House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) delivered remarks at a ceremony unveiling the “Civil Service Wall of Honor” at the Office of Personnel Management. This memorial recognizes civil servants killed in the line of duty. Below are his remarks, as prepared for delivery: “We gather this afternoon to pay tribute to a group of Americans whose dedication to public service knew no earthly bounds. These patriots, who lost their lives in service to the American people, must be remembered. Not only because of how they died but by what their lives meant to the many people their work affected – not just here in our country but across the world. “Just this past weekend, as John mentioned, another name was added to the roll of honor and memory this wall represents. Anne Smedinghoff, a young woman who was full of life and energy and passion for service, was killed doing the work we the people sent her to do. She was murdered in a car bombing in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, where she and other State Department employees were scheduled to participate in the opening of a new school. She was fearless and determined to make a difference. Just like [...]
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