Kennedy honors Officer David Rose in CDC memorial remarks

Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised Officer David Rose’s service and sacrifice in remarks connected to a CDC memorial and roadway dedication.

Kennedy honors Officer David Rose in CDC memorial remarks

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. honored Officer David Rose in Aug. 7 remarks tied to a CDC campus memorial and roadway dedication.

What happened

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivered remarks dated Aug. 7, 2026, honoring Officer David Rose, according to a CDC page that republishes the prepared remarks. Kennedy said the ceremony marked a CDC campus memorial and roadway dedication in Rose’s memory.

Kennedy said Rose died in the line of duty nearly a year earlier after running toward danger when violence threatened the CDC campus. He said Rose protected fellow officers, colleagues and strangers from a gunman.

Background and context

According to the remarks, Rose served in the U.S. Marine Corps before joining the DeKalb County Police Department. Kennedy said Rose received the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Kennedy also quoted Rose’s graduation speech from the DeKalb County Police Academy, which described police work as protecting the vulnerable, standing for justice and running toward danger when others run away.

What officials said

Kennedy thanked law enforcement, first responders, emergency personnel and CDC Childcare Center staff for their actions during the incident. He said the response helped save lives and referenced President Trump, the Department of Health and Human Services and a grateful nation.

The CDC page also includes standard boilerplate describing the agency’s public health mission. It says the page was last updated on the publication date and last reviewed by subject matter experts.

What happens next

The CDC page does not list any further action related to the memorial or roadway dedication. The item remains available on the agency site with the prepared remarks and review notes.

Sources

Editorial note: This article was prepared with AI assistance and includes source attribution for reader review.

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