily basis.
As we all know, September 11 stands out as one of the most tragic days in American history. We lost 72 police officers on that one day. That is the most on any single day in history. While that was unusual and an extreme example, these law enforcement officers are serving us and sacrificing and protecting us, showing heroism and valor every day in every community around the Nation.
Last year, as I said, 155 police officers were killed in the line of duty. Though unquestionably this is tragic, the 155 deaths were below the decade-long average of 163. Still, this is the second consecutive year that the numbers have increased and a trend that must come to an end in 2006, and thankfully is on track to do so so far.
Peace officers in every community have an admirable record of service and sacrifice, yet too many Americans lack a true understanding and appreciation of law enforcement's worth. This is why several years ago I participated in establishing the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C. This past Saturday, 466 names of brave men and women were officially added to the memorial, including seven from my own home State of Colorado.
Peace officers face unprecedented risks, while bravely protecting our communities and our freedoms, and I hope my colleagues will join me today in paying tribute to our Nation's fallen officers and expressing our gratitude for the work these men and women do for us every day.
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