In the House of Representatives
of the United States
Monday, September 9, 2002
Hon. Philip M. Crane
of illinois
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in the House and
Senate in commemorating the victims and heroes of September 11, 2001,
during our special session of Congress held in Federal Hall in New York,
NY.
On the days following the attacks on September 11, Americans across
the country came together to demonstrate the strength and resiliency of
this great country. It is in that same spirit that we stand together
today--both Republicans and Democrats--to reaffirm that strength and
resiliency by showing a strong bipartisan expression that we are first
and foremost Americans and are committed to protecting the freedoms and
values that make this country great.
As we go through this week and revisit some of the darkest moments in
our Nation's history, we must remember that our Nation has always been
one that has triumphed over adversity. At times of great despair,
America has consistently risen to its greatest hours.
In remembrance of those lives lost on September 11 and to heroes that
emerged on that fateful day, I would like to close with some words from
President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address:
that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause
for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here
highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this
Nation shall have a new birth of freedom; and that this government of
the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the
Earth.
May God bless America.
Hon. Bob Etheridge
of North Carolina
Mr. Speaker, it's hard to believe that it's been almost a full year
since that awful day. On September 11, 2001, all the world saw the very
face of evil. And on that day and every day since, we have felt the
heartbeat of America.
For me, the most enduring image of 9/11 was the sight of the Pentagon
on fire after the terrorists crashed American Airlines flight 77 into
our Nation's military headquarters. A thick black smoky cloud oozed from
the Pentagon and hung over the banks of the Potomac River. I will never
forget seeing with my own eyes that proud building engulfed in flames.
Then the whole world watched television in stunned disbelief as the Twin
Towers of the World Trade Center came crumbling down in a fiery wreck of
twisted steel.
On that day, America was changed forever. But, the test in life is not
whether or not you ever get knocked down. The true test is whether you
have the courage, pride and determination to get back up again. Every
day since September 11, the people of this country have gotten back up.
We Americans from all walks of life have pulled together like never
before. We have stood united to tell our enemies that the spirit of
America will never be broken. We will not rest until we have eliminated
Osama bin Laden and his terrorist network.
In the year since 9/11, we have come to treasure the service and
sacrifice of ordinary Americans as extraordinarily heroic. The selfless
devotion of the firefighters, police, EMS and other public servants in
New York City and the Pentagon have given us new appreciation for our
hometown heroes whose everyday service does so much to strengthen our
communities. The dedicated professionalism of our men and women in
uniform renew our pride in our country and make us thankful for our
many, many blessings. And the incredible story of the passengers of the
hijacked plane who fought back and prevented the tragic events of that
day from being even worse inspires us all to take charge and give back
to our country.
September 11 taught us anew the immeasurable strength of the uniquely
American ideal of ``We, the people.'' As we memorialize the lives lost 1
year ago, let us also celebrate the renewed spirit of America that has
been reinvigorated by the service and sacrifice of so many ordinary
citizens and inspirational heroes.
Hon. Robert A. Borski
of pennsylvania
Mr. Speaker, and my fellow colleagues of the U.S. Congress, we are
here in the City of New York as representatives of a United States that
is bound together as never before. It is a tragic bond, as it came at a
cost of immeasurable suffering to the people of this great city, and to
those who lost their loved ones in the Pentagon or on flight 93 that
ended in Shanksville, PA. Today we are gathered in remembrance of the
events that pierced our hearts 1 year ago.
On September 11, the terrible and violent acts perpetrated against our
homeland took the lives of so many innocents. In the days after the
attacks, the courage and strength of our rescue workers lifted the
spirits of our Nation. In the weeks and months following, an outpouring
of generosity from every corner of our Nation showed that we stand
together. Thousands lined up to give blood in a gesture that Americans
would share the essence of life with no regard for whom the recipient
might be. The continuing work of the young men and women in our Armed
Forces is a declaration that those responsible for such cowardly acts
will not escape justice. Today, 1 year later, we can say that our wounds
are healing. Our Nation has overcome a great deal, and it is unity that
has helped us overcome our grief.
We, as public servants, have come together to realize an even greater
responsibility to our Nation. These memories are a reminder that we must
remain vigilant while we rebuild and that we must never allow our
greatest treasure, our liberty, to be vulnerable to the will of our
enemies.
We will never forget the innocent victims. We will never forget the
heroes. It is with their memory in our hearts that we live each day with
a greater sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the gifts that
we in this Nation share.
Hon. Peter T. King
of new york
Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride as an American and as a New Yorker
that I commend my colleagues for taking part in this special joint
meeting of Congress in historic Federal Hall.
By meeting in this venerable hall in lower Manhattan--just blocks from
where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center were destroyed less than
1 year ago--the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have
demonstrated our Government's lasting commitment to the people of New
York. And by fighting back and emerging stronger than ever, New Yorkers
have demonstrated their grit, their courage and their determination. On
September 11, 2001, New York took our enemy's best shot and never
wavered or faltered. The police officers, firefighters and all the
rescue workers who raced into the inferno demonstrated unsurpassed
courage and set the tone and standard for our Nation and the world. Just
as significantly, the families of the brave men and women who were
murdered that day just because they went to work in the World Trade
Center have demonstrated a class and dignity that defy comprehension.
None of us will ever forget where we were or what we were doing when
we first heard the news of the terrorist attacks of September 11--the
attack on the World Trade Center, the attack on the Pentagon and the
bringing down of flight 93 in Pennsylvania by uncommonly heroic
passengers. Nor will we forget how our Nation rallied behind President
Bush as he commanded the war against international terrorism. That war
will be waged on many battlefields and in many ways for many years to
come. But we know that America will prevail. It will prevail in large
part because of the fighting spirit that rose from the flames and smoke
which engulfed lower Manhattan. And it is that spirit that the U.S.
Congress has honored and acknowledged by holding this extraordinary
session in Federal Hall. God bless America.
Hon. Tammy Baldwin
of wisconsin
Mr. Speaker, today we gather here in Federal Hall to honor and
recognize the courage and determination of the survivors of the horrible
terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. It is fitting that we do so.
It was here in Federal Hall that the new Congress of the United States
first met in 1789 to govern our new Nation. It was here in New York that
our Founding Fathers passed the laws that are the foundation for our
democratic political system. From this solid foundation, our Nation has
grown and prospered. Our people have excelled in science, in the
humanities, in art and culture. We have grown to be a great Nation, home
to a great people, with tremendous hopes and incredible dreams for the
future. And it all began right here in Federal Hall.
One year ago, terrorists attacked America. Their targets were not
simply the buildings they destroyed and the people they murdered. They
were attacking the very ideals that define what it means to be an
American. They wanted to drive us apart and make us afraid.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that they failed.
Faced with tragedy and destruction, the people of the United States,
and particularly the people of New York, came together as one community.
We gathered the emotional resources to survive and heal, and we pulled
together the financial resources to rebuild. This has not been easy. It
takes incredible courage to move forward after a tragedy like 9/11. But
we did find that courage within ourselves.
That is why it is so fitting that we are here in New York today. One
year after September 11, we are rededicating our Nation. The terrorists
have not won. They have lost. Our Nation is stronger and more united.
Our freedom, our courage, our determination, our unity, our diversity,
our charity and our democracy are our strengths. New York has exhibited
all of these strengths in abundance in the last year. And these
strengths are everywhere in America.
Hon. Jerrold Nadler
of new york
Mr President, Mr. Speaker, today marks a historic occasion for New
York and for the U.S. Congress. This is the first Congress that has
convened here in New York since the First Congress convened here to
watch President Washington take the oath of office and to pass the Bill
of Rights.
We join here today not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans.
The symbolic gesture of our joint meeting is both solemn and
celebratory.
It is solemn because we come here today to honor a city devastated by
the most terrible single attack on American soil in our history, and the
thousands of innocent people lost in that attack. As the elected
Representative for the area of New York most directly impacted by the
attacks of September 11, 2001, I can tell you that my constituents are
grateful for the act of solidarity with New York that we show here
today. I can also tell you that they are even more grateful that
Congress has rallied to help this city for the past year.
Our joint meeting today is also celebratory. One year ago, a group of
vicious and heartless terrorists sought to cripple this city and this
country by obliterating one of its great landmarks. It was their hope
that not only would thousands be rendered lifeless, but that our way of
life, our democracy, would be extinguished. Today we celebrate the life
and vibrancy of our democracy that still lives--and do so in a city that
remains the most lively, diverse, and mighty on the face of the Earth,
despite the worst efforts of those terrorists.
It is only right that we seek out those who sought to destroy us. But
bombs and bullets are merely the tools we use in our self-defense.
Revenge against our foes will come not through bloodshed, but through
acts defiant of their goals. For the last year, despite the aim of the
terrorists to kill our national spirit, this Nation has proudly and
defiantly displayed the flag from our homes, our cars, our community
centers, and our houses of worship. Despite the murderous foes who
sought to divide us, our people have joined in concerts celebrating our
country and its ideals, and vigils marking our unity.
Over two centuries ago, after stumbling through a government under the
Articles of Confederation, with most of the world wishing to see our
demise, we gathered here, defiant of the world and its wishes, resolved
to make our great democratic experiment work. It is only fitting then,
that we stand here again defiant of those who wish for our demise. Let
there be no doubt, today we are telling the world that New York lives
on, America lives on, and her ideals live on!
Hon. Randy ``Duke'' Cunningham
of california
Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago, America watched with horror as the tragic
events of September 11 unfolded here in New York City and in our
Nation's Capital. On that morning, already aghast at the attack on the
Twin Towers, I looked out the window of my Capitol Hill office and
gasped in horror as I watched the black smoke billow out of the Pentagon
and drift across the clear blue sky. Still stunned, I was quickly
shuffled out of my office to safety.
Today, as I reflect on the profound loss that our Nation faced in the
midst of these horrific attacks, I am also heartened by the selfless
acts of valor, community spirit, and national unity that have followed
this tragedy. Despite the stresses that our Nation has experienced, the
ties that bind our diverse country together are stronger than ever.
Immediately following the terrorist attacks on America, President Bush
called on all of us to volunteer to bring our country together and
reestablish those local ties that oftentimes are neglected. Americans
responded. The resurgence of commitment to community can be found in our
homes, our houses of worship, our schools, and our workplaces. From New
York City to San Diego, citizens responded with soup kitchens, mentoring
programs and charitable donations of goods and time. And the proud men
and women of the U.S. military responded, allowing our country to take
an aggressive lead in the war on terrorism.
I have heard many stories of outstanding individuals who have gone
above and beyond this call to aid those in their community through
extraordinary service and exemplary acts. While we reflect on the
American spirit, it is also important to highlight the measures we have
taken to prevent future attacks of this magnitude.
The attacks on our Nation were motivated by intolerant and ignorant
individuals seeking to forever change our way of life and destroy this
great Nation. Much like Washington, Adams and Jefferson, we must seek to
ensure that this country remains an example of democracy and freedom--we
must be the patriots of today.
Since September 11, 2001, all levels and branches of government have
cooperated to strengthen aviation and border security, stockpile more
medicines to defend against bioterrorism, improve information sharing
among our intelligence agencies and deploy more resources and personnel
to protect our critical infrastructure.
At the same time, the changing nature of threats to our Nation
requires a new and reformed government structure to protect against
enemies who can strike at any time with any number of weapons. As I
write this column, no single government agency has homeland security as
its primary mission. In fact, responsibilities for homeland security are
dispersed among more than 100 different government organizations.
America needs a unified homeland security structure that will improve
protection against today's threats and be flexible enough to help meet
the unknown threats of the future.
President Bush has proposed the most significant transformation of the
U.S. Government in over a half century by consolidating the current
confusing patchwork of government activities into a single department
called the Department of Homeland Security. Changing threats require a
new government structure to meet these threats. The Department of
Homeland Security will have in one place all the resources needed to do
what it takes to protect our country. The reorganization of America's
homeland security infrastructure is crucial to overcoming the enormous
threat we face today.
The shocking and tragic events of September 11 reminded us of the
frailty of life, but today's special session demonstrates our resilience
and strength in the face of adversity. Thousands went to work on
September 11 thinking about their jobs, their families, their friends--
most likely not contemplating their own mortality. Yet in an instant,
death and injury met them face to face. We must never forget those who
perished, and we honor them again today. We owe it to their memory to
ensure that we never face such a loss again. Regrouping as individuals
and as a nation, we must continue rebuilding, and working to defeat the
terrorists by growing even stronger as a nation.
Hon. Constance A. Morella
of Maryland
Mr. Speaker, a year ago, on September 11, 2001, Americans were faced
with the horrible reality of that day's heinous attacks.
As we gather here today, in the building that served as our Nation's
first Capitol and witnessed the inauguration of our first President, our
blessed Nation stands firm and it stands strong.
Over the past year, Americans have shown those who wished to tear our
country apart that their cowardly actions only brought our Nation closer
together. Here in the place where our democracy was born, we say to the
world that these States of America remain united. We are united by our
values, our communities, and our freedoms. Just as we will never forget
what makes this Nation great, we will never forget the hardships we have
endured. We will always remember September 11.
Even though America has had a year to mourn our losses, we still weep
for the victims of that day. We continue to offer our prayers, our
comfort, and our resolve to those who lost loved ones on that day.
Without question, the attacks of September 11 were a strike against
all nations that value freedom and democracy. It was an act of war, but
we were not to be intimidated. As a Congress, we remain steadfast with
our Nation in the fight against terrorism. American history has always
been defined by the resiliency of our people, and I stand here today to
repeat our solemn pledge to defend freedom and liberty and show that we
will remain resilient no matter what the threat. The freedoms and values
our forefathers gathered in this hall to protect are simply too
sacrosanct to ever be compromised.
Hon. Juanita Millender-McDonald
of California
Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me as a Member of the U.S. Congress to
convene here in New York today, September 6, 2002, on this historic
occasion. It has been 1 year since the tragic terrorist attacks of
September 11. It has been over 200 years since Congress convened here in
New York at Federal Hall to elect the first President of the United
States and to ratify the Bill of Rights.
We applaud the people of this great city and State for their resolve
in light of the devastation thrust upon them. It is a credit to their
perseverance and their total commitment to freedom that the 107th
Congress stands proud today. We reflect with remorse on the past year,
but also look forward with hope and optimism as we proceed in the
healing of our Nation. On this historic day, the Congress has convened
to mourn the loss of families and friends during the September 11
attacks, and to salute the heroism of our police officers, firefighters,
and emergency responders who performed with unbridled bravery and gave
so selflessly on that tragic day.
As I reflect on the tragic events of a year ago, I am reminded of the
heavy hearts of so many great Americans who have grappled with this
cowardly act and of those who had loved ones who perished in New York,
Pennsylvania and the Pentagon. For those who lost friends and coworkers
and who must now try to go on with their lives, our prayers are offered
to these families and their friends and to all America and other
countries who experienced loss.
Today we are expressing our gratitude to the firefighters, police
officers, healthcare workers and those individuals who, on that fateful
day, performed heroic deeds and helped their fellow citizens and
neighbors without regard for their own welfare.
During the recent year, my colleagues and I in Congress have actively
engaged in debate about how to develop an agenda that addresses the new
world in which we now live.
Though our country and the world have been shaken, we continue to
build bridges toward progress and strengthen the bond of patriotism and
the spirit of hope. I cannot express how important it is to map out a
course for our future that will sustain, inspire and protect our
children. We must provide our children with a sense of optimism and
hope.
Our domestic efforts and grief over the tragic events of September 11
have heightened our appreciation for the pain of others around the world
who have been subjected to the brutality and inhumanness of terrorism.
That is why we have supported liberation and democratization efforts in
Afghanistan and seek to assist in the rehabilitation of those persecuted
and those who are attempting to rebuild their lives and their country.
We must complete our mission there.
As we return to Washington, our Nation and its Congress will never
forget the victims of September 11. On this occasion of reflection,
recommitment and rededication to freedom and democracy, we are affirming
our commitment to remember and honor the men and women who paid the
ultimate price--their lives. They will always be a part of our history
and our hearts. Our Nation shall continue to rise to meet the challenge
of terrorism and the threats posed by terrorists who seek to derail
freedom and a Nation of peace.
RECOGNIZING THE HEROISM AND COURAGE DISPLAYED BY AIRLINE FLIGHT
ATTENDANTS EACH DAY
Hon. Thomas E. Petri
of Wisconsin
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent
resolution (H. Con. Res. 401) recognizing the heroism and courage
displayed by airline flight attendants each day, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Con. Res. 401
Whereas over 100,000 men and women serve as airline flight attendants
in the United States;
Whereas flight attendants dedicate themselves to serving and
protecting their passengers;
Whereas flight attendants are responsible for customer service aboard
an aircraft;
Whereas flight attendants react to dangerous situations as the first
line of defense of airline passengers;
Whereas safety and security are a flight attendant's primary concerns;
Whereas flight attendants evacuate aircraft in emergency situations;
Whereas flight attendants defend passengers against hijackers,
terrorists, and abusive passengers;
Whereas flight attendants handle in-flight medical emergencies;
Whereas flight attendants perform routine safety and service duties on
board an aircraft;
Whereas 25 flight attendants lost their lives aboard 4 hijacked
flights on September 11, 2001;
Whereas 5 flight attendants helped prevent United Airlines Flight 93
from reaching its intended target on September 11, 2001;
Whereas flight attendants provided assistance to passengers across the
United States who had their flights diverted on September 11, 2001;
Whereas on December 22, 2001, flight attendants helped subdue
attempted shoe bomber, Richard Reid, who attempted to kill all 185
passengers and 12 crew members on board American Airlines Flight 63; and
Whereas on February 7, 2002, flight attendants helped prevent Pablov
Moreira, a Uruguayan citizen, from breaking into the cockpit during
United Airlines Flight 855 from Miami to Buenos Aires: Now, therefore,
be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That
Congress--
(1) expresses profound gratitude to airline flight attendants for
their daily service to make air travel safe;
(2) honors the courage and dedication of flight attendants;
(3) expresses support for the flight attendants who displayed heroism
on September 11, 2001, and to all flight attendants who continue to
display heroism each day; and
(4) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to send a copy
of this resolution to a family member of each of the flight attendants
killed on September 11, 2001.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 401,
honoring the over 100,000 men and women who serve as flight attendants.
As we near the final anniversary of the September 11 attacks, I think it
is appropriate that we stop to recognize these everyday heroes.
America's flight attendants dedicated their lives to ensuring the
safety and the security of their passengers. There are over 20,000
commercial airline flights each day, and on these flights, flight
attendants put the well-being of each of their passengers ahead of their
own. They are the first responders to all emergencies in the cabin of an
aircraft. They provide in-flight medical assistance to passengers in
need. They may be the only line of defense should terrorists once again
attempt to take control of an airplane.
It was the flight attendants who subdued attempted shoe bomber Richard
Reid aboard American flight 63 last September. Last year, 25 flight
attendants lost their lives aboard the 4 hijacked flights on September
11. In recognition of their important role, the House overwhelmingly
passed legislation that would significantly increase self-defense and
situational training to aid flight attendants in the case of another
terrorist hijacking.
I would like to express my profound gratitude to all airline flight
attendants for their daily service to make air travel safe and secure,
and urge the passage of this resolution.
Hon. Elijah E. Cummings
of maryland
Mr. Speaker, I, too, want to commend the subcommittee chairman, the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica), and the ranking member, the gentleman
from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski), for their action on H. Con. Res. 401 that
recognizes the largely unsung heroism that airline flight attendants
display on a daily basis.
On September 11 of last year, 25 flight attendants lost their lives as
a result of terrorist attacks. When they left their homes and loved ones
that morning, I am sure that none of them knew what tragic events would
unfold before the day's end, and what role they would play in it. Five
flight attendants working on United Airlines flight 93 helped prevent
hijackers from reaching their intended target of Washington, DC. I am
sure that many of us have to give credit to them for perhaps saving our
lives.
