WASHINGTON, DC –  Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) delivered remarks today at a public ceremony in remembrance of the one-year anniversary of the Washington Navy Yard tragedy. He joined U.S. Navy officials, Washington Navy Yard employees, and residents of the Capitol Riverfront, Capitol Hill, and the greater Washington, DC area to honor the victims, survivors, and their families and to thank first responders and law enforcement who responded on that day. The event, which took place at Canal Park in Southeast Washington, was hosted by Near Southeast Community Partners. Below are his remarks:

“We gather in remembrance today of twelve lives taken from their families, from our communities, and from our country on September 16, 2013 at 8:20am – twelve years and five days since 9/11.

“Some were contractors.  Some were civilian Navy personnel. Three lived in Maryland’s Fifth District and were active in their communities. All were extraordinary individuals who believed that serving their country was the highest honor.

“They were an example of the many people who serve at the Navy Yard and around the country to keep America safe and enhance our national defense and homeland security.

“We owe them our gratitude and our admiration.

“Jessica Gaarde, whose mother Kathy was among the victims of the shooting, said this a few days after her mother’s tragic death: ‘I want [people] to know she lived.  She is not a number or some statistic.’

“Kathy and each of the eleven other victims had lives that were rich with meaning – both as public servants and as parents, grandparents, neighbors, and civic leaders.

“Sylvia Frasier, from Waldorf, Maryland in my Congressional District, was a deaconess at Rhema Christian Center Church and helped lead the arts and music ministry there, and she expressed her faith through song and dance. I was honored to speak at her funeral – and moved by the outpouring of love and support from the community for her family.

“Kenneth Proctor, also from Waldorf, was honored by the Piscataway Conoy Tribe of Maryland for his deep commitment to his heritage, his community, and his family. He was a dedicated Washington football fan whose son had just enlisted in the U.S. Army. I had the honor of speaking at his funeral as well.

“Neighbors fondly recalled Vishnu Pandit’s daily walks through his north Potomac neighborhood with his beloved Irish setter, greeting those he met.

“Mary Frances Knight was the mother of two daughters and taught at Northern Virginia Community College.

“Frank Kohler used to serve as the president of the Lexington Park Rotary Club in St. Mary’s County, the county in which I live. He served as ‘King Oyster’ at the annual St. Mary’s Oyster Festival, a wonderful celebration made very special by caring and welcoming community members like Frank.

“Gerald Read had been married to his beloved wife, Cathy, for thirty-five years, and she remembered him for his avid interest in civil war history and his commitment to rescuing labrador retrievers in need of homes.

“Richard Ridgell, from Westminister, Maryland –– served for seventeen years with the Maryland State Police. As a Navy Yard security officer on the day of the shooting, he tried to stop the gunman before he could do more harm.  Richard was a hero who gave his life trying to save the lives of others.

“Martin Bodrog worked on procurement and design for the Navy. And, in addition to his service to his country, he served his neighbors as well.He taught Sunday school, shoveled snow for his elderly neighbors, and was the loving father of three daughters.

“Arthur Daniels was married to his wife, Priscilla, for three decades and was the father of five children. He loved to cook, dance, and spend time with his grandchildren.

“Michael Arnold was a veteran pilot. He didn’t just design ships; in his spare time, he was building his own airplane, which he had hoped to fly around the country.

“And John Johnson loved to fish and loved his wife, Judy. She said: ‘Iwas very lucky and very blessed to find the human being I found in him.’

“Today they are in our thoughts, and they shall remain there forever. Not as victims. Not as a statistic. But as unique and wonderful individuals who gave so much of themselves to those who knew them – and to a grateful nation.

“We remember them as we also recall the heroism of the first responders who answered the call that day to end the bloodshed, secure the Navy Yard, and help the wounded receive care. They have our thanks and our admiration.

“Helen Keller once said: ‘the best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched.  They must be felt with the heart.’

“We can no longer see or embrace the twelve men and women whose lives were tragically ended on September 16, 2013. But, having lived the best and fullest and most beautiful of lives, they will truly be felt in our hearts for years to come.

 

“May God bless them as they blessed their country, their families, and all who serve at the Navy Yard.”