Thanking America's First Responders

Floor Speech

THANKING AMERICA'S FIRST RESPONDERS -- (House of Representatives - September 21, 2005)

(Mr. GINGREY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GINGREY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to America's first responders, the men and women who work every day to safeguard our communities. This Nation owes so much to the firemen, the EMTs and other emergency workers who put themselves in harm's way to keep us and our loved ones safe.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, our country is once again reminded of the dedication and bravery of our first responders. Their contributions in the gulf coast were felt by every person rescued from a rooftop, by every person receiving medical care, and every person evacuated from a flooded city.

These past few weeks, we have been able to watch the valor of our first responders on TV and we have read about it in the newspapers, but we should remember that these men and women are protecting our community every single day, not just when a disaster strikes. And while it may not be televised every day, their heroism is certainly valued every day.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in thanking America's first responders.

Source