On the recordJuly 28, 1998
I rise today to honor two men who gave their lives in defense of freedom--Officer J.J. Chestnut and Special Agent John Gibson. They will be deeply missed by all who had the great privilege of knowing them. As one of my colleagues so eloquently stated, we are the land of the free because we are the home of the brave. Last Friday, our freedom was preserved by the bravery of Officers Chestnut and Gibson, when a deranged gunman tried to invade the People's House. These two heroes were both dedicated family men. Officer Chestnut's wife, Wen Ling, and their children--Joseph, Janece, Janet, Karen, and William--and Officer Gibson's wife, Evelyn, and their children-- Kristen, John, and Daniel--should know that their husbands, their fathers, each served his country with the utmost dedication and honor. They will not be forgotten. The men and women of the Capitol Police are dedicated to preserving and protecting the People's House. They put their lives on the line for us--Members of Congress, our staffs, and each American who comes to visit our great Capitol--every day. Through their selfless act of bravery, Officers Chestnut and Gibson saved the lives of countless Members, staff, and tourists who were working in and walking through the Capitol last Friday. We literally owe our lives to them. I know that the House, Senate, and indeed the entire nation joins me in expressing our deepest sympathies and prayers for the families of Officer Chestnut and Special Agent Gibson.
Source
govinfo.gov




