On the recordMay 7, 2012
H. Con. Res. 117 would authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service on May 15, 2012. I'm pleased to be a sponsor of this important resolution. In 1962, May 15 was designated by President Kennedy as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as Police Week. The memorial service began in 1982 as a gathering in Senate Park of just 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement. Today, National Police Week draws tens of thousands of law enforcement officials and their supporters from around the world who travel to the Nation's Capital to participate in events that honor our fallen officers. The National Peace Officers' Memorial Service, which is sponsored by the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, is one in a series of events which includes the candlelight vigil and seminars. These important events help us to honor and remember the sacrifice of those members of law enforcement around our Nation who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Back home in my district, we recently felt the pain of losing a respected member of the law enforcement community, Deputy Robert Paris. He was slain in the line of duty just a few weeks ago. He was the third sworn officer to be killed while serving with the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department. He was known in the community to volunteer for the dangerous work and had requested an assignment in the Civil Division.…
