May is a time for Congress to pay homage to America’s fallen heroes.
National Police Week is one opportunity for us to recognize our fallen law enforcement heroes.
Law enforcement works to make our communities safe from crime, drugs and other threats. Dedicated professionals in local sheriff departments, state police agencies and the Virginia Department of Corrections are among the countless heroes working for our protection.
Unfortunately, such police efforts can turn serious, dangerous and even deadly.
This was particularly evident to communities in Virginia’s Ninth District after terrible news in late 2025.
Officer Jeremy Hall of Grayson County was a Corrections Officer with the Virginia Department of Corrections. He worked at the River North Correctional Center in Independence.
One day in November 2025, Officer Hall started a morning shift. That morning, an inmate at the Center unleashed an attack on multiple officers, including Officer Hall.
As a result of the attack, Officer Hall suffered serious injuries. Officer Hall lost his life.
We continue to mourn the tragic killing of Officer Hall. In DC, we honored Officer Hall’s service during National Police Week.
I shared Officer Hall’s story on the House floor while defending a slew of law enforcement bills that House Republicans advanced.
As the cosponsor of H. Res. 1252, a resolution that memorializes law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, I was proud to see Members of Congress from both sides come together to support this resolution.
The resolution listed Officer Hall and the 362 other officers killed in the line of duty and whose stories were recovered during 2025.
These fallen heroes also had their names added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, which is the national monument that honors law enforcement officials who have died in the line of duty.
With regard to the National Police Week events that took place in DC, I stopped by a candlelight vigil on the National Mall. During the vigil, Officer Hall’s name was read aloud.
While at the vigil, I met with Officer Hall’s widow and other Virginia law enforcement representatives.
Officer Hall’s widow showed strength when she came to DC, where she advocated for her husband and attended numerous law enforcement events. We pray for her and their family’s resilience as they continue to find comfort and honor Officer Hall’s legacy.
We also pray for every family that loses their loved ones resulting from service that protects our communities. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed and your courage inspires us all.
Later in May, we will also honor the fallen heroes that served in America’s armed forces.
Like President Trump, I believe in the projection of American strength. Our incredible military trains, operates and executes to deliver on American strength.
Our servicemembers dedicate so much of their time, attention and stamina to this goal. But this work takes its toll, and unfortunately it can require the ultimate sacrifice by our servicemen and women.
While Memorial Day weekend is a time for us to spend time with family and enjoy the warmer weather, it is also an important time to reflect on this fact. Every Memorial Day, I make sure to pay tribute to the American heroes that gave their lives for our great country.
With this year being the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding, it is particularly important for us to remember all the hard-fought conflicts in our nation’s history and recognize those that sacrificed their lives.
The countless names include Army Air Force Private Donald E. Bays of Lee County.
Private Bays was stationed in the Pacific during World War II. On December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the Japanese launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.
Private Hays was killed during the attack.
Hays’ remains were never identified until recently. In 2025, they were returned home to Lee County for proper burial at the Hubbard Springs Christian Church Cemetery.
For Memorial Day, we will honor all of our fallen soldiers that paved the way for American greatness.
Because of the sacrifices of American heroes in law enforcement and the military, American security, American service and American liberty will continue to prevail.
To honor these sacrifices, communities in Virginia’s Ninth District can access numerous Memorial Day weekend activities, including the parade in Marion, and the wreath laying ceremony at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, among many others.