Remembering U.S. Capitol Officers

Capitol Police officers John M. Gibson, left, and Jacob J. Chestnut were killed during the shooting at the U.S. Capitol. Your condolences are posted below. You may continue to send your condolences. Check back for more postings.

When I first heard of the shooting I could not believe it, Then I sat by the t.v. and watched in horror as the story unfolded. Then I heard that 2 officer's had died and I went limp I felt so bad, I went out to my front yard and lowered my flag and raised it to half mass in your honor, I know that means little to the family but I want everyone to know that you both are in my prayers, may God Bless you both, and may God Bless America
Alan Finnegan
Woodbury, Minn.

What a terrible shame that two protectors of our liberty should be gunned down in the very sacred halls of our monument to liberty. May God grant easement to their families. Two true heros are dead.
CE Dunaway
Pensacola, Fla.

My condolences to the families of the officers and the U.S. Capitol Police. You will not be forgotten.
Bob Richardson
Orange County, Calif.

As the song goes, "Only the good die young". You did your duty and paid the supreme price. May God give you peace and a better life. My deepest sympathy to the families and especially the children.
John W. McCoy
Leonardtown, Md.

My thoughts are with these two fine law enforcement officers, their families and the men and women of the Capitol Police.
Dan Gray
Annandale, Va.

I truly feel sorry for the families who has lost their son, husband, and father. I am so sorry that this had to happen. The fact that these wonderful men lost their lives in the line of duty, makes this even sadder. It is hard enough to deal with a death that comes with a heart attack or something like that, but no one ever really thinks that it will happen while you at a work. As a Federal employee, I would like to thank all those people who DO risk their lives every day to save those like mine every day. These 2 men will always be remembered at heroes, as they should.
Denise
Laurel, Md.

My thoughts and prayers are with the families of these brave men who gave their lives.
Mary Lou Bradley
Woodbridge, Va.

These two men are a tribute to this country's law enforcement system. They are true heros and all of the world should know what true heroes they are. I know their families are grieving, but they should be so proud. To know that Officers Chestnut and Gibson so believed in their jobs that they made the ultimate sacrifice makes me feel safer in the crazy world we live in. They selflessly gave up their lives to protect the public. God bless them both and their families in their time of need.
Becki Wells
Alexandria, Va.

Officers Chestnut and Gibson embody some of the very best qualities America has to offer: honor and duty. Their families can be very proud of them in that respect. However, they were more than mere officers; they were men, and now their families have to deal with a difficult time of personal loss. I hope it helps to know that others are thinking of you on the personal level and wishing you sincere condolences on your loss.
Robert Feathc
Moscow, Russia

This is in honor of the the two officers John Gibson and Jacob J Chestnut that they be honored today by the entire United States and their families are given many condolences by others of the United States for the honorable duty they performed at the White House on the 24th of July 1998. Comfort their families during this time of need.
Gerald L And Charlene Baltezore
Clovis, Calif.

DON'T GRIEVE FOR ME, FOR NOW I'M FREE I'M FOLLOWING THE PATH GOD LAID FOR ME I TOOK HIS HAND WHEN I HEARD HIS CALL I TURNED MY BACK AND I LEFT IT ALL I COULD NOT STAY ANOTHER DAY TO LAUGH, TO LOVE, TO WORK OR PLAY. TASKS LEFT UNDONE MUST STAY THAT WAY I'VE FOUND THAT PEACE AT THE CLOSED OF THE DAY. IF MY PARTING HAS LEFT A VOID THEN FILL IT WITH REMEMBERED JOY. A FRIENDSHIP SHARED, A LAUGH, A KISS, AH, YES, THESE THINGS I TOO WILL MISS. BE NOT BURDENED WITH TIMES OF SORROW I WISH FOR YOU THE SUNSHINE OF TOMORROW. MY LIFE'S BEEN FULL, I SAVORED MUCH GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD TIMES, A LOVED ONE'S TOUCH. PERHAPS MY TIME SEEMED ALL TOO BRIEF BUT LENGTHEN IT NOT WITH UNDUE GRIEF. LIFT UP YOUR HEART AND SHARE WITH ME GOD WANTED ME NOW; HE HAS SET ME FREE. OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY OUR DEEPEST RESPECT
SHARON, ROSS & SHANNON RUSSELL
FAIRFAX, VA.

May your soul's rest in heaven and the good work that you have done forever be remembered. Your heroism and dedication are an example for many citizens to follow, and I wish the best for your family and friends.
D. Proctor
Reston, Va.

My deepest condolences go out to the Chestnut and Gibson families. I can not say that I know how you feel, not having experienced a loss of this nature, but I can say what my feelings are. I get an intense sense of pride and respect when reading and hearing about the acts committed by these two heroic and selfless men. Putting their lives on the line on a daily basis to protect the rest of us, and making it count when it comes to the moment of truth; its an awesome responsibility that they took on willingly. My wish is that the families of these men and those of other men and women like them killed in the line of duty can take some comfort in such a tragic time, knowing that they gave their lives that others may be saved. Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson; I salute you.
Mark
Centreville, Va.

To the families of Officers John Gibson and Jacob Chestnut, my prayers are with you in your time of bereavement. Remember GOD does not put more on you than you can handle. GOD BLESS YOU.
Earl & Mary Bracey
Lanham, Md.

To the Families of Officer Chestnut and Officer Gibson: My deepest sympathy for your loss. Your loved ones sacrifice makes them heros in the truest sense.
Larry Engleman, former transit police chief
Washington, D.C., now living in Atlanta

To the families of Capitol Police officers John M. Gibson and Jacob J. Chestnut May the Lord up above be forever with you at the trying time in your families, seek him during this time for comfort, peace, and strength. Always remember that your loved one died during their jobs to protect our country and the citizens who come to the Capitol from around the world to see one of the most beautiful sites in the Nations Capitol. My prayers are with you at the difficult time in your lives.
Debra Hunter
District Heights, Md.

As Washington residents, we take for granted every day what these officers do in the course of a day. How sad that their duties are brought to our attention in this manner. My thoughts and prayers are with their friends and families. They truly deserve the tribute they are receiving.
Marie H. Creamean
Chantilly, Va.

To two extremely brave men who did not hesitate when duty called, I salute them. Just knowing that there are people of character servicing their fellow man makes me swell up with pride.
Matthew DeMarco
Gaithersburg, Md.

Working across the Capitol for years I am constantly amazed by my country and all it has accomplished. This only could have been done with the the assistance of the capitol police. I have great respect for those who have chosen to protect our country and our leaders. My prayers and thoughts are with all who have suffered during this very sad time. God Bless and Thank You All for protecting our great Country.
Denise G.
Fairfax, Va.

Your loss is great and totally unfair. The service provided by these gentlemen should not be overlooked by the people they protect. Hopefully, we learn from this tragedy so it never happens again. The families of these officers should know that the country is thinking of them and hope they know bad we feel about their loss.
Gary Claypoole
Clifton, Va.

To the families of these outstanding men, I hope you find comfort and peace as you reflect on the memories of times shared with your loved ones. I do not begin to think that I can fully comprehend the loss you have sustained. I do know that God has instructed us to cast our burdens on Him because He cares for us. The holy scriptures also tell us that "earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal." God Bless and Keep you in His care.
Joyce Hamm
Lanham, Md.