Every day a workforce of 100,000 flight attendants make it their
mission to ensure the safety of passengers that rely on them. In the war
on terrorism, they can be compared to ground soldiers. They are our
front line of defense. Not only did flight attendants display acts of
heroism on September 11, but they also have repeatedly reacted
courageously to thwart acts of terrorism on American aircraft.
Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to acknowledge the heroism and bravery of
flight attendants. After September 11, when many were afraid to return
to the air, these courageous workers devotedly returned to their jobs. I
admire their sense of dedication and professional attitude. I urge my
colleagues to support this very appropriate resolution.
Hon. Nick J. Rahall II
of west virginia
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of West Virginians and Americans as a whole, I
want to express our deep appreciation to the flight attendants who
provide outstanding service while ensuring public safety for thousands
of Americans on a daily basis. In addition, I want to commend our
Nation's flight attendants for their acts of heroism. A considerable
number of them demonstrated their great courage during the September 11
attacks that occurred almost exactly 1 year ago today.
It should not be overlooked that in the days, weeks, and months
following that terrible day, America's flight attendants bravely resumed
their duties serving our flying public. This contribution aided the
almost immediate restoration of air service, and it provides a profound
demonstration of this country's refusal to let the terrorists win. Our
flight attendants, and by extension, all of us would not allow a few
evil doers to destroy our daily activities and our unique way of life.
As we approach the anniversary of September 11, we must remember the
contributions of this group of individuals who have so ably demonstrated
their importance to this country and to its citizens. They stand as an
example for the brave efforts of all hard-working Americans as we cope
with the events and the aftermath of that infamous day.
Hon. Rob Simmons
of Connecticut
Mr. Speaker, a great many things changed on September 11, 2001. Among
them, Americans began thinking differently about air travel, and we all
gained a greater respect for those who are pledged to guarantee our
safety as we fly.
For its part, Congress has moved to make air travel safer, and I have
no doubt we will do more. But one of the main lines of defense against
events in the air rests with the pilots and flight crews.
The professionalism, courage and common sense exhibited by these
individuals is clearly exemplified in the actions of Madeline Amy Todd
Sweeney, who was a flight attendant aboard American Airlines flight 11
on September 11. That was the first aircraft to crash into the World
Trade Center.
Showing courage under pressure, Amy was one of the first individuals
to use a cell phone and notify the world of the hijackings that were
under way. Her last acts of bravery were critically important in
identifying and exposing those terrorists who threatened our lives, our
country and our values.
Ms. Sweeney is a true American hero. She was many things to many
wonderful people, a faithful wife, a loving mother, and a devoted
daughter. But she will be remembered by most Americans for her
extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty on a fateful day.
Consider this--those who hijacked American Airlines flight 11 had
years of training and preparation for their terrible mission. They had
plenty of time to consider what they were going to do. But for Amy, the
decisions of a lifetime were compressed into a few terrible minutes. Yet
she responded with tremendous courage, calmness and common sense. She
did her duty in the face of death. And at the last moment, she called
out to God for salvation.
I had the honor earlier this year to attend a ceremony in
Massachusetts where she became the first individual to be awarded the
``Madeline Amy Todd Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery.'' It is in
recognition of Amy Todd Sweeney's heroism and courageous spirit that
this award was created.
Future recipients--awarded annually on the anniversary of her death--
must demonstrate exceptional bravery, without regard for personal
safety, in an effort to save the life or lives of another or others in
actual or imminent danger. It is a fitting tribute to her conduct that
this award has been established. There can be little doubt that many
people are alive today because of her quick thinking and her heroism.
Her actions remind us that courage is rightly esteemed as the first of
human qualities because it is the quality that guarantees all others.
And we should remember that courage does not mean an absence of fear,
because without fear there can be no courage. Courage is doing the thing
you think you cannot do.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to enter into the Record a recent
article from the New London Day entitled, ``A Hero on Flight 11, She Put
Her Job First: Madeline Amy Todd Sweeney.''
May God bless and keep you, Madeline Amy Todd Sweeney, and may God
bless America.
A Hero on flight 11, She Put Her Job First: Madeline Amy Todd Sweeney
9-11: The Shadow Of A Day
(By Bethe Defresne)
Once the extended family of Madeline Amy Todd Sweeney verified that
she was aboard the flight, there was no waiting for a miracle. There was
no use praying that the blond, blue-eyed young mother with the dazzling
smile had been caught in some pocket of hope within the ashes of the
World Trade Center, and that somehow she would rise up and come home to
them.
Relatives and friends of victims who worked in the towers would spend
days or even weeks holding off the inevitable. But for Sweeney's loved
ones, there was only the swift, burning onslaught of grief.
She was a flight attendant on American Airlines flight 11, the plane
that hit the North Tower at 8:48 a.m. on Sept. 11, when the world still
thought it must have been some terrible accident.
Sweeney's colleagues in air control back at Logan International
Airport in Boston, where the flight had taken off that morning bound for
Los Angeles, were among the few who knew better--because she had told
them.
Calmly, and with painstaking attention to detail, Sweeney had
explained that the plane was being hijacked. What she said would later
help Federal investigators reconstruct how the plane was taken over.
Sweeney reported the seat numbers of the hijackers, including
suspected ringleader Mohamed Atta, and the progress of their assault.
She described the landscape below after the flight was diverted, right
up until the shocking end.
Her last words were, ``I see water and building. Oh my God! Oh my
God!''
Sweeney's father, William A. Todd of Norwich, expects that some day
he'll listen to a tape of conversations from the airplane. But he's not
ready.
This Sept. 11, Todd will be in Boston, the point of Sweeney's
departure, not New York, the site of her tragic end, to mark the
anniversary of the terrorist attacks. There he will witness the
presentation of the second annual Madeline Amy Todd Sweeney Award for
Civilian Bravery, posthumously presented to her in February with her
family in attendance.
Sweeney lived in Acton, Mass., with her husband, Michael, and their
two children, Anna, 6, and Jack, 5. The award, in the form of a
medallion, is to be given each year to a Massachusetts resident who
exemplifies the courage that Sweeney displayed.
Her reports from the doomed airplane have been credited with helping
officials make the crucial decision to ground all airplanes on Sept. 11,
perhaps saving many lives.
It's good, Todd acknowledged, to have something to do and somewhere to
go on this grim anniversary. And he really didn't want to be in New
York.
``It's too much,'' he says.
Mike Sweeney, who could not be reached, is reportedly coping as best
he can, and also plans to be at the presentation in Boston on Wednesday.
Reflecting today on what enabled his 35-year-old daughter to show such
remarkable strength under intense pressure, Todd draws upon an apt and
familiar analogy, that of a soldier in battle. As an Army war veteran
who saw combat in Korea, Todd, 65, says his daughter was doing what she
was trained to do in a situation like that: focus not on yourself, but
on your job.
Todd treasures an American flag carried in Sweeney's honor aboard an
F-16CG Falcon during a Jan. 26 combat mission over Afghanistan. The flag
was sent to him along with a citation from the 332d Air Expedition
Group, called ``The Tip of the Spear,'' certifying that the flag was
carried ``In Memory of the Grace and Bravery of Madeline Amy Todd
Sweeney, who lost her life to a terrorist attack on the WTC while
serving on American Airlines flight 11 on Sept. 11, 2001.''
Todd hasn't decided yet where to display the flag, which he handles
reverently, like a flag that has been draped over a soldier's coffin. It
was a nephew in the Air Force, Patrick Todd, who arranged through his
commanding officer to have the flag carried and delivered.
Sweeney came from a large extended family, with numerous aunts, uncles
and cousins. She reveled in those myriad relationships, said Todd, and
will be especially missed at the Sept. 28 wedding of her brother,
William Todd III, who lives in Massachusetts. He was her only sibling.
Sitting at the kitchen table in his home on Corning Road, Todd, who
retired after 15 years as a welder at Electric Boat in Groton, appears
to take some comfort in thinking about the lasting impression his
daughter's life has made on others. But he is not a man given to
displaying an excess of emotion.
``What can you say?'' he asks. ``Not a day goes by that I don't think
of her.''
Tears well up in his tired eyes, but he won't let them go. His wife of
23 years, Doris, is more talkative and openly emotional. Sweeney was
like a daughter to her, she says, although they only got together on
visits, mostly during the summer. Todd and his first wife divorced when
Sweeney was 10, and she continued to live with her mother in Nashua,
N.H.
It's not very difficult for family members to imagine what Sweeney,
whom everyone called Amy, would have been doing this past year had she
not been among the 3,008 victims of Sept. 11. She would have continued
to love being a wife and mother, kept in close touch with her large
circle of friends and family, and, of course, kept on flying.
The 12-year veteran of American Airlines was at a point in life where,
it seems, she had everything she wanted. ``She loved to fly, and she
loved to travel,'' says Todd. She especially relished trips to the
Caribbean.
The flight to Los Angeles was also one of her favorites, Todd says,
because she got a layover in California.
After Sweeney graduated from high school, before she married and went
to flight attendant school, she took a year off to live and travel in
California, says Todd. This was her one real fling with being totally
carefree.
But shouldering responsibility was something Sweeney apparently did
willingly, with a modest touch that endeared her to family, friends and
colleagues, as well as passengers.
She was ``a natural at being a flight attendant'' wrote one of her
peers in a tribute booklet put out by American Airlines and given to all
the families of those who died on flight 11. She was a genuine people
person, it was said, always the first to volunteer when help was needed.
In her heroic death, Sweeney is forever linked with one colleague in
particular, fellow flight attendant Betty Ong. The two women worked as a
team to alert ground officials about what was happening.
The Todds have a tape of a ``Prime Time'' TV segment on the two women,
hosted by Diane Sawyer. Sweeney's husband, Mike, is featured along with
several members of Ong's family. So, too, are home videos of Sweeney
playing and singing with her children.
But most of the program is devoted to what happened on flight 11.
Doris Todd cries softly, and her husband sits stoically upright in his
chair, as a Logan flight manager who got the first call recounts his
conversations with Sweeney. ``Amy, honey,'' he began, ``what's going
on?''
Everything after that was dark--throats slashed, orders from
hijackers--but Sweeney remained purposeful and calm through it all.
The Todds find this tape difficult to watch, but say they've looked at
it several times. During the program, the Ong family reports that a bone
and a flesh fragment from Betty Ong were recovered from the WTC site.
``Nothing was found of Amy,'' says Todd, not even a bit of DNA. But
this is not something to dwell on, he says. He'd rather hold the flag
that was carried over a battlefield in her honor, or point out the sign
in her memory attached to his truck, the one he drove in the June parade
for ``A Reason to Ride,'' an organization that raises funds for disabled
and homeless veterans.
There's been talk, Todd says, that Sweeney and some other Sept. 11
heroes might be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, R-2d District, and Sen. Edward Kennedy of
Massachusetts are among those who have proposed Sweeney for the
prestigious award.
The Todds haven't gotten involved in the debate over what kind of
memorial should be erected at Ground Zero, but they do have two thoughts
on the subject. ``It should be tall,'' they say. ``And it should have
all the names, like the Vietnam War Memorial.''
Sweeney didn't have enough information in that early hour of Sept. 11
to go on the offensive, like the crew and passengers of United flight
93, forced down in a field in Pennsylvania. But she died in service to
her passengers and, it turned out, to her country.
It's almost impossible to find a source of gratitude in the horror of
Sept. 11. But the Todds say they're at least glad to know that almost to
the last moment Madeline Amy Todd Sweeney was not living in terror, but
helping others.
PETER J. GANCI, JR. POST OFFICE BUILDING
Hon. Jo Ann Davis
of Virginia
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5336)
to designate the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 380 Main
Street in Farmingdale, NY, as the ``Peter J. Ganci, Jr. Post Office
Building.''
The Clerk read as follows:
H.R. 5336
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. PETER J. GANCI POST OFFICE BUILDING.
(a) Designation.--The facility of the United States Postal Service
located at 380 Main Street in Farmingdale, New York, shall be known and
designated as the ``Peter J. Ganci, Jr. Post Office Building''.
(b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document,
paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred to
in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the Peter J.
Ganci, Jr. Post Office Building.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5336, introduced by our distinguished colleague from
New York (Mr. King), designates a post office in Farmingdale, NY, as the
Peter J. Ganci, Jr., Post Office Building. Members of the entire House
delegation from the State of New York are cosponsors of this
legislation.
Mr. Speaker, on September 11, immediately after a jet struck the first
tower at the World Trade Center, Peter Ganci, chief of department for
the New York City Fire Department, rushed to the scene from his command
post in downtown Brooklyn and started the rescue effort.
He was in the basement of tower one when it collapsed. Miraculously,
he survived, dug himself out of the rubble and went back to work.
It then became apparent that the second tower would fall. Ganci, as
the highest ranking uniformed officer on the scene, directed everyone to
clear out of the area, but Ganci did not himself leave while his men
were inside the tower. Ganci said, ``I'm not leaving my men,'' and
advanced toward the towers to continue his life's work of saving and
protecting others.
Chief Ganci was in the basement of the second tower when it collapsed.
Prior to joining the New York City Fire Department, Ganci served in
the Farmingdale Fire Department as a volunteer and in the 82d Airborne
Division. Ganci served in the New York Fire Department for 33 years and
was decorated repeatedly for bravery.
Ganci is survived by his wife, Kathleen; his sons, Christopher and
Peter; and his daughter, Danielle. His son, Peter Ganci III, now serves
with Ladder Company 111 of the New York City Fire Department.
Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of H.R. 5336.
Hon. Danny K. Davis
of Illinois
As a member of the House Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased
to join my colleague today in the consideration of two postal naming
bills: H.R. 5336, introduced by the gentleman from New York (Mr. King),
which names a post office in Farmingdale, NY, after Peter Ganci; and
H.R. 4797, introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr. Becerra),
which names a post office in Los Angeles, CA, after Nat King Cole. These
measures have the support of their respective State congressional
delegations to name U.S. postal facilities after very deserving
individuals, and I urge their swift passage.
H.R. 5336, to designate the facility of the U.S. Postal Service
located at 380 Main Street in Farmingdale, NY, as the Peter J. Ganci,
Jr., Post Office Building, was introduced by the gentleman from New York
(Mr. King) on September 5, 2002.
An American hero, Peter J. Ganci was the New York City Fire
Department's highest ranking chief who died when the World Trade Center
came down. Chief Ganci had been on the radio in front of the trade
center directing the rescue efforts when the building collapsed.
Who was Chief Ganci? He was 54 years old and a resident of Massapequa,
NY; the chief of the department, one of the highest ranking uniformed
officers in the fire department; husband to Kathleen; father to Peter
III, Christopher and Danielle. He was also a 33-year-old veteran of the
New York Fire Department, whose son Peter is a firefighter assigned to
Ladder Company 111 in Brooklyn, NY, and Brooklyn, NY, is the place where
Peter Ganci got his start in 1960.
After serving in engine and ladder companies, Mr. Ganci rose to
lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, deputy chief and then acting
chief. He also ran the Bureau of Fire Investigation, and was appointed
the chief of operations prior to becoming chief of the department.
A hands-on man, Chief Ganci was doing his job, commanding the rescue
operations at the New York World Trade Center.
Accordingly, I urge swift passage of this bill and commend my
colleague for seeking to honor Chief Peter J. Ganci, Jr., in this
matter.
Hon. Peter T. King
of New York
Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to rise today in support of this
legislation. Pete Ganci was a constituent of mine. He was an individual
who personified the leadership and the bravery which resulted last
September 11 in the greatest rescue operation in the history of this
country.
Twenty-five thousand people were rescued that day, and it was done
primarily through the efforts of the New York City Fire Department, and
Chief Pete Ganci was the chief of the department, who was also the
highest ranking uniformed officer ever to die in the line of duty, and
as the gentlewoman pointed out, Chief Ganci was there that day with his
men. Chief Ganci was there in the line of duty.
Chief Ganci was there directing the operation against this horrific
attack that was carried out against our country, and when the first
tower fell, Chief Ganci barely escaped with his life, and when he saw
the terrible carnage that resulted and saw the terrible danger which was
still being faced by the North Tower, which had not yet fallen, Chief
Ganci ordered the entire operation to be moved north.
As the entire operation, including the mayor and other officials, went
north, Pete Ganci went south to be with his men, and that personified
the type of leadership which Pete Ganci gave in the New York City Fire
Department. As the gentlewoman pointed out, he had been a member of the
department more than 33 years, rising to the highest office in that
department, chief of the department. Prior to that, he had been a
paratrooper in the 82d Airborne, and until his death, he was an active
member of the Farmingdale Volunteer Fire Department in New York.
Mr. Speaker, at this point also, before I digress, though, I want to
pay a special debt of thanks to Sal Pontillo, the Nassau County
legislator who represents the district in which Mr. Ganci lived in
Nassau County, and he has come to me with this request. We have worked
closely on it, and he has also served as liaison with the Ganci family
and helped to bring this about.
Mr. Speaker, many of us look back on the date of September 11 and we
realize what a turning point it was in the history of our country. It
was a turning point for many reasons. The point I would like to focus on
today is that after that attack, actually as the attack was going on, as
the buildings were burning, as the buildings were coming down, as people
were being killed, as people were being rescued, what the eyes of the
world and the eyes of the country saw was the valor of the New York City
firefighters and police officers, those who were carrying out this
rescue operation under the most trying circumstances, and the person who
was leading that operation was Chief Ganci. Just think what would have
happened if he had not done what he did, if the firefighters had not
responded the way they did, instead of running into the building, Chief
Ganci had run out of the building and kept going. On the contrary, he
went right back in the line of fire, the battlefield commander who died
with his men. It was that type of courage that was shown that day, that
type of heroism that was shown that day, that type of spirit that was
shown that day which I think has inspired our country to fight back, to
come back and to win this war against international terrorism, and even
just as important, to show that America cannot be vanquished, that we
can take the best shot of the enemy and come back stronger than ever.
That is what Chief Ganci personified that day. In fact, it is the type
of story that if somebody had produced a movie about it, it would not
have been believed, for a person to be there when the first tower came
down and somehow survive it and go back in and to be killed in the
second tower, which to me is the type of courage that I cannot even
begin to fathom.
This was the first battle, Mr. Speaker, and the first great war of the
21st century, and Chief Ganci died as a battlefield commander in that
war, and for that, this country owes him its untiring thanks and
gratitude for all that he has done.
I want to say a special debt of thanks to his wife, Kathy, who has
shown tremendous courage throughout this entire 363 days; his son, Pete,
who is a member of the New York City Fire Department; his son, Chris;
and his daughter, Danielle.
I also want to thank the other 30 members of the New York delegation
for unanimously supporting this resolution. To me, it is just another
indication of the tremendous regard that all the men and women of the
New York City Fire Department had for Chief Ganci and, indeed, all of
the members of the New York delegation, everyone who had the opportunity
to know Chief Ganci.
I can say I was at his funeral last September 15. It was one of the
most moving moments I have ever been involved in, to see the tremendous
outpouring of support from his community in North Massapequa and
Farmingdale, all of the surrounding community, by the thousands, coming
out to join in this salute to Chief Pete Ganci.
So, Mr. Speaker, with that I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me the
time. I thank the House for considering this resolution today, and I
extend my very best thoughts, prayers and gratitude to the Ganci family
for all they have gone through.
Hon. Jo Ann Davis
of Virginia
I thank my colleague for introducing this legislation to honor the
chief of the New York City Fire Department. As the wife of a
professional firefighter for almost 30 years, I know the bravery that
these firefighters have, and I have had people tell me why they let
chiefs send men in there to their deaths, and I have told them quite
clearly, if he would not have sent them in, I know the firefighters
would have gone in anyway. That is just the type of bravery they do
have, and again, I thank my colleagues, and I urge adoption of this
resolution.
RECOGNIZING ROSELLE, MICHAEL HINGSON'S GUIDE DOG, FOR HER BRAVERY AT
WORLD TRADE CENTER ON SEPTEMBER 11
Hon. Lynn C. Woolsey
of california
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Roselle, a yellow Labrador dog,
whose bravery on September 11 as she led her blind owner Michael Hingson
from the World Trade Center is an inspiration.
