Political Quotes

“As National Firefighter Memorial Weekend approaches, I rise to pay tribute to our Nation's fallen firefighters; and I am pleased that a number of my colleagues have joined me in legislation on this and may come later in the evening to speak in favor of this bipartisan legislation that we have introduced on behalf of our fallen firefighters. Last year, America tragically lost 442 firefighters. Each gave their lives protecting our communities from fire and other emergencies. This weekend, on October 5 and 6, we will join together as a Nation to mourn their passing and honor their sacrifices. So it is fitting that we come to this floor today to honor the memory of our fallen firefighters and say thank you to those brave folks who have served our community so well. Mr. Speaker, firefighters truly embody the value and spirit that makes America what it is today, a great Nation. Firefighters are diverse, they represent every race and creed and culture in America, yet they are bound by a common commitment to service. Firefighters are dedicated; and when we call them, they risk their lives for each of us. They are the people our children look up to. When we ask a child the timeless question, What do you want to be when you grow up?, nowadays, more often than not, those children will say, I want to be a firefighter. Our firefighters are truly our hometown heroes. However, all too often these heroes must give their lives in the line of duty.”