Mr. Speaker,

I rise today to mourn the loss of 3 New York Firefighters, the bravest of the brave.

This past Father's Day, Harry Ford, Brian Fahey and John Downing died in the service of New York.

These men were prepared for and paid the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives to save others. Far too often the courage and selflessness of firefighters go unnoticed and unrewarded.

Unfortunately, it takes a tragic fire in Astoria, Queens, to remind us of just how important they are.

Firefighters personify courage and all that we as a nation hold dear. My prayers are with their families and their fellow firefighters.

They will be missed but not forgotten.