Michael and Roselle have become well known as representatives of the
power of the human-animal bond to build a trust that can carry them
through even the greatest tragedy.
Michael was working on the 78th floor of the World Trade Center when
the building was struck. After making sure everyone in the office was
evacuated safely, Roselle and Michael began the long descent down the
stairwell. Despite the heat and smoke, they calmly made their way from
the building and started running for the subway as tower two began to
collapse. In the subway, Roselle guided Michael and another woman down
the stairs and led Michael to the home of a friend in mid-Manhattan.
Michael has traveled with a dog from Guide Dogs for the Blind for 37
years. Roselle's ability to lead, and Michael's to command, under such
difficult circumstances embodies the success of the lifelong
partnerships developed through this program.
Mr. Speaker, Roselle's story demonstrates that there were many kinds
of bravery on September 11, 2001. It is appropriate to honor the bond
that enabled her to save the life of Michael Hingson.
REFLECTIONS ON AMERICA
Hon. Joseph M. Hoeffel
of pennsylvania
Mr. Speaker, recently, as the 1-year anniversary of September 11
approached, I looked back over the statement I released the day after
the attacks occurred. As I read the statement that was issued even as
the smoke and dust still billowed over lower Manhattan, the Pentagon and
a field in rural Pennsylvania, I was struck by how easy it was to write
some of the words and how difficult it was to write others.
It was tremendously difficult to put into words my feelings of
disbelief and anger over the insane acts of 19 individuals and their
supporters. It still is. It was heartrending to try to voice the sorrow
and sympathy I felt for the victims and their families. And that, too,
is still difficult.
It was not difficult, however to write the words of hope, pride and
conviction I had for this country and its people on September 12. And,
today, a year later, I am happy to report that the hope, pride and
conviction were well-founded. On September 12, 2001 1 wrote, in part:
As I walked to work across the Capitol grounds this morning, a day
after the attacks, I was struck as I often am by the incredible beauty
of the U.S. Capitol Building. The dome was shining a brilliant white
against a clear blue sky on a beautiful late summer day. I realized that
the glorious dome, such a symbol of the strength and stability of our
country, might well have been the final target of the ill-fated fourth
hijacked plane.
The simple truth is that even if a terrorist act had destroyed the
dome, or if a thousand terrorist acts had obliterated the entire
Capital, America would still be standing firm as it is today.
In the past year, we have cried and cursed. We have opened our hearts
and our wallets. We have buried our dead and we continue to heal our
wounded and sorrowful. We have cleared the debris and begun to rebuild.
Our President has led, and Congress has indeed stood shoulder to
shoulder with him in support. Our soldiers have fought bravely and we
here at home have done what we do best--we went back to work.
We will never again look at the world in the same way. We are sadder.
We are wiser. We are closer. And, as I said a year ago, we are still
standing firm. We've been through a lot. There will be tough times
ahead, but today I have even a stronger feeling of hope, pride and
conviction in our country and its people.
God bless America.
H. CON. RES. 401, RECOGNIZING THE HEROISM AND COURAGE DISPLAYED BY
AIRLINE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS EACH DAY
Hon. Nancy Pelosi
of california
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 401, a resolution to
recognize the heroism and courage displayed by airline flight attendants
each day.
The anniversary of the September 11 terrorist hijackings and attacks
on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon is just 2 days away. All
Americans remember and mourn the lives lost that tragic day.
The world has changed for all of us. Before that time, flight
attendants and their families and loved ones lived and worked with the
knowledge that rare instances of mechanical failure or hijackers could
endanger their lives. But no one imagined the dreadful assault of
September 11, when terrorists turned four airborne planes into missiles
used to attack thousands of Americans.
That day, flight attendants again demonstrated their courage in the
face of extreme danger. From all that we know of the final minutes on
those flights, flight attendants worked to communicate with the ground,
and in all likelihood helped prevent flight 93, which crashed in rural
Pennsylvania, from taking many more lives.
I would like to bring my colleagues' attention to the heroism of Betty
Ong, a flight attendant on American Airlines flight 11, whose family
lives in my district of San Francisco. On September 11, Betty called the
airline reservations center from the plane to sound the alarm and
provide information about the terrorists who had taken over the plane. I
am aware of the enormous pain and suffering her family has been
experiencing and extend them my deepest sympathy. It is an honor to pay
tribute to Betty and express my appreciation for her life and bravery in
the face of enormous danger.
Now, even stepping onto an airplane is an act requiring will power and
courage for many Americans. Yet flight attendants do it every day.
Flight attendants deserve our respect, cooperation, courtesy, and
commendation for their hard work and courage. I urge my colleagues to
vote for this resolution.
PRINTING OF PROCEEDINGS OF SPECIAL CEREMONIAL MEETING OF UNITED STATES
CONGRESS HELD IN FEDERAL HALL, NEW YORK, NY, ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2002
Hon. Richard K. Armey
of Texas
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that proceedings of the special
ceremonial meeting of the U.S. Congress held in Federal Hall, New York,
NY, on September 6, 2002, be printed in the Record, and that all Members
have 5 legislative days to insert their remarks on the topic of the
ceremonial meeting.
Tuesday, September 10, 2002
REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
Hon. Mike Pence
of Indiana
Madam Speaker, to state the obvious, tomorrow is September 11 again.
Like many Americans, I will be home taking time with family and
neighbors for a solemn reflection, remembrance and prayer, and so it
should be for all Americans. But my earnest hope, Madam Speaker, is that
September 11 of this year not be an anxious time; that in addition to
remembering the lost, we actually, Madam Speaker, have much to
commemorate.
In the past 12 months, our people have responded with selfless actions
of courage and generosity, our military has responded with valor, our
President with moral clarity and purpose, and this Congress, Republicans
and Democrats alike, have responded with resources and reform.
America is better prepared and safer this September 11 than the last.
Let us also be confident in this, that He who sets this pilgrim's dream
on this wilderness shore still watches over us. And I say like Americans
have said throughout generations, I lift up my eyes to the hills, and
where does my help come from, my help comes from the Lord.
AMERICANS URGED TO REMEMBER SEPTEMBER 11
Hon. Nick Smith
of Michigan
Madam Speaker, this week it is important to remember those who lost
their lives during the attack on America last year, as well as all of
our first responders, our medics, our military personnel, and the people
who volunteered and tried to help.
I think our Founding Fathers would be very proud of our new diligence
in our quest to preserve liberty and freedom in this country. President
Bush has designated September 11 of each year to be Patriot Day, and
calls on all Americans to observe it appropriately.
I urge my Michigan citizens and all Americans to spend some time
thinking about what we need to do to protect our liberty and freedom,
and to pray for the families of those that died in the terrorist attack
in Pennsylvania, Washington and New York. This Wednesday marks the 1-
year anniversary. Let us remember what our forefathers did, and what
happened to us 1 year ago and our renewed vigor to make sure that we do
what is important to sacrifice ourselves in the preservation of liberty
and freedom.
Hon. Vito Fossella
of New york
Every day and especially tomorrow, September 11, 2002, we honor the
heroes and the victims who perished last year, our fellow American
citizens, those who just want an ordinary way of life, a peaceful life,
who sought to raise a family in this great Nation, who sought to do a
job and do it right, and those valiant heroes from EMS and the police
department and the port authority and especially the firefighters, 78 of
whom were from Staten Island alone, and names like Egan and Olsen and
Curatola and Esposito and Siller and Leahy and Doyle, and tragically
thousands of others. They are names, yes, but they are families. They
have left behind children, they have left behind wives, husbands,
parents, and grandparents, and what they were seeking is all what I
think we are all about, the right to live in freedom with liberty and in
peace, and that was robbed from them. It was robbed from their families.
And, yes, we are a stronger and better country, and we are fortunate to
have brave men and women to wear the uniform to go get those people,
wherever they may be across the globe, with the Commander in Chief,
President Bush, leading the way.
REMEMBERING THOSE KILLED ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
Hon. Sheila Jackson-Lee
of Texas
Mr. Speaker, in a solemn way I recognize that this week will be a week
that Americans turn toward each other seeking to embrace and seeking to
love, mourning those whom we lost on September 11, 2001, and celebrating
the unsung heroes and the families who have survived.
I stand before this House today simply to offer my deepest sympathy
and that of my constituents of the 18th Congressional District of the
State of Texas to all of those who experience this great loss as we come
upon September 11, 2002. It is my desire to offer these words of
sympathy because I love you and appreciate the sacrifice you made for
this Nation. I conclude by saying, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not
want.
PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Under clause 2 of rule XII, public bills and resolutions were
introduced and severally referred, as follows:
By Mr. WILSON of South Carolina:
H. Con. Res. 463. Concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the
Congress that on September 11, 2002, the people of the United States
should reaffirm the principles for which the Nation was founded so that
freedom may ring from every community in the Nation and be heard around
the world; to the Committee on Government Reform.
RECOGNIZING LOCAL HEROES ON SEPTEMBER 11
Hon. Frank R. Wolf
of virginia
Mr. Speaker, as our Nation approaches the 1-year anniversary of the
unspeakable acts of terror against America on September 11, 2001, I join
with my colleagues, Representative Tom Davis and Representative Jim
Moran to recognize some of the people in the northern Virginia area who
were among the first health care responders to the attack on the
Pentagon.
We attended on September 3 an event recognizing those associated with
the Inova Health System for their heroic efforts on September 11, and I
share today the remarks of Jolene Tornabeni, executive vice president
and chief operating officer for Inova Health System, as well as a copy
of a resolution adopted by the Virginia General Assembly commending
Inova Health System.
Recognizing Inova's Heroes
(By Jolene Tornabeni)
As we approach the anniversary of September 11, no doubt every one of
us can remember where we were and what we were doing when the planes
crashed in New York, Pennsylvania and the Pentagon. Throughout Inova
Health System, the memories of that day remain fresh in our memories as
well. At a time when most people wanted to be home with their families
and loved ones, our staff showed its true strength of character.
Hundreds of employees, nurses and physicians dropped what they were
doing and volunteered to help. It was an immediate response that came
from the heart.
Today, I'd like to recognize just some of those people who are Inova's
heroes.
From Inova Alexandria Hospital.--Shortly after the American Airlines
plane hit the Pentagon, hospital staff swung into gear readying beds,
operating rooms and supplies. Inova Alexandria Hospital treated more
patients from the Pentagon that day than any other Inova facility,
caring for 24 people who were injured at the scene.
Among the many heroes that day are Emergency Department chairman Dr.
Marty Brown, vice chairman Dr. Tom Clark and the ER staff who were at
the front end of caring for the patients as they arrived at the
hospital. Dr. Clark cared for Virginia State Police Trooper Michael
Middleton who sustained severe smoke inhalation while trying to rescue
injured Pentagon workers. In addition, emergency nurse Sherry Hemby is
also with us today.
I'd like to recognize pulmonologist Dr. Tom Smirniotopolous and nurse
Ellen Smith. They both cared for Trooper Middleton during his long
recovery at Inova Alexandria Hospital.
Also, emergency physician Dr. James Vafier. On September 11, he was
working in his role as medical director for the Alexandria Fire
Department at the Pentagon. On site, he was appointed the physician in
charge of civilian medical response at the Pentagon.
Keeping order that day at Inova Alexandria Hospital were Steve Fuoco,
the director of engineering, who served the hospital's command center,
and Greg Brison, director of security. I'd also like to recognize
hospital administrator Ken Kozloff for all of his efforts and a job well
done by his entire staff.
All told, Inova treated 27 patients on September 11. Inova Mount
Vernon hospital treated one injured civilian. Our thanks go out to
hospital Emergency Department chairman Dr. Michael Shuster and hospital
administrator Susan Herbert.
Many thanks also go to the emergency department staffs at Inova
HealthPlex in Springfield where two patients were treated, and the staff
of Inova Fairfax Hospital. As the area's level I trauma center, Inova
Fairfax Hospital freed up dozens of hospital beds and readied itself to
handle many, many patients that day. Sadly, their services were not
needed.
Next, I'd like to recognize Dr. Dan Hanfling, the director of
Emergency Management and Disaster Medicine for Inova Health System. On
September 11, Dan was called to the Pentagon to assist in the search and
rescue in his role as medical team manager of the Fairfax County Urban
Search and Rescue team--which falls under the auspices of FEMA--the
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Dan spent a week at the Pentagon
helping coordinate the Federal response to the disaster. Since 9/11, Dan
has helped spearhead and focus Inova's disaster preparations across our
system of hospitals and emergency care centers.
Dan also serves as the medical director of Inova AirCare, our medevac
helicopter program which played a critical role at the Pentagon on
September 11. Minutes after the Pentagon was hit, the helicopter flight
crew of nurse Margie Roche, paramedic Chuck Crocker and pilot Pete
Russet flew to the Pentagon to fly out the injured patients. That
initial flight is memorialized forever in a well-publicized Reuters
photo seen around the world in magazines and now a book. The photo
depicts Inova AirCare against the backdrop of a burning Pentagon.
The helicopter shuttled much needed supplies to the scene that day,
and, at the request of military leaders on the scene, remained at the
Pentagon throughout the night.
As that day unfolded, the community's good will became abundantly
evident as hundreds of people showed up at Inova Blood Donor Services'
offices ready to roll up their sleeves and donate. Thanks to the
leadership of medical director Dr. Jeanne Lumadue and administrative
director Terri Craddock, Inova Blood Donor Services pulled in volunteers
to help handle the onslaught and keep the offices open well past normal
business hours. They collected more than 700 units of blood that day,
which is just amazing. In all, they handled more than 2,000 donors and
returned more than 5,000 calls from interested donors in the initial
days after the attack.
It was not long after September 11 that our country faced a second
threat to our sense of security in the anthrax-laced letters mailed
around the country. Inova Fairfax Hospital took center stage in this
national drama after diagnosing two patients from the Brentwood Postal
Facility in Washington, D.C., with inhalation anthrax.
Emergency physicians Cecele Murphy and Denis Pauze relied on their
instinct and medical training to make a diagnosis most doctors could not
imagine making in their lifetimes. Thanks to them, and to physician
assistant Ashna Nayyar and the entire ER staff, both men are alive
today.
All of these people mentioned today and, in fact, all of the
physicians, employees and volunteers throughout Inova Health System, are
our heroes for the work they did on September 11 and its aftermath.
We also have heroes outside of our organization in the men and women
of our community's police, fire and EMS agencies, particularly in
Fairfax County and the City of Alexandria.
Over the past year, we have been grateful for their continual support
and advice on preparedness.
H
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 275--ENROLLED
Commending Inova Health System
Agreed to by the Senate, March 6, 2002
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 8, 2002
Whereas, Inova Health System in Northern Virginia was deeply involved
in the response to the attacks on September 11, 2001, and in the
diagnosis and treatment of those exposed to anthrax in October of 2001;
and
Whereas, on September 11, Inova Health System treated 27 patients
injured in the attack on the Pentagon at its Alexandria, Mount Vernon,
and Franconia-Springfield facilities; and
Whereas, within moments of the crash at the Pentagon, Inova AirCare
was on the scene to transport patients, and AirCare 2, the system's
back-up helicopter, transported needed supplies to the scene for use in
patient triage; and
Whereas, Inova Blood Donor Services collected more than 2,000 units of
blood in the first week following the attacks, and a portion of the
donations were sent to New York and New Jersey to help injured patients;
and
Whereas, the Inova Institute of Research and Education contacted the
Food and Drug Administration to allow usage of a new drug--in its final
phase of testing--in a successful attempt to save the life of Virginia
State Police Trooper Michael Middleton; and
Whereas, more than a month after the September 11 attacks, Inova
Health System played a leading role in the initial diagnosis and
treatment of patients exposed to anthrax at the Brentwood Postal
Facility; and
Whereas, Inova Fairfax Hospital emergency room physician Cecele Murphy
diagnosed the first inhalation anthrax patient on October 19, 2001,
before the source of the anthrax was known; and
Whereas, within two days, the hospital diagnosed the second anthrax
case, and Inova physicians soon developed protocols for hospitals to
follow in screening postal workers and other potential inhalation
anthrax cases; and
Whereas, in collaboration with infectious disease specialists from
Kaiser Permanente, Inova physicians published an anthrax case study in
the Journal of the American Medical Association, an article that was
published faster than any other case study in the journal's history; and
Whereas, Inova Fairfax Hospital held three press conferences to
educate the public on key anthrax information, including the fact that
it is not contagious and that patients in and visitors to hospitals are
safe; and
Whereas, Inova Health System continued to take the lead in producing
and distributing anthrax information to inform the public via
information hotlines, websites, the press, and public meetings; and
Whereas, throughout the turbulent Fall of 2001, the medical
professionals and staff of Inova Health System responded to emergency
situations with great dispatch, diligence, courage, and professionalism;
now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the
General Assembly hereby commend Inova Health System for its quick and
effective response to the events of September 11 and the anthrax
incidents in October 2001; and, be it
Resolved further, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this
resolution for presentation to Inova Health System as an expression of
the General Assembly's admiration and gratitude for its dedication to
the health and welfare of the citizens of Northern Virginia.
Wednesday, September 11, 2002
SESSION BEGINS--PRAYER
The House met at noon.
The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin, offered the following
prayer:
Remembering the images of September 11 a year ago can still stun a
nation. A reflection of that tragic day and the thousands who were taken
from us can still take the breath away of some. Others feel nothing,
only emptiness. Others have moved on and celebrate the distance. Today a
moment of common silence can unite us all in a deeper sense of presence.
Because words have their own spin to such an overwhelming story as
this past year. Silence alone is free enough to embrace all traditions
and all sentiments, drawing out a language of the heart.
Only silence can interpret some of the most sacred moments of a
lifetime. So let memories flow and prayers arise in the soul of America
as we enter unafraid the mystery of what has happened to us in silence.
Amen.
MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE
A message from the Senate by Mr. Monahan, one of its clerks, announced
that the Senate has passed without amendment a bill of the House of the
following title:
H.R. 3917. An Act to authorize a national memorial to commemorate the
passengers and crew of Flight 93 who, on September 11, 2001,
courageously gave their lives thereby thwarting a planned attack on our
Nation's Capital, and for other purposes.
The message also announced that the Senate has passed bills of the
following titles in which the concurrence of the House is requested:
S. 2136. An act to establish a memorial in the State of Pennsylvania
to honor the passengers and crewmembers of Flight 93 who, on September
11, 2001, gave their lives to prevent a planned attack on the Capital of
the United States.
REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11
Hon. Rodney P. Frelinghuysen
of New Jersey
Mr. Speaker, today as a Nation we are reunited by a sense of common
grief. One year ago today, America witnessed the unspeakable when our
Nation was attacked and more than 3,000 innocent lives were cruelly
taken from us at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in
Pennsylvania. From my home State of New Jersey, we lost over 700 people,
and God bless their families. It was also a day when horror was met by
heroism and the worst of humanity was overshadowed by the best of
America. In reflections on this day, we remember the bravery of those
who responded on September 11, our police, firefighters, our first aid
squads, people who never gave up hope and rallied our Nation. They who
responded came from all over America and across the Hudson from New
Jersey.
We are grateful as well today for the service of our young men and
women in uniform who, fighting in our war against terrorism, are
resolved to bring justice to those who attacked us. They are fighting to
right this terrible wrong in honor of the memory of those who perished
and to protect our children and grandchildren, ensuring that they
inherit a Nation free from further terror.
ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11
Hon. Michael R. McNulty
of New York
Mr. Speaker, whenever I think of the enormity of what happened on
September 11, 2001, words fail; and so I try to recall the words of our
Commander in Chief on that fateful day. He basically made three
suggestions. He said we should pray for all of the innocent victims and
their families, and I try to remember to do that every day. He then said
we should be grateful. And I will be perfectly honest, gratitude was not
what was in my heart at that moment. But he went on to explain that we
should be grateful to all the police officers, firefighters, and
emergency personnel who, when others were running away from the
buildings in terror, running for their lives, continued to run toward
the buildings, into the buildings, up the stairs, many to their deaths.
