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Congress Proposes Medals of Valor for Rescue Workers
By Emily Tjelmeland
WASHINGTON BUREAU
October 5, 2001
Washington - Congress yesterday proposed
granting the Medal of Valor to the hundreds of firefighters, police
officers and medical workers killed or seriously injured in the grim
wake of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the
Pentagon.
"The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor only begins to
recognize the full extent of bravery demonstrated by these selfless
individuals," said Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Elmhurst). "By
honoring the fallen rescue personnel, we honor the living who
continue to do their duty every day."
In May, President George W. Bush signed a bill into law to establish
the Presidential Medal of Valor to honor firefighters and police for
extraordinary displays of valor. So far, none has received the
award, which was to have been limited to five persons a year. The
bill introduced yesterday by a bipartisan group in Congress would
allow the medal to be presented to the firefighters, police and
rescue workers who rushed toward the disasters of Sept. 11 and died
or were injured trying to help others.
Lawmakers said the medal won't raise the dead, nor erase the pain
from the hearts of those who lost loved ones. But it is a start,
they said.
About 400 firefighters, police and rescue workers were crushed by
falling debris as the World Trade Center towers collapsed. Hundreds
more were injured. None of the Pentagon's rescue workers died or
suffered serious injuries.
"This says to the family who will have an empty seat at the
dinner table - this says America will remember you," Sen.
Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said.
All those who lost their lives battling the fires, dodging tumbling
concrete and steel and aiding others are expected to receive the
honor, according to a Crowley aide. The injured will be reviewed on
a case-by-case basis.
A review board will nominate potential recipients. Those names will
then go to Attorney General John Ashcroft, who will review the list
before forwarding the names to the White
House.
"It is fitting that these men and women will be the first we
honor with this distinction," said Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa).
"These medals can say that these men and women gave their lives
in service to their neighbors and to their nation - and that this
nation is a grateful one."
Recognition for bravery and public service has long been part of
American heritage during times of war and peace. The Purple Heart
was created in 1782 by President George Washington and now honors
those soldiers who were wounded or killed in combat. During the
Civil War, the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military honor,
was first presented. And, in 1963, President John F. Kennedy
honored
civilians doing public service by creating the Presidential Medal of
Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
The Defense Department last week created the Defense of Freedom
Medal to honor civilian employees killed or injured in the terrorist
attack on the Pentagon. It will be the civilian equivalent of the
Purple Heart.
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