Nick Rahall: “on Friday, July 24, 1998, just a brief time after the last vote of the day was cast, two seasoned Capitol Hill Police…”

“on Friday, July 24, 1998, just a brief time after the last vote of the day was cast, two seasoned Capitol Hill Police officers were gunned down in one of the entrances to the United States Capitol, the People's House. Hearts were broken, and a part of America died. There is a poem, one that is very fitting for this occasion, about fallen heroes, entitled ``A Part of America Died Today.'' Its author is unknown to me but I ask that it be printed in the Record at this point, and I will state it in tribute to Officer J.J. Chestnut and Special Agent John Gibson. Somebody killed a policeman today, and a part of America died. A piece of our country he swore to protect will be buried with him at his side. The suspect who shot him will stand up in court, with counsel demanding his rights, while a widowed mother must comfort her kids and spend alone many long nights. The beat that he walked was a battlefield, too. Just as if he had gone off to war. The flag of our Nation does fly at half mast. To his name, they will add a gold star. Yes, somebody killed a policeman today. A cop put his life on the line. Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street, and he stands at each new rookie's side. He answered the call and gave us his all, and part of America died. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself, my staff and the people of the Third District of West Virginia, I extend our deep sympathy, our prayers and our thanks to the families of these two fallen heroes, Officer J.J.…”