That was their job. And they did it well that day because they saved
thousands of lives.
Finally, he suggested that we unite as a Nation in our resolve to
track down the terrorist cowards who committed those acts, bring them to
justice, and take away their capabilities to ever do anything like that
again either in the United States or anywhere else in the world.
On this solemn anniversary may we continue to remember those three
suggestions by our Commander in Chief.
TO THE CHILDREN ACROSS AMERICA REGARDING SEPTEMBER 11
Hon. Nick Lampson
of Texas
Mr. Speaker, usually when I stand here to address these 1-minutes, it
is on the subject of missing children. Today I want to talk about kids
who are missing mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers and friends
and family because on September 11 of last year more than 2,000 children
lost a parent. This may not be the kind of loss that I usually address,
but it is a profound loss, nonetheless. I want to send a message to
those kids today that this House is thinking about them and they are in
our hearts and in our prayers.
The children of this country also lost a sense of innocence and
security. I want to encourage parents across the Nation to talk to their
children about the tragic events of September 11 of last year to
reassure them that we all want the best for them and will continue to
work to keep their, our, country safe from harm.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Congressional Caucus on Missing and
Exploited Children, I send our thoughts and prayers out to the children
who lost somebody at the Pentagon, the World Trade Center, or in
Shanksville, PA, and to the kids all across America who are learning to
deal with a changed and unsettled world.
God bless you and God bless America.
ON REMEMBERING THE EVENTS OF SEPTEMBER 11
Hon. Anibal Acevedo-Vila
of Puerto Rico
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all Puerto Ricans, I want to express
heartfelt sympathy for the families of the victims from the terrorist
attacks against this great Nation 1 year ago. The impacts of these
horrific events were immediately felt throughout Puerto Rico. Hundreds
of Puerto Ricans were among the dead and Puerto Rican emergency crews
were among the first to arrive to assist crews in New York and at the
Pentagon. But had there been no direct tragic link to Puerto Rico
through casualties or through the emergency workers, Puerto Ricans would
nonetheless continue to walk in lockstep in the war against terror. Make
no mistake about it, Puerto Ricans today, as throughout the last 100
years, serve dutifully in all the branches of our armed services. Our
common citizenship and common devotion toward democratic principles
underscore our commitment to common defense. I stand before my
colleagues today to let you all know that Puerto Rico will always be
there in this effort. The cowardly acts of September 11 have caused
great pain. Our suffering shall never be forgotten. But this Nation is
today stronger and more committed to our principles of freedom and
justice than ever before. United we stand, divided we fall. We stand
together and will never, ever forget.
EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF TERRORIST ATTACKS
LAUNCHED AGAINST THE UNITED STATES ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
Hon. Richard K. Armey
of Texas
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for the immediate consideration
of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 464) expressing the sense of
the Congress on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks launched
against the United States on September 11, 2001.
The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson). Is there objection to the
request of the gentleman from Texas?
There was no objection.
The Clerk read the concurrent resolution, as follows:
H. Con. Res. 464
Whereas on September 11, 2001, while Americans were attending to their
daily routines, terrorists hijacked and destroyed four civilian
aircraft, crashing two of them into the towers of the World Trade Center
in New York City, and a third into the Pentagon outside Washington,
D.C.;
Whereas the valor of the passengers and crew on the fourth aircraft
prevented it from also being used as a weapon against America;
Whereas thousands of innocent Americans were killed and injured as a
result of these attacks, including the passengers and crew of the four
aircraft, workers in the World Trade Center and in the Pentagon, rescue
workers, and bystanders, making these attacks the deadliest terrorist
attacks ever launched against the United States;
Whereas when the gravest moments came, many regular Americans, relying
on courage, instinct, and grace, rushed toward the flaming buildings in
order to rescue or toward terrorist-controlled cockpits in order to
resist;
Whereas by targeting symbols of American strength and success, these
attacks clearly were intended to assail the principles, values, and
freedoms of the United States and the American people, intimidate the
Nation, and weaken the national resolve;
Whereas while the States of New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania bore
the brunt of the terrorist attacks, every State and Territory and all
Americans were affected and mourned these tragic losses;
Whereas Americans reached out to help strangers who had lost loved
ones, colleagues, and their businesses;
Whereas local, State, and Federal leaders set aside differences and
worked together to provide for those who were attacked and to protect
those who remained;
Whereas Americans continue to repair damage to buildings and the
economy, while relishing the freedoms they enjoy as Americans;
Whereas on September 14, 2001, in Public Law 107-40, Congress
authorized the use of ``all necessary and appropriate force'' against
those responsible for the terrorist attacks;
Whereas the United States Armed Forces subsequently moved swiftly
against Al Qaeda and the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, whom the
President and Congress had identified as enemies of America;
Whereas, in so doing, brave servicemen and women left family and
friends in order to defend the Nation;
Whereas a year later, many servicemen and women remain abroad,
shielding the Nation from further terrorist attacks;
Whereas, while the passage of a year has not softened the memory of
the American people, resolved their grief, or restored lost loved ones,
it has shown that Americans will not bow to terrorists;
Whereas the Congress has passed, and the President has signed,
numerous laws providing additional resources for the overseas effort
against terrorism, as well as additional tools for Federal, State, and
local law enforcement and judicial systems to protect Americans at home;
and
Whereas the Government reexamined the need for domestic security and
the Congress is currently considering legislation to create a Department
of Homeland Security with the specific mission of preventing further
attacks: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That
Congress--
(1) recognizes September 11 as both a day to remember those taken from
their families, loved ones, and fellow citizens and a day for Americans
to recommit to the Nation, to their freedoms, and to each other;
(2) extends its deepest sympathies to the countless innocent victims
of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, their families, friends,
and loved ones;
(3) honors the heroic actions of first responders, law enforcement
personnel, State and local officials, volunteers, and others who aided
the innocent victims and, in so doing, bravely risked their own lives
and long-term health;
(4) stands in great debt with the American people to the members of
the Armed Forces serving both at home and abroad;
(5) praises the people of the United States for their patriotism,
compassion, prayers, and generosity in donating time and money to
support the innocent victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist
attacks, their families, friends, and loved ones;
(6) expresses thanks and gratitude to the foreign leaders and citizens
of all nations who have assisted and continue to stand in solidarity
with the United States against terrorism in the aftermath of the
September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks;
(7) discourages, in the strongest possible terms, any effort to
confuse the war on terrorism with a war on any people or any faith;
(8) commends the President and the brave servicemen and women of the
United States Armed Forces in the successful effort to oust the Taliban
from power;
(9) remains resolved to pursue all those responsible for the terrorist
attacks of September 11, 2001, and their sponsors until they are
discovered and punished; and
(10) reaffirms that Congress will honor the memory of those who lost
their lives as a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and
will defend bravely the citizens of the United States in the face of all
future challenges.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey) is
recognized for 1 hour.
Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt), the Democrat leader and
cosponsor of the resolution, pending which I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Hon. Richard A. Gephardt
of missouri
Mr. Speaker, a year ago today the East Coast of this great land woke
up to the first rays of morning sunshine. We woke up as a Nation, full
of optimism, full of gratification, aware of our freedoms, but probably
taking them for granted. We were concerned about the people we love,
with the confidence they would all be there. We were excited about the
business of the day with hopes of good outcomes, and dearly involved
with our children with an understanding of their safety. We did not
think about heinous deeds when we woke that morning. Our minds were busy
with our plans and hopes, dreams and schemes; and we went about our
day's work.
Then, all of a sudden, out of the dark depths of the evil corners of
the world, hatred, meanness, despair, jealousy, greed, whatever, rose to
afflict this Nation.
We were shocked at what we saw. First, most of us thought it was an
accident and how tragic it was. But soon, we realized it was a vicious,
premeditated attack on us as a Nation and on innocent civilians in this
country.
Those streaming rays of sunshine that came through those big buildings
of New York City that stood as a monument to this thing we call the
practical American genius, were shattered. That peaceful field in
Pennsylvania, awake with morning dew, was smashed. Our Pentagon that
stands for strength and freedom was assailed in a way that it has never
been assailed. And, indeed, this very building on which we stand today
was saved that morning by the first response to this vicious attack.
We took the hurt and the losses, and they came early; but it did not
take us long to collect our wits in this great country. Immediately upon
understanding on flight 93 how vicious this was and how evil the intent,
our American heroes fought back and this Nation was inspired by Todd
Beamer who started the response with that phrase, ``Let's roll.''
Our early responders in New York City, after the tragic loss of life
following American flight 11, American flight 77, and in Northern
Virginia after the horrible nightmare of United flight 175, our early
responders came from our communities: firemen, policemen, and emergency
workers of all types. They rushed to the danger and saved lives.
We struggled through that day with doubt, uncertainty and fear. But as
the day wore on, we became more a Nation of resolve and less a Nation of
fear. We began to build our way back to confidence and optimism on that
very same day. America had the unwelcome need to see its own heroes
fight for survival and rescue on our own land, and our heroes rose to
the occasion in a way that has inspired each and every one of us.
In New York City and Pennsylvania and here in Northern Virginia, they
did so no more nor any less than they would have in Kansas City, San
Francisco, or Houston because they displayed the character of a free
people who cherish their freedom and love their neighbors.
Now we have been asked to go on with the task of ridding the world of
the evil that struck that blow. We again call upon our heroes, now not
so often, not so many civilians, but honorable men and women in uniform
who have stood before the history of this great Nation's marvelous
tradition of defending freedom, peace and respect and have said, ``I
will volunteer to serve this Nation in its armed services.''
These new young heroes, following generations of heroes past, are now
being asked daily all across this globe to incur risks and hardship to
find the evil ones and remove them.
I believe the perpetrators of evil that launched this horrible attack
have seen in ways they have never dared to imagine the character and
strength of this great Nation. They now know the resolve of this great
Nation. They all understand the courage of our heroes.
Let me say again what I said at the time. This Nation has proven it
will send its heroes. Our heroes have proven they will go when asked,
they will volunteer, they will do their duty. But we do not send our
heroes from this great Nation out of ambition for territorial expansion
or out of a sense of revenge, but out of a requirement for a just world,
a world in which people who will perpetrate evil against others will be
found, and they will be prosecuted.
Let me just say to those of you who are still out there plotting and
scheming, do not underestimate our American heroes; they are young, they
are bright, they are strong, they have courage, and they will in fact
bring you down.
Now we have come, Mr. Speaker, to this day a year later. The sun rose
in the east today, and this great East Coast of this great land was the
first to experience this morning. We woke a little wiser, a little more
aware, a little sadder, but we awoke with optimism, love, resolve and
courage, and we will be that way for so long as this great Nation shall
endure.
Mr. Speaker, I am honored to cosponsor this resolution with the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey) in the spirit of bipartisan unity on
this difficult day for our wonderful and great Nation.
We gather together today to remember the victims, honor our rescue
workers, and cherish the values embraced by human beings across the
globe. On this first anniversary of September 11, we recall the
strength, the courage and the character of innocent people who lost
their lives in this horrendous attack.
To the families of September 11 victims, we say that we are with them
as one. We honor the bravery they have demonstrated in the face of
unspeakable suffering, and we honor the spirit of the American people,
humanity at its best.
Today, we recall that amid the chaos of September 11 our rescue
workers gave the last full measure of devotion so others could live
another day. Hundreds of people rushed into burning buildings to save
others who they had never before even met. On one of our darkest days,
they sent forth a defiant ray of hope, and words alone could never do
justice to their sacrifice.
Today, we also recognize this fundamental American truth: From the
horror of September 11 has come incredible, unimaginable strength. Our
Nation is still grieving, but make no mistake, we stand united.
As I said Friday in New York at our joint session, in this great and
faithful struggle, there are no Republicans, there are no Democrats;
there are only Americans, and we will remain resolved with our President
to defend all those who threaten the liberty, freedom and democracy that
define our Nation.
Today, as we pray for the victims' families, we also offer profound
gratitude to the people who may well have saved our lives by fighting
back on flight 93. This resolution is crafted in their spirit, with them
as our inspiration and as our guide.
This resolution honors people like the man who went to Ground Zero
after the attacks and started digging through the rubble, searching for
survivors, because, he said, we are ``digging for freedom.''
It honors the woman whose legs were crushed by debris at the World
Trade Center, who has been in the hospital every day for the past year.
It honors the firefighters in New York who, ascending the stairs,
calmly told civilians, ``Just keep going down, clear run. Keep going
down, clear run.''
It honors the doctors at the Pentagon who, rolling in water to ward
off the flames, saved countless servicemen and women because of their
raw courage.
It honors the ironworkers, the construction workers, the engineers and
others who worked around the clock for months to clear the debris at
Ground Zero.
It honors all the workers at the Pentagon who worked day and night to
meet the schedule of having the Pentagon back in perfect condition
before the 1-year anniversary of September 11.
It honors our law enforcement personnel who are protecting our
citizens on a daily basis here at home.
It honors the members of our Armed Forces who have been fighting and
are today fighting to defend our freedom and secure our Nation.
And it honors people like those we had lunch with on Friday in New
York who lost their spouses on September 11.
In the face of the unthinkable, their courage, their simple courage to
move to the future while they grieved about the past, was deeply moving
and inspiring. They demonstrated a commitment to the values that all of
us hold dear: Freedom, family, faith and friends.
Let all these deeds in the past year, and more, stand as a lasting
monument to the spirit of our great Nation.
Today, we know that our most solemn obligation is to ensure that those
who died on September 11 did not die in vain. In the days and weeks
ahead, let us continue to work together with humility to protect our
people, guard our freedoms, and report to the world that America will
never be defeated.
Let us move forward as one Nation, one people, for the sake of every
single person who believes in freedom and believes in civilization and
believes in humanity.
Let me end with the words of an old hymn that I love so much. When we
face the unexplainable, when we face evil, many of us turn to God. And,
as we did 1 year ago, we ask again today for God's help.
As the hymn says, ``And He will raise you up on eagles' wings, bear
you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you
in the palm of His hand.''
May God shed His grace on this great and wonderful country and all of
our people.
Hon. Henry J. Hyde
of Illinois
Mr. Speaker, it has been a year since the world watched the impossible
happen, and yet it is difficult to believe that such a year has passed
so quickly. The sense and feel of time have been altered, seemingly
suspended even as the calendar's relentless progress has remained
unaffected.
On this first anniversary, we would only deceive ourselves if we were
to believe that those events are now safely confined to the past. We
will continue to live with them all our lives.
Modern communications have brought us many new and wonderful things,
but they have also made possible the communal experience of tragedy. In
this new age, distance will no longer spare us, nor can an absence of
ties insulate us from sorrow.
All who witnessed the events of September 11 still bear the scars of
seeing inconceivable images and impossible events unfold in real time.
But our own experiences, however painful, cannot compare with that of
the innocents who bore the horror directly, nor with that of their
families and friends who were suddenly and violently severed from their
former lives and from the touch of those deeply loved.
We Americans are a practical people. Instead of resigning ourselves to
the difficulties of life, we instinctively seek to identify problems in
order to focus our efforts and move toward solutions. In the past year
we have done this.
We have come to know our enemies and direct our determination and
resources to uncovering their hiding places and plans. We are now
engaged in designing and implementing measures to resist their ability
to harm us. The challenge is an entirely new one, but one which gains in
clarity each day. I hope all of us are now aware that in addition to our
successes, we must prepare ourselves for the likelihood of failures in a
struggle that may have no end.
By infusing purpose, action can thus fill many voids, but the need
remains to understand what happened and to comprehend the meaning of the
events of that day. Here words give way to silence, for deep reflection
is the predicate to understanding. Our modern, rational world once
promised in time to reveal all secrets to us, but can we still cling to
that belief now that we have been confronted with things we thought long
past, vanquished and erased from the world by reason and light?
The modern world has seen many efforts to eliminate God from our
lives, but we have not been able to eliminate evil. The last century was
unparalleled in human history in its celebration of the savagery that
human beings can wreak upon one another. We had hoped we might escape
that fate in this century, but now we know that we will not.
We have been forcibly awakened from our dreams of an earthly heaven by
the bitter knowledge that evil still roams freely in the world. We
cannot allow ourselves to be paralyzed with despair or fear, and neither
can we permit our natural optimism to shield us from the realities of
the world. If there is any useful thing to be drawn from this terrible
experience, it is that we have been given an unmistakable warning that
in this new century, unknown and fearsome challenges await us,
challenges that will impose the severest test of our national character.
Knowing this, we have a duty to prepare ourselves to defend not only
our lives and those of our children, not only our beloved country, not
only our freedoms, but civilization itself. We are Rome, beset by new
barbarians who are savagely motivated by their immense hatred of us, of
our happiness and our success, of the promise America represents for the
world; for our enemies have no aim except destruction, nothing to offer
but a forced march back to a bleak and dismal past. Theirs is a world
without light; their all-encompassing hatred a repudiation of any saving
grace.
Their victory would impose a new Dark Age, but this time perhaps an
endless one. They are enemies of the future itself.
As we resolve ourselves to our task, as we grieve for all of those
linked to us by tragedy, we may also see ourselves more truly and
thereby understand that our great strengths are interwoven with many
fragile things, and that being human, we have our faults and flaws to
contend with as well. The threats we face have given us a greater sense
of how rare and wonderful is the world we share and of our
responsibility to protect it from the storms outside.
It is for these reasons that we remember those 3,000 fellow citizens
who, asking nothing other than to live their lives in peace, were
brutally murdered by men without conscience or mercy. We know it is
right to remember our dead and commend them to the mercy of God, because
should we forget them, we would only invite new acts of terror. We
remember because, to quote Lincoln's haunting phrase, ``the mystic
chords of memory'' bind us to the victims and the heroes of September
11.
And we shall not break faith with their memory.
May those who died in the attacks of September 11 rest in the mercy of
God. May those of us who remain be steadfast, courageous, and live lives
worthy of their great sacrifice.
Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 464 expresses our gratitude to our friends
and underscores the Nation's resolve to meet the enemy and defeat them.
I believe passage of this resolution will commemorate those heroic
actions of last September 11 and stand as an important symbolic gesture
which all Members should support.
Hon. Tom Lantos
of california
Mr. Speaker, on this first anniversary of September 11, 2001, we mourn
the victims, we honor the heroes, we contemplate the lessons, and we
celebrate the unity of our Nation so proudly displayed since that
fateful day. One year ago, we suffered a grievous wound. One year later,
that wound has begun to heal and the scar it has left has toughened our
skin, but it has not and will not harden our hearts or dampen our
spirits. God bless this great Nation.
Hon. Porter J. Goss
of florida
Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished chairman of the committee for
yielding me this time. I am obviously here to join my colleagues in
honoring the memory of those who died in the terrorist attacks of a year
ago this day and to underscore with gratitude the amazing valor
displayed by them.
I am sure every American remembers where they were and what they were
doing when these ignominious attacks occurred. For me, I recall finding
Speaker Hastert in his office, urgently gazing out the window down the
Mall, looking at the smoke coming from the Pentagon. I urged immediate
evacuation, and the Speaker said, ``Stop. First, we must open the House
and have a prayer.'' So part of my memory includes our short gathering
in this Chamber and the earnest and moving prayer by the guest chaplain
of that day, Reverend Gerald Creedon.
I would like to begin my remarks this day recalling that prayer. He
said, ``God of peace and life, send Your spirit to heal our country;
bring consolation to all injured in today's tragedy in New York and
Washington. Protect us and help our leaders to lead us out of this
moment of crisis to a new day of peace. Amen.''
What Reverend Creedon did not know, and what none of us knew here, was
that more casualties were to come in a field in Pennsylvania shortly
after his prayer and our very hasty adjournment that day. Actually, this
was not Father Creedon's original prayer; he had prepared one on the
topic of immigration. But realizing the gravity of the situation, he
spontaneously gave us heartfelt, wonderful words which were suitable to
the moment and which are posted on the wall of my office to this day as
a daily reminder.
