Charles Skelton: “I wish that I could say the words that would assuage the grief of the families of Officers Gibson and Chestnut, but I…”

“I wish that I could say the words that would assuage the grief of the families of Officers Gibson and Chestnut, but I cannot. I wish I had the words to properly express how they have protected this democratic institution, but I cannot. I can only say a word of gratitude. It was Cicero, the great Roman orator, who once said that gratitude is the greatest of all virtues. So that is what we are here about this evening, expressing in our own way the gratitude of our Nation, of our people and of each other. My first experience with police officers on Capitol Hill was when we first came in December 1976, and the police officer I asked, and I was dressed in blue jeans and a ratty old overcoat. My family, my wife Suzy and I, my three boys were in the Capitol to look around. I asked directions of one of the officers, and he called me by name. Yet I was not a Member of Congress. I thought then they were a special group, and they are. Quiet competence, knowledgeable, friendly. On top of that we have examples of two who were quietly competent, knowledgeable and friendly, but also heroes. I say to this body, Mr. Speaker, as well as to all across the country, that every one of the Capitol Police that serves us today is quietly competent, friendly and knowledgeable, but each one, Mr. Speaker, is also a potential hero.”