Thomas Daschle: “this week our country observes National Police Week, a time to honor the men and women who put their lives on the line…”

“this week our country observes National Police Week, a time to honor the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to bring peace--and peace of mind--to America's cities, towns, and neighborhoods. Tomorrw, Police Week culminates in Peace Officers Memorial Day, when we pay special honor to those officers who gave their lives in he line of duty. This memorial has a long history. In 1789, a U.S. Marshal named Robert Forsyth was shot and killed in the line of duty. Since then, over 14,000 law enforcement officers have given their lives to protect the liberties upon which America was founded. Police officers have always served as the first line of protection for our communities. But 3 years ago, on September 11, our Nation gained a new appreciation both for the dangers they face and for the courage they routinely exhibit. We owe our police officers a debt of gratitude that is immeasurable and unending. Every year we honor those that lost their lives in the line of duty and carve their names into the Police Memorial so that future generations will know who they are, and that they lived, and died, as heroes.”