To the more than 3,000 people who lost their lives that day at the
World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United flight 93, we owe
continuing remembrance, deep thanks, and responsive action. A year ago
today, terrorists attacked Americans and citizens of scores of other
countries who were on our U.S. soil. We, along with a broad coalition of
nations, have taken up the challenge of combating the scourge of global
terrorism. It is serious business. President Bush has left no doubt
about his commitment to have our Nation lead the way.
Last year the fight came to the doorstep of each and every American
citizen; and within the very first minutes of September 11, 2001, our
Nation responded as one. I would like to dedicate my short time today to
celebrating the men and women, ordinary Americans, who have fought back;
the quiet heroes.
Let me begin with Ceecee Lyles, a flight attendant of flight 93, who
was a resident of my district of Southwest Florida. A former police
patrol officer detective, she had spent 6 years risking her life to
protect others in that service. In December 2000, mindful of her young
children and looking for a less dangerous career, she enrolled as a
flight attendant school candidate; and 6 weeks later she began flying
for United Airlines out of Newark.
At 9:58 on September 11, only 5 minutes after the House recessed for
the day under the dire circumstances then apparent, Ceecee called her
husband, Lorne, in Fort Myers, who is a police officer there, from her
plane to tell him that her flight had been hijacked. Her words: ``I
called to tell you I love you. Tell the kids I love them.'' Her last
words that we know of were, ``I think they are going to do it. They are
forcing their way into the cockpit.''
And then the phone went dead.
In this Chamber, we owe a particular debt of gratitude to CeeCee Lyles
and her companions on flight 93, and we all know it. That flight may
very well have been heading to Washington when it crashed into
Shanksville, PA. Without prompting or training, the passengers and crew
fought back, and in doing so, saved many additional lives; possibly, our
lives right here in the Capitol, for as we now know, many believe, and
there is some evidence, that the Capitol was the intended target of
flight 93.
FBI Director Mueller, speaking at the crash site in Pennsylvania,
said, ``We believe that those passengers on that jet were absolute
heroes.'' Wallace Miller, the coroner for the case, called the
passengers citizen soldiers. He went on to ask: ``When can you think of,
other than the Revolution or our Civil War or at Pearl Harbor, where
American citizens died defending their home ground?''
But let us reflect a moment on our history. While many would compare
9/11 to the devastation of Pearl Harbor, there is a significant
difference. Pearl Harbor was, after all, a military-against-military
matter; 9/11 was a vicious attack on civilians and on freedom.
It is obvious that all of us have had to deal with new restrictions on
the way we live our lives; but we have also developed a sense of pride,
patience, and individual responsibility as we go about our lives to
bring us closer as Americans.
The terrorists thought they would destroy our spirit; but instead,
they renewed it. Destroying the will of the enemy to fight is the common
measure of victory in war. Bin Laden and his depraved extremists fueled
our resolve to wipe his brand of evil from a civilized world.
In addition to people all over America who have stepped up to the
plate, our government has also become more alert, more focused, and more
vigilant. We all must recognize the dedication and sacrifice of the
thousands of individuals in government service who are out there on the
front lines. They are protecting you and me, and they are making us
proud. They know we are counting on them at a time when it matters.
Every new day as we wake up safe and sound in our homes here, I hope
we remember to say just a little thank you to those out there for the
work they are doing. Whether fighting Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and
Pakistan, working the streets in Africa, Latin America, Europe, or Asia,
perhaps working in a cubicle in the Washington, DC, area, or as part of
the joint terrorism task force in a U.S. city, these are the
intelligence officers, the military and civilian personnel who in all
likelihood will not receive public recognition for the work they do; yet
they do work long hours, often in places far from friends and family,
and sometimes at very great personal risk. I regrettably acknowledge
that sometimes they do not come home.
Johnny Michael Spann was a CIA officer, a husband, and a father of
three. He went into Afghanistan in an early phase of the war to collect
information crucial to defeating the Taliban and to protecting Americans
at home. He was killed last November during a prisoner uprising in
Mazar-e-Sharif, which was particularly brutal, as we now know.
Finally, I would like to recognize that since last September every
American has been engaged in combating terrorism. We have been more
vigilant, aware and alert, reporting leads to the police and FBI in
record numbers. We have volunteered time and resources to our
communities. We have been more patient as we have tried new security
procedures at airports and public buildings, even though some of them
have clearly turned out to be unworkable. We have maintained our basic
freedoms and our democracy in the face of further terrorist threat. We
still fly, we go to the mall, we cheer on our sports teams, we drive
over bridges, we speak our minds, and we assemble where we choose.
So on this September 11, let us rededicate ourselves to honoring the
memory of those who died by continuing to stand up to terror and to
fear. Then let us also look to the future and the young people who are
preparing to join the fray. Our youth, who some thought might be
becoming a bit apathetic, or were perhaps now taking this great country
for granted, are now applying in record numbers to service academies, to
police and fire departments, the military, the FBI, the CIA, and other
government service. They are our future, and they are ready.
September 11 will come again next year and every year thereafter. It
is now part of who we are. Woe to those who would ever test us again.
Hon. Eleanor Holmes Norton
of District of Columbia
September 11 will always be a day to remember; but for us, it must
also be a day to consider how to go on. If one lives or works here, as
Members do, we remember that no sooner had September 11 come than we had
October and the anthrax tragedies that occurred, beginning in the
Brentwood post office, and spread even to this very Congress.
Yet, Mr. Speaker, though some may consider the capitol city a target
city, I can come to the floor this afternoon and say I have never felt
myself to be a target. That is probably because I am an American, and it
may be in part because I was a small child in this city during World War
II. Therefore, I am blessed and perhaps burdened by the notion of
American invincibility. I do not believe that simply because of our
military might. Somehow I believe that my country cannot and will not be
defeated ever from within or without. It is simply part of the way I was
raised, and it is part of the way we must raise our children.
I know how one's spirit can be broken when one goes to the funerals of
three small children and their teacher who went down in the plane at the
Pentagon. It can try one's spirit. But the fact is, I regard those
children as representatives of all who lost their lives in September and
October of last year; and somehow or other, remembering September 11 and
the October anthrax tragedies through the lives of these 11-year-old
children and their teachers, random targets, has instructed me how to go
on.
I believe we will defeat terrorism. I tell you, it is part of my core
belief. What I think we have to learn to do is to maintain an open
society in the process. No society has ever faced what we have today. No
society has ever had to face keeping itself wide open while
understanding that terror lies within.
I am a native Washingtonian, a fourth-generation Washingtonian. We
live here and feel ourselves the stewards of the Nation's Capital. As
such, we cannot stand by and see the Nation's Capital ever be closed,
because if it is closed or seems to close down, the rest of America will
believe it must follow behind.
If this is to be an open and free society, it must begin with an open
and free Washington, DC. I am proud of the Congress for keeping our
Chambers open, for doing all we can to keep this city open, and for
remembering that when we are open, the rest of the country will feel
itself open. Finally we will, I believe, have the rest of the world
believe they, too, must open their societies to us and to the rest of
the world.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for bringing this resolution to the
floor.
Hon. Benjamin A. Gilman
of New York
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 464,
commemorating the tragic events of 9/11. I commend our distinguished
majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey); our distinguished
Committee on International Relations chairman, the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Hyde); and our ranking minority member, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Lantos) for bringing this measure to the floor at this
time.
On that day, 1 year ago, our Nation was deliberately and barbarically
attacked by terrorists at New York's World Trade Center, at the
Pentagon, and on flight 93 over Pennsylvania. It is our solemn duty
today to reflect on those terrorist events and to memorialize those who
perished needlessly at the hands of those criminals.
My 20th Congressional District in New York lost more than 90 innocent
lives on that terrible day. We join in extending our condolences to all
of the 9/11 victims, and to their families and to their loved ones, and
at the same time, in reminding them of our Nation's unrelenting
determination to bring to justice all those who carried out these evil
acts.
As our Nation stands together today honoring the innocent men and
women who were taken from us on 9/11, we also pay tribute to our
firefighters, to the police officers, to the rescue workers, and to all
the citizens who bravely mounted the largest rescue operation in history
under the most unthinkable conditions. Their countless heroic acts on 9/
11 mark it both as a day of tragedy as well as triumph.
Let us also pause today to salute the men and women of our Armed
Forces who are out there defending freedom and democracy on the front
lines of our war on terrorism. Let us pray, too, for their safe return
and their eventual triumph.
As we reflect today upon our extensive losses on the anniversary of
tragedy and horror, let us also remember the valor, the patriotism, and
the unity of our Nation in its darkest hour. That date, 9/11, was not
only a turning point in the history of our great Nation, but also the
world. As we seek God's blessing for our Nation and for the victims and
heroes of September 11, let us all pledge to work together to make our
world a safer place in which to live.
Hon. Steny H. Hoyer
of Maryland
I am pleased to join the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and
also my very close friend, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), in
recognizing and remembering. As well, I am pleased to follow the remarks
of my friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman). All three of
these gentlemen, Mr. Speaker, have been in the forefront of focusing on
the foreign policy of the United States. All three have focused on the
extension of liberty and justice and freedom throughout this world. All
three have focused on human rights and the recognition of the rights of
individuals. How appropriate it is that these three leaders lead us in
this remembrance.
Mr. Speaker, none of us will forget where we were when we learned the
news. None of us will forget those 84 minutes from 8:46 a.m. on
September 11, 2001, when the North Tower was struck, to 84 minutes later
when the crash of the jet from Pennsylvania precluded the success of the
terrorists in striking this Capitol.
None of us, Mr. Speaker, will ever forget. In an instant on that
Tuesday morning, now known simply as 9/11, this generation of Americans
suffered its Pearl Harbor. In an instant, or more accurately, I suppose,
in 84 minutes, more than 3,000 innocent human beings, many of uncommon
courage, were murdered by criminals of unbounded evil.
Words, Mr. Speaker, cannot convey the depth of pain inflicted on this
Nation and its people 1 year ago. The pain endures and will remain.
Today we remember all those who were taken on that horrific day. Our
thoughts and our prayers are with those who survived and those who lost
loved ones, as well as with the brave men and women this very hour
defending freedom here at home and abroad.
In many ways, such unspeakable acts have clarified our purpose,
steeled our resolve, and confirmed who we are.
We are a peaceful, tolerant and compassionate people. The evidence of
that, Mr. Speaker, lies throughout our great Nation.
Since September 11 private charities have raised more than $2.4
billion to assist survivors. Former President Clinton and former Senate
Majority Leader Bob Dole joined to raise $105 million to pay for college
for the children and spouses of those killed or disabled. More than
3,000 people download applications for Americorps every week; more than
76,000 have requested Peace Corps applications; and more than 48,000
have signed up for Citizen Corps programs. Yes, Mr. Speaker, this is a
generous, compassionate and giving Nation.
Closer to home, Donn Marshall of Marbury, MD, refused to let the
savagery of 9/11 define the life and loss of his beloved wife, Shelley.
Shelley was an employee of the Defense Intelligence Agency and she was
one of the 20 Fifth Congressional District residents and 53 Marylanders
who were taken from their family and friends by the mindless acts of
savagery on 9/11. Rather than give in, however, to unblinking but
justified anger, Donn has given his sorrow meaning.
In tribute to his wife, Shelley, he established the Shelley A.
Marshall Foundation, an irrevocable trust that funds children's story
hours at public libraries, creative writing contests at colleges, and
tea parties at nursing homes that bring senior citizens and high school
students together.
The aftermath of 9/11 has seen countless other acts, Mr. Speaker, of
generosity, community and courage, in your district, Mr. Speaker, in
mine, and in the districts of every Member of this House, which is to
say in every corner of this Nation. From the local police officers and
firefighters who raced toward danger at the Pentagon and Ground Zero in
New York City, to the Facchina Construction Company in my district and
those employees who completed their reconstruction work at the Pentagon
3\1/2\ months early, even after their La Plata headquarters was
devastated and destroyed by a tornado just a few months ago, to the
local artist in my district who raised $5,000 for the widows and
children of firefighters from the sale of 9/11 T-shirts that he
designed.
Mr. Speaker, the terrorists who sought to break our spirit only
fortified that spirit. Their barbarism reminded us of our inevitable
vulnerability but also reminded us that we are a part of something much
greater than ourselves. We are the land of the free because, Mr.
Speaker, we are the home of the brave.
More than 40 years ago President Kennedy stirred our Nation when he
said, ``The energy, the faith, the devotion that we bring to this
endeavor will light our country and all who serve it.'' And he correctly
concluded that, ``The glow from that fire can truly light the world.''
The fire of freedom, Mr. Speaker, forged the American character and it
burns deep within our souls. The ashes of tragedy have rekindled that
spirit; and 1 year later, the world must know freedom's light still
burns brightly and its eternal truth shall never, never be extinguished.
May God, Mr. Speaker, continue to bless and guide America as we continue
our commitment to a just Nation and the defense and extension of
freedom.
Hon. Zach Wamp
of Tennessee
Mr. Speaker, this is a day of remembrance, a day of remembering over
3,000 individual persons who died at the hands of people who were so
deranged that they also died in their killings of innocents in America.
A day of remembering 3,000 families that will never again be the same,
but the families through their sacrifice have definitely contributed to
a better America because of what they have given. A day of remembering
the sacrifice and courage that was demonstrated, manifesting itself as
love, immediately overtook hate, incredible love that sent warm feelings
throughout the world toward the United States of America. It is a day of
emotion.
I was at the Pentagon this morning, as were many of my colleagues and
our President and the Secretary of Defense. I was there last year right
after the Pentagon was struck. The stench of war, death and destruction
a year ago was replaced this morning by the smell of new construction, a
breeze that blew up the dust of a construction site now complete,
sparkling new windows, and a whole new day at the Pentagon. A day of
sadness for great loss. A day of joy for the phoenix project and that
new beginning. A day of humility.
I continue to be in awe of this job, this country, and the people of
America. A day of national pride as we stand together with our President
and our leadership. A day of deep and abiding love for our fellow man of
all denominations from all around the world. God created each of us. But
a day of righteous anger for what has happened, and a desire for justice
to be served, but for our country to never extract revenge.
Mr. Speaker, today is a day of unity in this House and across this
land. The Holy Scripture says that unity is a supernatural anointing of
God. The words say, One can chase 1,000, in the Old Testament. Two can
chase 10,000. What that means is whenever God's children get together
with a common purpose, spirit of unity, God anoints that unity and
supernatural things can happen. We have seen that in this country as we
have come together. We need to do it more often. We need to continue the
unity that this tragedy brought to this great Nation.
Mr. Speaker, today is a day of resolve. We live in a new and difficult
time. We stand today, my generation, on the shoulders of the greatest
generation. A generation that I grew up admiring and continue to admire.
The greatest generation rightly earned their place in our country's
history because of their dedication and their sacrifice. My generation
has been called the ``me generation.'' We are self-absorbed, self-
consuming, lazy, maybe not even capable of having what it takes. But I
believe that in the last year, thanks to our domestic warriors, our
first responders, our troops on the home front, our firefighters and law
enforcement personnel and EMTs, and the bravery and courage that they
have shown, this ``me generation'' may be becoming the ``we
generation.'' More selflessness, more sacrifice, more courage than I
have seen in my lifetime has been demonstrated in the last year.
I even see the joy in the eyes of the greatest generation as they look
in their later years at what has happened in the last year with some
amazement and incredible pride to say to this generation, you have what
it takes, too. And I am glad because the days ahead are uncertain, and
challenges are many. We may have many difficult times that we must go
through ahead; but, Mr. Speaker, we have what it takes because we
inherited a legacy of courage and honor and valor and we must answer
this call to courage because what is at stake is freedom.
It is fragile. It is a powerful force much like unity and love, but it
is fragile. We must not rest. We must not grow complacent over time. We
must be vigilant. We must be willing to fight and to die to preserve
freedom.
Hon. James R. Langevin
of Rhode Island
Mr. Speaker, today I join millions of people in solemn reflection on
the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
One year has passed since that horrific day thrust the world into
shock and sadness; and while some pain has subsided, our wounds have not
entirely healed, particularly for those who lost loved ones in New York,
Pennsylvania, and Washington. However, by responding to this tragedy
with hope and determination, our Nation has grown stronger.
As the initial confusion of the attacks subsided, we became familiar
with some of the names and the faces of the victims. Rhode Island was
touched personally by this tragedy through the loss of several who
called our State home. David and Lynn Angell, Carol Bouchard, Renee
Newell, Mark Charette, Michael Gould, Amy Jarret, Kathryn Laborie, Shawn
Nassaney and Lynn Goodchild. We learned about these individuals, their
interests and their lives. We have prayed for their families and loved
ones and responded to their grief with compassion.
As in the past, Americans offered sympathy and support to those
touched by tragedy, reminding us that though the terrorists attacked our
Nation, they did not and they cannot damage our spirit.
On this solemn occasion I pay tribute to those who lost their lives,
to their friends and families who continue to grieve, to the American
heroes who dedicated themselves to rescue and recovery efforts, to our
servicemen and women who are defending our Nation against the ongoing
threat of terrorism and to the spirit of America which has helped us
endure these difficult times and will grow stronger from our sacrifices.
God bless America.
Hon. Michael N. Castle
of Delaware
Today is a solemn day to reflect on the lives lost and the families
who have been altered forever by the terrorist attacks last September
11.
In the aftermath of these devastating attacks, the American public and
people around the world came to realize that thousands of innocent
Americans and others from many nations and walks of life perished
because evil forces wanted to strike at the heart of this great Nation.
Today and forever we will grieve for all of the victims. We have
listened to the reading of the names of those lost but who, more
important, are the family, friends and loved ones of those who are still
on this Earth and miss them today.
September 11 will always be etched in the minds of all Americans and
our families and friends throughout the world. Today we remember our
heroes who gave their lives so others may live, our brave citizens,
firefighters, police officers, and emergency personnel. The outpouring
of emotion, generosity, and courageousness of mankind continues to touch
us daily. Now is not only the time for remembrance of the past but also
a time to look forward to living our lives with vigor and joy. We are a
country that stands more united than ever before. Our diversity has
strengthened us and our pride in America continues to grow. On this
pain-filled first anniversary, we stand tall defending freedom, working
for peace, and seeking justice. We must continue to support one another,
and we must remain committed and united in the war against terrorism and
use all of our might to bring to justice all of those involved with the
attacks. Today we pledge to do everything in our power to defeat
terrorism and to make our Nation stronger in every way that has made it
a beacon of freedom and opportunity in the entire world.
May God bless America.
Hon. Sheila Jackson-Lee
of Texas
A year ago today, many of us as Americans might have been asking the
question, Who are we? And the terrorists who attacked us might have
thought in that horrific act of violence that who we were would crumble.
They might have expected that because we came from all walks of life,
spoke different languages when we first came to this Nation and enjoyed
our respective cultures, that the coalition would disintegrate, that we
would no longer be America, that we would begin to join places where we
might have come from or our ancestors might have started and we might
have gone at each other and might have accused each other.
But we fooled them because America is a Nation of the free and the
brave. It is in fact a very special place; and more than any time in our
lifetime, Americans stood united. It frightened the rest of the world, I
might imagine, those who wanted to perpetrate terrorism, undermine our
democratic ideals, get us to attack our Constitution. We stood firm. As
I sat there today at the Pentagon and I watched as our flag began to
blow in the morning's wind, it reminded me of the words of Francis Scott
Key, why he was so moved to write the ``Star Spangled Banner,'' for as
he looked up as those bombs were bursting and that war was going on, he
felt that there was a theme and a symbol that continued, and his words
were:
``Now it catches the gleam of the morning's fresh
beam,
In full glory, reflected now shines on the stream;
'tis the star spangled banner. O, long may it wave
Over the land of the free and the home of the
brave.''
That is what we showed the world on September 11. We showed them that
we could in fact survive. And today I take time to salute those first
responders who helped us survive, the police, the firefighters, the
paramedics, all the medical professionals, and just plain ordinary
people, the volunteers, the men and women of the U.S. military who today
stand at the front line of freedom and opportunity and justice, the
unsung heroes, many of whom will not and did not live to tell their own
story. We honor them, and yesterday belongs to the families of those who
lost their lives and the families of survivors. We honor them and we
thank them.
