To kick off National Police Week, Speaker Mike Johnson hosted a candlelight vigil and delivered remarks in the U.S. Capitol to honor fallen police officers and commemorate their service to our communities. Johnson was joined at the vigil by families of fallen officers and members of the House Republican Conference.

“These men and women — all of our law enforcement — are the men and women who pursue justice, maintain order, and guard the safety of our communities from crime and chaos,” Johnson said. “And those who have given their lives for this noble and necessary cause are buried with honor and, of course, with heartache. We mourn because they were taken too soon, but in their supreme sacrifice, these officers have shown the greatest form of love: the act of laying down one’s life for others.”

The transcript of Speaker Johnson’s remarks:

We want to thank you all for being here on what is a somber evening. There is a biblical admonition that we are to give honor where honor is due, and we take that very seriously.

And during National Police Week and ahead of Peace Officers Memorial Day, we give much-deserved recognition to our law enforcement officers, and in particular, of course, those who have fallen in the line of duty.

These men and women – all of our law enforcement – are the men and women who pursue justice, maintain order, and guard the safety of our communities from crime and chaos. And those who have given their lives for this noble and necessary cause are buried with honor and, of course, with heartache.

We mourn because they were taken too soon. But in their supreme sacrifice, these officers have shown the greatest form of love: the act of laying down one’s life for others.

26,000 officers have died in the line of duty in the U.S., 56 just this past year alone. It is a dangerous vocation, but it is more than a vocation. It is a calling. And we honor those who step up to that calling.

These officers exemplify the American spirit. They have pledged their lives in sacred honor so that we may all live in peace. And today we gather to pay tribute to those who clothed themselves in the uniforms of dignity and decency, those who stand on the lines of justice and keep us all safe.

We also say thank you to the families who have lost their loved ones because of their commitment to keeping our community safe.