I spoke today to a family member who lost his wife in Somerset, PA;
and his words were chilling to me. It reminded me of the importance of
the resolve of this Nation and of this government. He said simply, ``I
do not understand. I'm still living through this. I do not know how I'm
going to get through it.'' He, however, may take comfort in the way that
America has come together, how we have comforted each other. He may take
comfort in knowing that anytime we are attacked, we will stand unified
together. Their stories may never be told, those who lost their lives,
but we will stand arm in arm together.
Might I say, Mr. Speaker, as I close, that the government came
together, State and local officials. Might I also say that even though
we were diverse, we did not use this time to attack any religious group,
any believers of any faith, any distinctive ethnic group. We came
together.
I would simply say, Mr. Speaker, that this Nation is a Nation under
God. I hold this Bible. I will not read it today, but I am proud as an
American that if I chose, I could read this Bible because we do have the
freedom which we fight for, and that is why I know in our hearts we will
continue to wage this ongoing fight against terrorism; but we will do it
by showing to the world our own values of democracy, freedom, justice
and equality.
I believe the ``Battle Hymn of the Republic'' says it well:
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the
Lord.
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of
wrath are stored.
He has loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible
swift sword.
His truth is marching on.
The truth of this Nation continues to march, and we can do it in a way
that understands freedom.
God bless America and God bless its people, for the truth will
continue to march on.
Hon. Saxby Chambliss
of Georgia
Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of this resolution. On the
anniversary of September 11, we remember the innocent victims of last
year's terrorist attack against our Nation and pay tribute to the heroes
who risked their lives to save others.
This day is indelibly marked in our Nation's memory. It is a day when
our Nation changed, when we were savagely attacked by malicious enemies
whose hatred of freedom and democracy runs so deep that they would
murder innocent men, women and children.
These attacks on our cherished principles, values and freedoms tried
to weaken our Nation; but the tragic events of September 11, 2001, only
strengthened the American resolve. The loss is overwhelming; but in the
wake of this tragedy, we have witnessed many of the best aspects of
America: the tremendous outpouring of patriotism, a common sense of
grief and loss which touched every American, a bond of love and support
among strangers from across the land, a renewed commitment to our
respective religious beliefs, and a renewed national resolve to root out
terrorism and act against the enemies of America.
Today at the Pentagon ceremony, I visited with Pat Hogan, the widow of
Maj. Cole Hogan of Macon, GA. Major Hogan was an Army Green Beret who
served his country bravely here at home and around the world and was
killed in the attack on the Pentagon. Our hearts, prayers, and thoughts
are with the friends and families like Pat Hogan who suffered such a
tremendous loss a year ago.
Over the past year we have endured daunting challenges, and our lives
have been forever changed by these terrorist acts and the threat that
continues to confront us. We have made progress in making America a
safer place and fighting the war on terrorism. More still needs to be
done; but as we move forward, we have an opportunity to rededicate
ourselves to do all we can to work together to preserve the memory of
those who perished in making our Nation a better place, a safer place
and to ensure that the spirit of freedom, democracy and our core
American values continue to burn even brighter in our Nation and around
the world.
Hon. Ron Kind
of Wisconsin
Mr. Speaker, I too rise to remember the terrible events of September
11, to honor the victims of the attack and their families and to let
them know that especially today, they do not stand alone, and to pay
tribute to the heroes of that day, the passengers of flight 93, the
rescue efforts at the Pentagon and in New York City, the police
officers, the firefighters, the first responders, emergency medical
technicians and the health care providers.
That day started with great shock and honor, Mr. Speaker; but it ended
with incredible unity and a sense of resolve that those responsible
would be held accountable. From the ashes of that attack arose a new
sense of patriotism and a solemn pledge to never forget but to learn
from that terrible day.
We became unified in this Nation out of a sense of common values that
we share: love of country, love of the freedom and liberties that we
hold so dear, a shared sense of common vulnerability now that our
splendid isolationism in the world and our sense of innocence was taken
from us. That is perhaps what has made me most angry about the events of
last September 11, the grief that we have to share with the families who
lost loved ones, but the knowledge that my two little boys and all our
children in our country will have to grow up in a 21st century with the
specter of terrorism and that vulnerability hanging over their heads.
I was heartbroken to have read the story of the two little boys who
lost a father at the World Trade Center when they were at home, and they
got all excited and started jumping up and down when they saw their
dad's car being pulled into the driveway. They were screaming, ``Mommy,
Mommy, Daddy's home, Daddy's home.'' She knew that could not be the
case, and she looked out the window to only see a tow truck dropping off
her husband's car in the family driveway and having to explain to her
sons why their dad was never coming home again.
Or the ``Nightline'' story of the retired firefighters living down in
Florida who came back up to Ground Zero to sift through the wreckage in
order to find the remains of bodies so they could be identified. They
did it out of a sense of honor to their fallen comrades but also because
they had lost their own sons, the next generation of firefighters who
went into those burning buildings to save lives. One of the firefighters
was interviewed by Ted Koppel, and he asked them, ``Why are you doing
this day in and day out, from dawn to dusk every day?'' He responded,
``When we signed up to be firefighters and when our sons signed up to be
firefighters, we all knew there was a risk in this job, but everyone
deserves a decent burial.''
These are the memories that will live with us for the rest of our
lives and why it is so heartbreaking.
After one of our intelligence briefings, I was talking to one of the
intelligence officers and commented to him how sophisticated this
terrorist operation seemed, and he replied that it was not all that
impressive. He said it was a low-tech operation. It is very easy to fly
commercial airlines when they are already aflight. The hard part is
landing them safely, and they never intended to land safely.
That is the challenge that lies before our country today. We not only
need to fly the ship of state safely, but we need to land the ship of
state safely; and that is why I hope that we learn from this terrible
event, but do not get too intoxicated with our own military power, which
is considerable.
I would hope that we realize we must maintain our good citizenship
throughout the globe, that we are in this all together. This is not only
about enhancing our own security interests in the United States and for
our citizens abroad, but for all of the freedom-loving nations
throughout the globe who have a common goal in defeating international
terrorism.
We cannot do this alone. We need the help of the international
community.
It is easy for our Nation, with the military power that we now
possess, to accomplish so-called regime change. The hard part is nation-
building that comes after. And that is why it is vitally important, I
believe, that we keep our eye on the ball; that we pursue the Al Qaeda
organization wherever they have scattered, to the four winds, and that
we do it with the cooperation and the help of the international
community.
I am confident with the deliberations in the days ahead that we will
be guided with proper decisions. May God bless and may God continue to
guide this great Nation.
Hon. Todd Russell Platts
of Pennsylvania
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding me this time. One
year ago today, the lives of all Americans were forever changed. For the
terrorists, the story of the September 11 attacks is one of immense
hate, a hatred for the principles of freedom, liberty, and equality for
which our great Nation stands. For Americans, however, the story of
September 11 is a story of immense love, a love of country, a love for
human life.
Firefighters, police officers, and everyday citizens were heroic in
rescuing victims of the attacks, and later in recovering the remains so
as to properly honor those lost. Countless other citizens volunteered to
assist and encouraged relief workers. Across the country, flags waved,
hands were clasped in historic unity, and voices joined in prayer and in
patriotic song.
In response to the attacks, America has been made stronger. Americans
better appreciate the sacrifices that police officers, firefighters and
emergency personnel make every day to ensure our safety. And we
certainly have a much deeper admiration for the courageous devotion to
duty of our servicemen and women, our men and women in uniform who fight
to defend our precious freedoms throughout the world.
President Bush so profoundly captured the enduring spirit of America
when he stated last year, ``We will not tire. We will not falter. We
will not fail. United we stand.''
God bless those who lost loved ones in the attacks of September 11 and
those who gave their lives seeking to save the lives of others, and
certainly God bless the United States of America.
Hon. Charles W. Stenholm
of Texas
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. It has
been said that ``Greater love hath no one than to lay down his life for
a friend.'' Unless perhaps he or she lays down a life for a stranger.
That is the love, the heroism, the patriotism that we pause today to
remember and to honor. It is the love we witnessed on a large scale in
New York, Pennsylvania and Washington 1 year ago. But it is also the
love that is practiced daily in communities across this great land.
In some ways, September 11, 2001, is so indelibly imprinted on our
minds and souls that it is difficult to believe an entire year has
passed. As we recall each detail personally experienced on that day, we
remember the horror, the anguish, the sorrow, and the fear. Certainly
these emotions remain fresh to all of those who lost a loved one. But
even for citizens in other parts of the country hundreds of miles away,
our connection as fellow Americans meant that we all felt deep grief.
As John Donne wrote more than 300 years ago,
No man is an island, entire of itself. Any man's death diminishes me
because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for
whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.
In the weeks following September 11, as we heard the bells tolling or
the bagpipes playing ``Amazing Grace'' in funeral after funeral, each
one of us did feel that a part of us had died. And so today, as we
remember, we feel sadness, we feel grief.
For those of us who were not physically present at one of the attack
sites, perhaps our greatest wound came from the fear that gripped our
chests and our country. Suddenly our sense of safety, of
invulnerability, of carefree security received a vicious slash from a
cruel and unexpected attacker.
As a Nation, we face the question, Will we be paralyzed by this fear
or will we overcome it? The answer to that question is where the story
brings us today. From biblical times until today humanity has discovered
three things which overcome fear: love, faith and action.
Some people are aware of that truth every day of their lives. Each
community's firefighters, our police officers, our emergency and health
care workers, our men and women in military uniform, every day these
heroes set aside personal fear in order to do their job so that the rest
of us might live safely. They risk the possibility of laying down their
lives for both friend and stranger and in doing so they demonstrate some
of the greatest examples of love in our society.
The year that has passed since September 11 has also helped us find
meaning in and through our grief. It has given us an ability to view
both world events and our personal lives with a new perspective. And
what we have seen is that one of the darkest days of our history gave
birth to thousands of acts of goodness, creating perhaps one of our
finest hours. Ordinary men and women across the country showed
extraordinary bravery, kindness and compassion as we pulled together as
one united Nation.
As we look back, we learn that it was through our giving back that we
are now able to move forward. So while we respect and honor those who
lost their lives a year ago, and feel compassion for those who remain in
grief, today is also a day of celebration. We celebrate the American
spirit, the heroes who are gathered here today among us all over
America, and the three antidotes to fear: love, faith and action.
The marvelous thing is that every one of us has the capacity to bring
to life these fear fighters. We cannot all rush into burning buildings
or stop senseless acts of violence. Few of us may actually be faced with
the opportunity to save another life. But we all can be heroes by
loving, by believing, and by acting to strengthen our communities. As we
honor our heroes, both living and dead, we are called to find the heroic
urge inside ourselves.
September 11 may have shown us the worst of humanity, but it also
reminded us of the chance to become the best of humanity, by loving,
believing and acting. May each of us today honor those who died by doing
just that.
Hon. Michael Bilirakis
of Florida
Mr. Speaker, exactly 1 year ago today, the lives of every American
citizen were changed by the cowardly acts of terrorism committed against
us on our own soil. Families were broken, loved ones were lost forever,
and our sense of security was shaken.
Yet even in the dark hours of September 11, 2001, hope remained. For
within the hearts of Americans, we share a common bond as citizens of
the greatest Nation on Earth. This bond prompts us to courage, to
service, and to patriotism. This bond inspired Americans on the day of
the attacks to rush to the aid of their fellow Americans without thought
of possible consequences to themselves. This bond provides hope that our
Nation will heal from our grief and conquer those who would threaten our
liberty and our way of life.
While we choose to honor the sacrifices and tragedy of September 11
with solemnity today, we also celebrate who we are as a Nation. We
celebrate our Republic, we celebrate freedom, we celebrate service,
sacrifice and love for one another. We celebrate the heroic acts of
ordinary citizens and commemorate the tragic events of September 11.
From the soldier to the firefighter and policeman, to ordinary folks
going about their daily lives, we salute you. Your sacrifices will not
be in vain. A grateful Nation lives and hopes because of your love for
this great country.
I close today with Professor Al G. Wright's beautiful ode to our
Nation, which celebrates our country with these words:
I am an American. That is the way most of us put it, just matter-of-
factly. They are plain words, those four. You could write them on your
thumbnail, or you could sweep them clear across this bright autumn sky.
But remember, too, that they are more than words. They are a way of
life. So whenever you speak them, speak them firmly, speak them proudly,
speak them gratefully. I am an American.
Hon. Mike Ross
of Arkansas
Mr. Speaker, September 11, 2001, is a day that none of us will ever
forget. I was sitting in my office across from our Nation's Capitol, and
from the window in my office, I literally saw smoke rise from the
Pentagon. A few hours later, I would learn that a young Navy petty
officer from our district named Nehamon Lyons would be among the
casualties at the Pentagon. Picking up the phone and calling his mom,
Mrs. Jewel Lyons, back in Pine Bluff, AR, was the most difficult call I
have ever made.
This morning, I joined with other Members of Congress and with our
President, united, Democrat and Republican alike, united as one America,
as we remembered in a special service at the Pentagon. We remembered
those who lost their lives 1 year ago today at the Pentagon, at that
pasture in Pennsylvania, and, yes, at the World Trade Center in New York
City. After that ceremony I returned to my office and I called Mrs.
Jewel Lyons in Pine Bluff, AR, to let her know what I had just
experienced in that very special and moving service at the Pentagon and
to let her know that America has not forgotten that young Navy petty
officer, Nehamon Lyons, and his service to this great country.
My grandfather taught me to always look for something good in
everything bad. There was not anything good about September 11, but I do
believe it has brought out the best in the American spirit. I see a
country today that is more patriotic than perhaps ever in my lifetime. I
see a country today with a greater appreciation for our veterans and our
soldiers. And I see a country today that is praying a lot more. Bible
sales are up, church attendance is up, and I know that means America is
only getting stronger.
Hon. Doug Bereuter
of Nebraska
Mr. Speaker, on the first anniversary of the tragic events that killed
so many Americans at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, it is
natural for our thoughts to turn to the victims of that day. It was, of
course, a world-changing event that will continue to affect all of us.
Now we know, too, that an extraordinary debt of gratitude is owed to
those brave passengers of United flight 93, which crashed in a
Pennsylvania field. They fought the murderous hijackers in the cockpit
and, thus, foiled the plot to crash that plane into the Capitol or White
House.
The families of the victims will continue to grieve their losses, but
the commemoration around the Nation today should focus on reinforcing
America's newly heightened unity and sense of resolve that we as a
Nation will dramatically increase our effectiveness in protecting our
homeland and our citizens abroad from terrorist attacks. We must remain
committed to meet these challenges while at the same time preserving the
freedom, civil liberties, and opportunities which make America the envy
of the world.
The period set aside for formally mourning our losses is long past.
The victims and their families now are best served if all of us share
and act upon a commitment to keep our Nation secure, strong, and a
bastion of liberty. May God bless America.
Hon. James P. McGovern
of Massachusetts
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. It is hard
to believe that it has been exactly 1 year since that terrible September
day, 1 year since our Nation experienced that devastating and profound
loss. Words cannot begin to express the heartache that we felt that day,
or the sympathy we continue to feel for those who were lost.
Like many of my colleagues, I represented several of the victims of
September 11; and I appreciate this opportunity to extend my deepest
condolences and prayers to their loved ones.
It has been a difficult, but necessary, week for all of us. From our
session in New York City and visit to Ground Zero, to the ceremony at
the Pentagon this morning, to the consideration of this resolution,
Members of this House have had the opportunity to express our solidarity
with the families and communities most deeply affected by September 11.
Today is also an opportunity to pay tribute to the millions of
Americans who reacted with such bravery and compassion in the aftermath
of the terrorist attacks, the doctors and nurses who ministered to the
injured; the firefighters, police officers, ironworkers and others who
refused to leave the site of the World Trade Center until everyone was
accounted for; the ordinary citizens from every corner of our country,
every background and religion, who donated blood, money, or who provided
a kind word or a prayer.
Mr. Speaker, I also think it is important at this moment for us to
express our gratitude to our men and women in our Armed Forces who, as
we speak, continue to battle terrorists in Afghanistan. They serve our
country with great distinction, and they are a credit to our country
and, indeed, to the world.
We have accomplished a great deal in the past year by working
together, but I believe we have much more to do.
Today we recall the solidarity and compassion shown our Nation and our
people by other nations and other peoples around the world, and we can
work with them to bring our most cherished values into reality.
Mr. Speaker, we can, I believe, make this world less violent, more
peaceful, more tolerant, and more secure. We have the ability to
eradicate poverty, disease, hunger and hopelessness, the things that
terrorists exploit to justify the unjustifiable. What we need is the
will to make it happen. We need to lead the world in pursuit of these
important goals. In doing so, I believe we will demonstrate the true and
magnificent character of the United States of America.
Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, it is my hope that as we remember the
victims of September 11, as we offer our condolences to their families,
and as we continue to bring the perpetrators to justice, that we
rededicate ourselves to providing a better world for us all.
Hon. Christopher Cox
of California
Mr. Speaker, today is Memorial Day for the victims and the heroes of
September 11. It is a time to honor the people who have died and the
people who still live. It is important as we grieve for the victims that
we keep in mind how many people are alive today because of the efforts
of those who helped them, many of them still alive.
Today it was my honor, along with Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell of
Colorado, to honor and recognize 11 members of our Park Police here in
Washington, DC, who were heroes and first responders on that day. It was
an interesting way to recognize them. There was a cross-country
motorcycle ride organized by citizens from all of our districts and
States across the country. It started out in Orange County, CA, went to
San Diego, CA, 3,500 miles later it picked up hundreds of riders and
came here to the Nation's Capital. Like Ben Campbell, I am a Harley
rider and so I was happy to join them. That is why I found myself in a
position to be able to bestow these glass plaques to our first
responders.
First, the riders themselves, our constituents. They raised $1 million
for the World Trade Center Miracles Foundation just from among the
riders. In that they were like the people who responded heroically on
September 11. They put aside their concerns and put first the needs of
others. That is what people all around our country are doing in response
to September 11.
Along their 3,500 mile route, they stopped in places like Wichita, KS,
where they dedicated an evening to the family of Daniel Nolan. He
perished in the World Trade Center. A few days later they were in
Illinois at the Champaign County Fairgrounds celebrating the important
work of first responders. Only yesterday, they traveled to Stoney Creek
School in Shanksville, PA, where the students had built a memorial to
the heroes of flight 93. At every step along the way, they honored the
dead and the living, as we do today.
This coast-to-coast effort culminated in the honoring of 11 heroes who
live among us in Washington, DC, from the U.S. Park Police; and I would
like to mention their names on the floor.
First, two members of the motorcycle unit, Lt. George F. Wallace,
commander, and Sgt. Daniel P. Beck, supervisor of the unit. They were in
front of the Capitol today. They saw what had happened at the Pentagon
from this side of the river, and they did what heroes do: they went
right to the middle of that danger. They were two of the first uniformed
police at the Pentagon on the scene. They assisted in the initial
evacuation of the wounded. Their efforts helped ensure that those
injured who were still alive received immediate care, and for that,
obviously, those men and women, their families, and all of us are
grateful.
After the arrival of other local police and fire units, these officers
continued to work. They cleared the vicinity and organized the
evacuation of personnel from the monumental core area.
There were nine others outside the Capitol who were similarly honored.
The members of the U.S. Park Police Aviation Unit, Eagle One and Eagle
Two. Eagle One includes Sgt. Ronald A. Galey, pilot; Sgt. John E. Marsh,
rescue technician; and John J. Dillon, rescue team officer.
Eagle Two includes Lt. Phillip W. Cholak, aviation unit commander;
Sgt. Bernard T. Stasulli, assistant aviation unit commander; Sgt. Keith
E. Bohn, pilot; Sgt. Kenneth S. Burchell, copilot; and physician
assistant Keith Kettell and Jason Kepp, medic, of the Uniformed Services
University.
Here is what these people did on September 11. At approximately 9:40,
the U.S. Park Police received an emergency call from Reagan National
Airport tower notifying them that a plane had crashed in the vicinity of
the Pentagon. They did not know yet what had happened. Members of Eagle
One immediately lifted off, and they flew right into the center of the
disaster, hovered right over the Pentagon, and they honored an FBI
request and activated their microwave downlink and provided a live video
feed of exactly what was going on at that moment.
Just as Eagle One began to provide this live feed, personnel at Reagan
National Airport abandoned the airport tower and said they could not see
anything because of the smoke. They requested that these people, the
names I just gave you, take over responsibility for all of the air
space, and they did. They took control over all of the tower's
responsibility.
Even as Eagle One completed this assignment, Sergeant March requested
helicopters from the Maryland State Police, MedStar and AirCare, and
coordinated with ground units to establish a landing zone, honoring a
request from the Arlington County Fire Department to transport patients
to regional burn centers.
Meanwhile, Eagle Two's crew responded to its call of duty and loaded
the mass casualty kit and additional equipment on board their aircraft.
They landed on the west side of the Pentagon and immediately began
coordinating the transport of 11 priority-one burn patients. While Eagle
One directed MedStar and AirCare aircraft into the landing zone to
medevac additional patients, Eagle Two transported two of these patients
to the Washington Hospital Center. Those people are alive and doing much
better today as a result of these heroic efforts.
As a lasting example of their heroic efforts, the U.S. Park Police
Aviation Unit responded to a final request of the Arlington County Fire
Department to transport a battalion chief of the Pentagon Fire Command
Center for a 1-hour flight over the crash site because he was directing
the firefighting efforts on the ground from their craft.
Those are just some of the heroes of September 11. They live among us
here. It was, as I said, my honor to present them with citations this
morning. But as we honor these first responders, I think we have to
remember that, as we draw inspiration from their work, they are still
there every day protecting our neighborhoods. They are still there every
day protecting us from threats, whether it be fire or a terrorist
attack. Because of their bravery, which we take so much for granted, we
have a wonderful future to look forward to in this country.
I have no doubt that we will succeed in our efforts in the war on
terror, and I have no doubt that we will owe a continuing and ever-
deeper debt of gratitude to these men and women to protect and defend
our country. I am grateful for the opportunity to honor these men and
women.
Hon. Lois Capps
of California
Mr. Speaker, in communities across the land, we gather to commemorate
the unspeakable attacks against our Nation 1 year ago today.
Even with the passage of time, there are still no words to adequately
describe our pain, sorrow, and our anger. Our hearts remain heavy with
grief for the 3,000 souls who were lost, and we continue to mourn with
their families and their loved ones.
I feel especially heartbroken for all the children who lost their
fathers and mothers on this terrible day, and for all of the babies who
came into the world after their fathers were killed. These young lives
have been permanently and senselessly altered by those who so
erroneously believe that extremism and hate pave the road to salvation.
Now it is our duty to help these children fulfill their dreams and
understand that their parents died in an attack on the freedoms and
values we hold to be self-evident.
It is also important to pay tribute to the acts of courage and heroism
carried out by so many people: the firefighters, police and rescue
personnel, the passengers on the doomed aircraft, and by countless
citizens who volunteered at the crash sites and around the Nation. Some
of them included volunteers from my district on the Central Coast of
California who lended their expertise and resources.
Today is a day that we should honor all of the first responders who
not only risked their lives on September 11, but who are also the first
on the scenes of emergencies and disasters every day in communities
across this country.
I am so proud of their commitment and their determination to make our
country, indeed the world, a safer place. These brave individuals
deserve our highest respect on September 11 and on every day.
It is also important to remember and honor the brave American
servicemen and women who are defending our freedom around the globe,
joined by defenders from other countries.
They are defending the principles of democracy and security on which
this country was founded, and we salute their tireless mission. This has
been a year of great sorrow and mourning. But it has also been a time of
great American unity, strength of spirit, and generosity.
As one widow reflected, it is as though this entire year has been
stuck on September 11. Now, perhaps, we can move on to September 12.
Mr. Speaker, I hope and pray, and let us work toward the goal, that
the coming year will bring peace to our families, our community, our
Nation, and that the generosity of our people and the spirit of our
democracy will be well known and well documented throughout the world.
Hon. Adam H. Putnam
of Florida
Mr. Speaker, this is an emotional time for this country and an
emotional time for this body. All of us have participated in events in
our communities, tributes to the victims and their families in New York
and the Pentagon, and that is right and proper. But I want to take this
opportunity on this first Patriot Day to look forward, to remember and
pause and reflect on why they envy us so, why the terrorists hate us so.
What is it that would cause them to bring about the death and
destruction of so many innocent lives, so many hopes and dreams
shattered, so many communities that have lost church members, PTA
officers, rotary club presidents, chamber directors, so many children
who have lost a parent?
They despise the fact that we stand for freedom; that we represent all
that is great, all that is tolerant and hopeful and helpful and strong
about communities.
They misunderstood us. They thought we were no stronger than the
celluloid films that come out of Hollywood; that we would buckle and
cave, that we would wither up and shrink from the fight.
What they did not understand was that we had an army of ordinary
American citizens who would rally; who would stand in line for hours to
give their blood; who would contribute their paychecks to strangers;
whose children would go to schools and have penny drives and car washes
and other fundraisers to send off to the victims, their families, and
even the children in Afghanistan.
They hate the fact that in America little girls have the same
opportunities as little boys, to dream, to hope, to be whatever they
want to be, from a teacher to a firefighter to a Member of Congress, to
President of the United States. They are afforded equal opportunity.
They resent the fact that different faiths have every opportunity to
worship together, side by side, on the same city block, in peace.
They resent the fact that we have heroic civil servants who deliver
the mail, who put out fires, who comfort victims, who run into buildings
from which everyone else is running out; that we have teachers who
instill values and character into the next generation of Americans; that
we have health care workers, doctors and nurses, who rally to the scene
and give so much of their hearts and souls to putting lives and bodies
back together.
People still risk their lives to come to this country. People still
see the United States as that shining city on a hill. They still risk
their family's safety, they give up all of their worldly possessions to
stow away in a tanker or to cobble together a rickety raft and brave the
straits of Florida or the Atlantic, to become a part of this country
that those terrorists tried to destroy.
If given the opportunity, most free people, most thoughtful people,
would choose that way of life, would choose that equality, that
tolerance, that hope, that dream that is America.
And while all of us fight on a regular basis in this Chamber over
things great and small, we never question the legitimacy of the debate
or the legitimacy of the leadership or of the system or of the
institution. While we criticize the policies of our President or
administration, we do not question his right to be there and be our
leader.
That is what they hated, that is what they envied, that is what they
attempted to destroy, and they have succeeded only in bringing out the
best in all Americans, leaving America today stronger than she was last
September 11; a little closer together, still fairly complacent, still
fairly naive about the dangers this world poses, but still very much in
love with all things American, very much in love with our ability to
debate on this floor, our ability to hope and dream and be whatever we
want to be, and to instill that in our young people.
America is stronger today than she was a year ago; a little bruised,
very bloodied in some areas, but stronger.
Mr. Speaker, God bless these United States of America.
Hon. Bernard Sanders
of Vermont
Mr. Speaker, our Nation was changed forever on the morning of
September 11. The goal of Osama bin Laden was to demoralize us, to
create fear and uncertainty, to bring about instability in our country;
and, obviously and thankfully, he has failed.
Last week Congress met in New York City to pay tribute to those who
were killed on September 11 in that city, and this morning we assembled
at the Pentagon. At these events and similar events all over this
country, we were reminded about our resiliency and how strong this
Nation really is.
Last September 11, we saw amazing displays of heroism and bravery. We
saw what is extraordinary and best in the human spirit. None of us will
ever forget the sight of firemen entering the World Trade Center, going
up the stairs while other people were going down the stairs. And, as we
know, most of those firemen never got out of that building alive.
We also today remember the courage of the people at the Pentagon who
saved lives there, and we honor the members of our Armed Forces who are
fighting terrorism in Afghanistan and elsewhere.
Mr. Speaker, we have also learned a great deal since September 11. We
have learned, as we have never learned before, that we are a vulnerable
Nation. Yes, we are the most powerful Nation on Earth, but what we
learned on that day is that we could be attacked and that thousands of
innocent men and women could be killed.
We have also learned that we must lead an international coalition
against bigoted, religious fanatics who believe that they have the right
to kill innocent people in order to impose their reactionary ideology on
others.
Many of us have also learned that in order to maintain true American
values, we must not undermine the principles and constitutional rights
that make our country great and that this country was founded on.
As an American and as a Vermonter I have been extraordinarily proud of
how our people responded to this crisis in terms of blood donations and
financial contributions, and how we came together as a community to
support the victims of September 11 and to support each other. If there
is something positive out of the horrors of September 11, it is that we
as a Nation, all of us, despite our backgrounds, where we come from, our
religious beliefs, must continue to show that same sense of community,
that love for each other, that was demonstrated in the aftermath of the
September 11 attacks.
Hon. John Linder
of Georgia
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the resolution. Today is the
1-year anniversary of the most horrific attack on American soil in our
history. On September 11, 2001, freedom-hating terrorists took from all
of us our sense of innocence. They took from all of us the idea that
innocent men, women and children going about their daily lives are
immune from the horrors of war. They took from all of us the sense of
safety and security to which we had become accustomed.
What they did not take from us and what they could not ever take from
us, no matter how hard they tried a year ago, is our freedom and
liberty, our way of life, our government of the people, by the people
and for the people.
New York Governor Pataki opened the memorial ceremony at Ground Zero
this morning with the reading of the Gettysburg Address which President
Lincoln delivered in 1863, barely 100 miles from where the passengers of
United flight 93 heroically stopped terrorists from their attempt to, I
believe, destroy this very building.
Part of President Lincoln's address includes these words:
that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause
for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here
highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this
Nation shall have a new birth of freedom.
We, too, are dedicated to a new birth of freedom here in this new
century.
The horrible events of last September 11 have reawakened in all
Americans a new sense of patriotism; a strength, a resolve that had lain
dormant for far too long. The flags we see flying in every neighborhood
across America today were not put up this morning. They have been there
for the last year. The support of the American people for our men and
women fighting overseas has remained unwavering, and the kind words and
deeds of our fellow man seem all the more common today, 1 year later.
Eugene McCarthy once observed that America can choke on a gnat, but
swallow tigers whole. This is a tiger that we as a Congress and as a
Nation must deal with, and we will.
There is no lack of resolution here. There is no rancor. We will
continue to stand behind the President. We will continue to do what we
must do to keep those who hate our values and ideals from committing
evil acts against us ever again.
Today let us honor and pay tribute to those who were taken from us
before their time and resolve to remember them always. But let us also
resolve that our commitment to the Republic that our Founders risked
their own lives to create more than 200 years ago is stronger than ever.
The foundation of our Nation is solid, and so is our dedication to her.
Mr. Speaker, God bless America.
Hon. Adam B. Schiff
of California
Mr. Speaker,
The world must be made safe for democracy. Its peace must be planted
upon the tested foundations of political liberty. We have no selfish
ends to serve. We desire no conquest, no dominion. We seek no
indemnities for ourselves, no material compensation for the sacrifices
we shall freely make. We are but one of the champions of the rights of
mankind.
These were the words of President Woodrow Wilson in his war message to
Congress April 2, 1917.
This week, from Los Angeles to New York, from Fairbanks to Fort
Lauderdale, and in 200 million households in between, a Nation struggles
to come to grips with the most vicious attack on unarmed civilians in
the Nation's history.
We once again appreciate, with the force that sometimes only tragedy
brings home, that we are one country. Differences of geography,
language, income and ethnicity have faded away. There are no national
divides, no partisan debates, no hometown rivalries, no baseball
strikes, not on this day. For all too brief a time, we are simply
Americans.
And we are taking stock. Much has taken place since September 11, a
date that may surpass the end of the last millennium as a turning point
for the country.
Some of that change has been extraordinarily positive for our own
security and for the peace and prosperity of the world. The promise of
mutually assured destruction that for decades we exchanged with the
Soviets has been replaced with an unprecedented partnership with Russia.
This is no detente, but a completely new realignment of interests, which
has transformed the world landscape and dramatically reduced the
possibility of nuclear catastrophe.
For all that has changed in the last year and all that has transformed
since the end of the cold war, we are still at risk. Our most immediate
and tangible threat comes not from interlocking engagements with a
Europe that cannot overcome its historic feuding, not from nation states
that are amassing colossal military forces with an eye toward
territorial aggrandizement or world domination. The threat is primarily
asymmetrical now, from stateless terrorist organizations and the nations
that support them; from murderous psychopaths that are bent on igniting
a holy war and have a blood lust for the United States. Such depravity
has always existed, but with the advent of weapons of mass destruction
and their terrible availability, it no longer takes a national
miscalculation to inflict misery on the world. And as the lone
superpower in the world, America has a target on her back.
The threat may come from new quarters, but we have one powerful bond
with Americans from the beginning of the last century: This conflict is
still about making the world safe for democracy.
On September 11 we were not attacked because we sought to conquer or
subjugate another people. We were not attacked over a territorial
dispute or a clash of national ideologies. And, notwithstanding post-
attack propaganda from the terrorists, we were not attacked over our
policy in the Middle East. Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda never showed an
interest in the Palestinian cause except in a post-attack effort to
point their homicidal rage as a defense to the West's supposed hostility
to Islam. We were attacked simply because we existed, simply because we
represented and continue to represent the triumph of free institutions,
a respect for the free exercise of religion, association, and
expression. We were attacked because we are a democracy in a world very
unsafe for democracies. And winning this war, and the long twilight
struggle it has become, will require nothing less than a sustained,
unswerving commitment to the propagation of freedoms around the world.
We must root out Al Qaeda and terrorist organizations wherever they
exist. We must take the fight to the enemy, as the President declares,
and not wait defensively at home for the next attack. At the same time,
we must open a completely new front in the war on terrorism: the battle
for democracy. We must attack tyranny, despotism, and the trampling of
human rights around the world. We must use every instrument of our
national policy to support the growth and cultivation of free
institutions, a respect for the free exercise of religion, the right to
associate with whom one pleases, and the right to speak one's mind. We
must encourage the growth of democracies in every corner of the globe
and not simply in Europe or the Americas. Democracy must come to the
Arab nations, to China, and to every corner of Africa, and not simply to
our adversaries. Democracy, too, must come to our allies, to the Saudis,
to the Egyptians, and to the Jordanians. Democracy, not oil, will be the
ultimate guarantor of our security.
This lofty ambition is not fanciful, not quaintly sympathetic, but
practical. Democracies do not make needless war, democracies do not seek
to terrorize or conquer, democracies do not serve as the breeding
grounds for genocidal rage or terrorist madness. Democracies are better
capable of eliminating the common scourges of mankind: poverty, disease,
famine, and conflict. If we are to be partisans, let us be partisans of
democracy.
We may never ferret out every last terrorist; the germ of madness is
difficult to eradicate completely. But our peace and prosperity lie as
much in changing the soil. Peace, again, must be ``planted upon the
tested foundations of political liberty,'' and a cardinal part of
winning this war, as in the war to end all wars, will be our fortitude
as one of the ``champions of the rights of mankind.''
Hon. Earl Blumenauer
of Oregon
Mr. Speaker, at 8:46 this morning I came to this Chamber, where I was
exactly 1 year ago, to reflect on the events that had transpired that
terrible day and what has ensued since then. As we all shared a flood of
remembrances in honor of the memory of the victims and the heroes of
last September 11, Mr. Speaker, it is just as important for us to
reflect on the progress of this past year. Because tragedy gave us an
opportunity and a responsibility, not just to deal with additional
threats to our families, but to use the vast wealth and power of the
United States to be a leader and a partner around the world, while we
fulfill the promise of America here at home.
I thought about how much I have been inspired by the reactions of the
American public at the time of the tragedy and of what we have seen
throughout the year. But, Mr. Speaker, I wonder honestly what we think
we have accomplished as a Congress in this last year. Immediately, we
did do, as the resolution says: local, State, and Federal leaders set
aside differences and worked together to provide for those who were
attacked and to protect those who remain. But since then, is America
really safer because of congressional action? Do the vast intelligence
and security agencies now work together seamlessly? Have we made
progress, not just against the Taliban and Al Qaeda, but to promote
democracy and freedom, peace and prosperity around the globe? Is this
Congress working together cooperatively on issues of peace, the
environment, human health, and education?
By any objective measure, we as elected officials have fallen short of
that mark. We have yet as a body to provide voice, not just to the fears
and frustrations, but to the hopes and aspirations of Americans that we
will seize this moment.
Now, I think people on both sides of the aisle will disagree as to why
this is so, but I do not think anybody can argue that we have done all
that we could, or even, frankly, that we have done all that much from
airline security, to reducing energy dependence in the Middle East, to
giving coherence to our policies in the Middle East and around the
world. We have fallen short in doing all that we could for peace and
democracy.
As part of this solemn occasion, the most fitting tribute of all is
not for us just to reaffirm, as the resolution suggests, an honoring of
the memory of those who lost their lives and that we will bravely defend
the citizens of the United States in the face of all future challenges.
Part of what we need to do is to acknowledge where we have fallen short
and to renew our commitment that in this next year, we in Congress will
catch up to where the actions and the expectations of the American
public are; that we will enter as Members of this Congress with a new
spirit of cooperation and achievement, that we will take the actions
that make achievements of our values real; that we will move toward
making our communities and, indeed, the world more livable and our
families safer, healthier, and more economically secure.
Hon. David Dreier
of California
I would like to first express my appreciation to my good friend and
fellow Californian (Mr. Lantos), as well as the gentleman from Nebraska
(Mr. Bereuter) for moving this very important resolution and, like
everyone else, I rise in strong support of it.
We all know that today we mark this first anniversary of one of the
most tragic days in America's history. As we think about the families of
those victims, our thoughts and prayers go to all of them. We all have
sort of mixed emotions on this day. We all, of course, recall exactly
what it was like here in the Capitol a year ago today, and we think
about the day first and foremost with sadness because, as I said, of all
of those whose lives were lost. But we also think about today with a
great deal of resolve and defiance. In some sort of strange way, we also
celebrate the success that we have had in pushing back those, as the
President calls them, ``evil doers,'' those who would, in fact, bring an
end to our way of life.
Just yesterday, here in the District of Columbia and in 12 other
States, there was a great celebration in that we had elections where
people were choosing their leaders. We are continuing with our work here
in the U.S. Capitol right now. So that is why we all have mixed emotions
as we deal with today.
But it is also very important, Mr. Speaker, for us to take a few
minutes to look at the history of what led up to September 11 and to
realize that as we, with this resolution, are remembering and honoring
those who were killed on September 11, it is also important for us to
realize that this is an international war on terrorism, and it is not a
war that began on September 11 of last year. It is a war which has been
going on for decades.
Just a few minutes ago I sat down with some of my staff members and
started talking about some of the horribly tragic events that Osama bin
Laden and his terrorist allies have perpetrated over the past couple of
decades, and I thought it appropriate that we take a moment as we
reaffirm our strong commitment, as the President has said, to win this
war on terrorism, and look at what led up to that tragic day 1 year ago.
On April 1, 1983, 63 were murdered and 120 injured when the U.S.
Embassy in Beirut was bombed by the Islamic jihad. On October 23, 1983,
we all remember the tragic Islamic jihad bombing of the Marine barracks
when we lost 242 of our Marines. On June 14, 1985, Robert Stethem, the
U.S. Navy sailor, was murdered and thrown from that TWA flight 847 which
was hijacked by Hezbollah terrorists who also held 145 innocent
passengers hostage for 17 days. On February 26, 1993, we all remember
very well the World Trade Center bombing in which 6 were murdered and
1,000 people injured. On June 25, 1996, 19 U.S. military personnel were
killed and 240 injured when the Khobar Towers housing complex in
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia was bombed by Osama bin Laden's allies. On August
7, 1998, 12 Americans and hundreds of Kenyans and Tanzanians were
murdered in the bombing of the U.S. embassies at Nairobi and Dar Es
Salaam, directed, as we all know, by Osama bin Laden, and on October 12,
2000, 17 sailors were murdered and 39 injured in the bombing of the USS
Cole. That was a horrible, horrible day.
These events, Mr. Speaker, underscore the fact that this is a war
which has been going on now for decades.
So when I think ahead to some of the challenges that we face as a
Congress, we are going to be dealing with a resolution which will help
us confront those who have in fact provided shelter and refuge to Al
Qaeda and, of course, I am referring to Saddam Hussein and Iraq.
So this war is one that really reaches all across our globe. It is one
that I am happy to see our allies support, and it is one that will
continue probably beyond our lifetimes.
As I think about some of the very wonderful quotes throughout history
that led to our dealing with these challenges, I am reminded of a
couple. There is one that I like to recall. At the beginning of every
one of Winston Churchill's volumes, he has what is called the moral of
the work, which is basically four points. He says, ``In war, resolution;
in defeat, defiance; in victory, magnanimity; in peace, good will.'' I
think that underscores where it is that we are headed in dealing with
this challenge, which is going to continue in the future.
Shortly after September 11, President Bush delivered a speech in
Cincinnati, OH. As I think back on many of the brilliant statements that
have been made following September 11, one of the most poignant
underscores the sacrifice that was made a year ago. President Bush said,
``Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings,
but they cannot touch the foundation of America.'' These attacks can
shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.
So, Mr. Speaker, as we move ahead, I again would like to thank my
colleagues, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and the gentleman
from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), for this very important resolution, and
provide strong support; and, as everyone is doing, extend my thoughts
and prayers to the families of those who tragically lost their lives a
year ago today.
Hon. Jay Inslee
of Washington
Mr. Speaker, we are all united in every congressional district in
coming together in America today. I would like to honor two
contributions from the First District of the State of Washington.
First, I would like to honor the life and heroism of Army Sergeant
Larry Strickland, who lost his life while at his post on the second
floor of the west wing of the Pentagon 1 year ago today.
Army Sergeant Strickland was a native of Edmonds, WA, who served his
country as a personnel manager and traveled to every post around the
world to which he was assigned. He was a senior adviser to the Deputy
Chief of Staff, and he earned the greatest title I think anyone in the
American military could have. He was a good soldier.
But he was also a good son to proud Americans Lee and Olga Strickland
of Edmonds, WA; and a good husband to wife, Deborah; and a good father
to Julia, Matthew, and Chris; and a good grandfather to Brendan.
To those family members, we cannot ask to beguile them from their
grief; but we hope that they are left with the cherished memory of the
loved and lost, and the solemn pride that should be theirs for having
left such a precious contribution at the altar of freedom. That family
can be assured that we will keep Sergeant Strickland's memory alive as
we go forward together in a unified way to preserve the freedoms for
which he died.
Second, Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor Molly Peebles, Chuck
Oppermann, and Erik Lindbergh, who led the flight of 51 planes in the
Flight Across America from every State in the Union that brought every
State's flag and the U.S. flag to New York this morning, having begun
flights all across this country on August 11 to bring a message of
resolution and healing to this Nation.
They spoke with the spirit of general aviation, which is important in
this country for our freedoms and our economy. I hope their
contributions send a statement that we have to honor general aviation so
we can continue to have both security and a viable general aviation in
this country.
Mr. Speaker, America is proud of people in every district in this
country, and I offer the gratitude of this Nation to these people from
the First District of the State of Washington.
Hon. Jim Gibbons
of Nevada
Mr. Speaker, today America remembers. America just 1 year ago
witnessed three heinous and senseless terrorist attacks that will be
forever etched in our minds and memorialized in our history. May I say
that no American will ever forget the horrific images of September 11,
2001, and no American will ever forget the thousands of innocent
victims, or the hundreds of courageous heroes who will always have a
place in our history and in our hearts.
Yet since that fateful day, the American people have persevered and
established a new sense of normalcy. May I say to the cowards who
targeted our great country last year, let me recite that terrorism
against the United States, our freedom, and our people will never be
tolerated. The United States stands strong, and we will fight terrorism
wherever it lurks. No corner of this world will be safe for them or
those who want to attack freedom, destroy liberty, and instill fear.
America's fight will not be won quickly or easily; however, it will be
won. I have seen first-hand the bravery and the patriotism of the men
and women in our Armed Forces, and may I say that they will not settle
for anything less than victory. They are willing to make the ultimate
sacrifice to protect our liberty. They deserve our strongest support and
our deepest gratitude.
Americans have answered the call to help their fellow man and to
defend freedom and to serve their Nation. We will not retreat. We will
not be intimidated. America is strong and her strength is in her people.
It is the strength of the American people that will prevail over
terrorism wherever it may hide.
So on this 1-year anniversary of September 11, on this Patriot Day,
may Americans again unite to remember our loss, to celebrate our
freedom, and to defend liberty.
May God bless this great country and its people.
Hon. Danny K. Davis
of Illinois
Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago today, I was in Tel Aviv, Israel. So, Mr.
Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the over 3,000 victims who died
in the September 11 attacks on America; and I wish to pay tribute to all
the family members of those who perished, as well as to our public
officials, businesses, and private citizens who have dedicated
themselves to the rebuilding of a stronger Nation over the past 12
months.
In a recent special report about life after September 11 in America's
tallest building, the Sears Tower, the Chicago Tribune observed that
what happened was more complicated than fear. It was an awakening, then
a reckoning, then a change in priorities and plans in the calculation of
everyday decisions. This awakening and recalculation in our everyday
lives has taken place not just among those in the Sears Tower and my
home in Chicago, but across this great Nation. It is a new realization
of how connected and responsible we are for the protection and well-
being of all our fellow citizens.
In response to the devastation caused by the terrorists, the residents
of Chicago have joined with millions of others in this country and
around the world to donate millions of dollars and hours to the
rebuilding efforts. Their material gifts, however, reveal an even deeper
resolve to let the principles of freedom for which we stand ring loud
and clear.
As we contemplate the effects of September 11 and extend our deepest
sympathy to those who lost their loved ones on that fateful day, let us
resolve to build not just a more vigilant and stronger homeland defense,
but a society that continues to protect our personal freedoms and would
enable us to fulfill the American dream of liberty and justice for all.
And in pursuit of this goal, let us, Mr. Speaker, continue to be able
to sing:
O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain, for purple
mountain majesties above the fruited plain. America, America, God shed
His grace on thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to
shining sea.
God bless America.
Hon. Gregory W. Meeks
of New York
Mr. Speaker, I woke up this morning not knowing, really, where was the
appropriate place for me to be. Being a New Yorker, I did not know
whether I should be at Ground Zero this morning, whether I should be in
my community with many of my constituents, or whether I should be here
in Washington, DC.
I made the decision to try to do a little bit of both, so I spent this
morning with my constituents in New York, but then felt that it was most
important for me to come here to Washington as we reflect on what took
place just a year ago today, as we memorialize the individuals who lost
their lives a year ago today, as we sit with and hold hands with the
family members of those who lost their lives.
It is time for reflection; and as I reflect and think about last
Friday, when Members of the U.S. Congress came to New York for the first
time since 1789 and went to the original Federal Hall, it struck me
about this great thing that we know called democracy, and why we have to
stand and fight and make sure that democracy prevails.
I think, in 1789, I as an African-American may not have been able to
be part of that Congress. But democracy has prevailed, so that in 2002 I
am a Member of this Congress; and we are here today where the
Congressional Black Caucus is meeting.
We must preserve that democracy. What happened on September 11 of last
year threatens that democracy. We must let freedom ring.
As I reflect, the words of Dr. King come back to me. In 1965, we were
talking about freedom here on these shores. His words were,
So let freedom ring from the prestigious hilltops of New Hampshire.
Let freedom ring from the mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from
the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania! Let freedom ring from the
snow-capped Rockies of Colorado! Let freedom ring from the curvaceous
peaks of California! But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone
Mountain of Georgia! Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of
Tennessee! Let freedom ring from every hill and every molehill of
Mississippi! From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
I think we need to add now: Let freedom ring from Afghanistan. Let
freedom ring from Pakistan. Let freedom ring in Israel and Palestine.
Let freedom ring in China and India. Let freedom ring in Zimbabwe and
Nigeria.
Let freedom ring in every country on every continent, because when
freedom rings, in the words of Dr. King, when we let it ring, we will
let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every State and
every city in every nation. We will be able to hasten that day when all
of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles,
Protestants and Catholics, Muslims and Buddhists, will be able to join
hands and sing the words of the old Negro spiritual: ``Free at last,
free at last, thank God Almighty, we are free at last.'' God bless
America.
Hon. Benjamin L. Cardin
of Maryland
None of us will ever forget where we were on September 11, 2001, when
we first learned about the 8:46 attack on our Nation. It was a defining
moment for our Nation like November 22, 1963, and December 7, 1941. Now
we commemorate the first anniversary of September 11 and, quite frankly,
Mr. Speaker, we are not sure what we should say or what we should do,
but we want to join together as a community to show our solidarity.
Today we honor our heroes. These are not our Presidents or our sports
figures. These are ordinary Americans who performed extraordinary acts.
Heroes by chance and heroes by choice. Like Todd Beamer on flight 93 who
gave up his life to save many others. We now know that it was likely
that the plane was headed here toward the Capitol. He may in fact have
saved our lives. Heroes such as John Fischer, a New York City
firefighter, who went into harm's way in order to save lives and lost
his life on September 11. Heroes such as Lt. Darin Pontell, a naval
officer, a young man whom I had the honor to appoint to the U.S. Naval
Academy. He understood the risks of serving in our armed services, but
he thought he would be safe in the Pentagon. He lost his life. Over
3,000 of our fellow citizens lost their lives, casualties to our
continuing effort as a Nation to maintain liberty, safety, and freedom
for all of its citizens.
Each of us was personally affected by September 11. We may not have
known anyone personally who died, but we still grieve for them, and we
hold the members of their families close to our hearts. We shall never
forget September 11. Shortly after September 11, the Congress passed a
law calling on the President to designate September 11 as Patriot Day in
honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the
terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September
11, 2001.
Throughout America we join together as a community in solidarity to
make it clear to the world that our Nation is united and resolved to
defend freedom against all enemies, any enemies. We may be Democrats or
Republicans, conservatives or liberals. We may differ in religion or
ethnicity, but we are united as Americans. Terrorists destroyed the New
York World Trade Center buildings, but they can never destroy the
character, strength and values of the American people.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday was an important day in Maryland. It was
primary election day. Marylanders chose their leaders and
representatives by the ballot box. Our enemies rule by fear,
intimidation, and force. Because of America's leadership, freedom and
democracy are winning in all corners of the world. As President Bush has
said, ``We are a people dedicated to the triumph of freedom and
democracy over evil and tyranny.''
Today we thank millions of Americans who responded to the Nation's
calls, our soldiers, our firemen, our police, our postal workers, and so
many more who have been on the front line for the defense of our
country.
Ever since September 11, ``God Bless America,'' our hymn, has had a
special meaning. One year ago this evening, we sang it on the steps of
the Capitol to make it clear to the world that we would triumph. Tonight
we will sing ``God Bless America'' on the steps of the Capitol to make
it clear to the world that we will never forget September 11.
Mr. Speaker, may God bless those who mourn, may God bless those who
serve, and may God bless America and bring us peace.
Hon. Robert Wexler
of Florida
Mr. Speaker, we are here at this somber occasion to recognize
September 11 as a moment in history when American heroism and patriotism
prevailed over terror, adversity, and hate. This resolution pays tribute
to those families personally affected by the tragic events of September
11 and honors the innocent victims of these horrific attacks.
Today America is united, drawn together by overwhelming grief, a
shared commitment to freedom and unwavering resolve. Our unity as a
Nation sends an unequivocal message that despite the tragic events of
September 11, the American spirit remains strong, that in the face of
destruction and hate, democracy, justice, and hope will prevail.
September 11 demonstrated that in a moment of unparalleled adversity
and devastation, there exists an innate desire of Americans to help
others that is unimaginably selfless and good.
Never was this more clear than 1 year ago today in New York and
Washington where hundreds of the world's bravest and finest, including
firemen, policemen, and first responders rushed to assist the victims of
these tragic attacks; or above Shanksville, PA, where passengers on
flight 93 actually took a vote to sacrifice their own lives to preserve
those of others and prevent a potential assault on the very Chamber in
which we now stand.
The vote on flight 93 to overtake the hijackers epitomizes American
values, courage, and heroism at their very best. For in a moment of
unprecedented darkness and despair these brave souls refused to sit idly
by and bear witness to evil. They chose to take action after evoking the
most basic American right and fundamental symbol of democracy that all
of us hold dear.
As we commemorate the tragic events of September 11 and honor the
victims lost in New York, Washington, and aboard flight 93, we must
remember the extraordinary acts of heroism that took place 1 year ago
today. From Washington to every community across the United States, may
we derive strength and courage from the bravery demonstrated on
September 11 and commit ourselves to a future free from terror,
intolerance and hate to one of understanding, freedom and, above all,
peace.
Hon. Tom Lantos
of california
Mr. Speaker, this has been a fine moment for the House of
Representatives. We came together, not as Republicans or as Democrats,
but as American citizens who are still so painfully aware of that
horrible moment a year ago when lives were snuffed out, orphans were
made, widows were made, family tragedies were made across this land. And
the people who did it so totally and so profoundly misunderstand the
nature of an open and free society. They sought to intimidate us. They
sought to make us give up the good fight, but they have only succeeded
in steeling our will and determination that the terrorists of this globe
and the regimes that harbor them will not prevail.
This struggle will go on for a long time. Al Qaeda may have been
largely defeated in Afghanistan, but they are all over the world in
scores of countries planning to perpetrate additional evil deeds. We are
ready for them.
Not since Pearl Harbor have the American people been as determined, as
united, as committed to defending the values of our way of life, our
Constitution, our pluralism, our acceptance of all religions, of all
ethnic groups, of all forms of commitments to values that we so dearly
cherish in this country.
The terrorists may have succeeded in bringing down two magnificent
buildings but they also succeeded, contrary to their hopes and
aspirations, of steeling the determination of the American people to
protect this free and open and magnificent society.
As we recall the events of a year ago and as we plan the next action,
it is important for us to realize that while not always will governments
be with us, people who love freedom will be with us in every corner of
the world.
The President will be addressing the United Nations tomorrow. He will
be speaking to all freedom-loving people on the face of this planet. He
will be talking on behalf of all of us because we are determined in the
21st century, as we were in earlier centuries, not only to preserve our
way of life but to expand the arena of freedom for people everywhere.
It is easy, Mr. Speaker, to become discouraged. When Pearl Harbor
struck, many were pessimistic. When Hitler swept across Europe, many
were pessimistic. But the indomitable spirit of men like Winston
Churchill knew full well that free societies will prevail. The Osama bin
Ladens of this world are simply incapable of comprehending how powerful
the spirit of freedom is in open and democratic societies. We may suffer
setbacks, we may suffer occasional defeat, but our goal of preserving
this way of life for ourselves and making it available for others if
they so choose cannot be defeated either by hijacking an aircraft,
spreading biological or chemical weapons, or any such means. The spirits
of free men and women will prevail. And there is no doubt in the minds
of any of us in this body that however long this struggle will take
against terrorism and countries that support terrorists, we will prevail
in the long run as free men and women always have.
The many ceremonies across this Nation, from New York to the Pentagon
to Pennsylvania, to every town and hamlet in the United States, is proof
that the American people have learned the lesson of a year ago. We may
have lost our innocence but we have multiplied our resolve and
determination. This Nation is united, strong, and conscious of the fact
that our values, more than our physical capabilities, will result in our
ultimate victory.
I want to commend all of my friends and colleagues who have
participated in this discussion. I trust the message that we sent with
many voices, many phrases, different approaches, will not be lost on
those who cynically or otherwise are doubting the resolve of the
American people. This resolve is unshakeable, and this resolve will
bring about ultimate victory over terrorism and totalitarian societies.
Hon. Doug Bereuter
of Nebraska
Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to commend my colleague and
friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for the very able
way that he has handled this debate, this memorial, this commemoration,
and for his cogent and insightful remarks. The gentleman suggests that,
in fact, this has reignited or reawakened a powerful, diverse Nation.
Indeed, that is the case. That was what the terrorists apparently did
not expect.
On a personal note, may I say that my wife and I are particularly
grateful that her sister, an officer worker in the Twin Towers, survived
the bombing attack in 1991 and again last year and was able to come down
to safety with a lot of difficulty and a lot of courage; and all of
those people who had that experience, of course, will have a commitment
to make this country even better and even stronger than it had been. I
believe that there is not a doubt in anyone's mind in this country that
what happened on September 11 has only reinforced our strengths. It has,
in fact, increased our unity and our resolve.
The comments from my colleagues here today give us some very strong
indication of the sentiment that their constituents feel and resolve
that their constituents expressed to them in their districts. I commend
all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for this remarkable
experience and expression here today.
Hon. Juanita Millender-McDonald
of California
Mr. Speaker, I submit this statement in the Record in support of this
resolution and applaud all Americans for their resilience as we
commemorate and reflect on last year's events.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for H. Con. Res. 464 that
expresses the sense of Congress on the anniversary of the horrible
terrorist attacks launched against our country and our ideals of
democracy.
My heart is heavy as I reflect on the tragic events of a year ago. The
past year has been especially difficult for the families, friends and
coworkers of individuals who perished in New York, Pennsylvania, and
Washington, DC. Our prayers are offered to the victims and their
families.
Today, in a small and symbolic way, we are expressing our gratitude to
the firemen, policemen, health care workers and the individuals who, on
that fateful day, performed heroic deeds and helped their fellow human
beings without regard for their own welfare. We thank you profusely for
your efforts. America owes you a debt that we can never repay. We salute
you for your service and valor.
We also salute those who have served our Nation so bravely overseas
and all people of good will who personify humanitarian virtues during
this tenuous and volatile time in the world.
Today, we are united as a Nation to confront current world realities
that have transformed the social, psychological and spiritual fabric of
the world in which we coexist with our domestic and foreign neighbors.
During the recent year, my colleagues and I have actively engaged in
debate about how to formulate an agenda that addresses homeland
security, national spiritual salvation, and political bridge building
with our international friends.
As we continue to make inroads toward progress, I cannot overemphasize
how important it is to map out a course for our future that will
sustain, inspire and protect our children. We must infuse them with a
sense of optimism because the confidence in which we as Americans move
around our country has been shaken. However, as Americans, we will not
be deterred from experiencing the freedom we cherish.
My colleagues and I on the Transportation Committee recognize the
importance of protecting the confidence of America's traveling public.
We have worked diligently to ensure that the security needs of the
flying public are paramount. We will continue to pursue the course of
protecting our transportation infrastructure, and we are committed to
making sure that America continues to move passengers and cargo
efficiently and safely.
As ranking member of the Subcommittee on Workforce, Empowerment, and
Government Programs, I recognize how small business owners around our
Nation have been victimized economically and traumatized emotionally by
the events of 9/11. Consequently, my colleagues and I on the Small
Business Committee have worked to ensure that industries hit hard by the
traumatic events of September 11, including the travel industry, are
able to survive. We have held hearings and offered legislation that
seeks to resuscitate small businesses throughout our Nation. Small
businesses constitute the backbone of our country's economy, and with
our help, they will not only survive, but flourish.
Our domestic efforts and grief over the tragic events of September 11
have heightened our appreciation for the pain of others around the world
that have been subjected to the brutality and inhumanity of terrorism.
And that is why we have supported liberation and democratization efforts
in Afghanistan and sought to assist and rehabilitate the victims of
persecution who are attempting to rebuild their lives and their country.
On this occasion of reflection, recommitment and rededication to
freedom, we are affirming our resolve to salute and honor the men and
women who paid the ultimate price--their lives, just because they are
Americans. They will never be forgotten and our Nation shall continue to
rise to meet the challenge of terrorism and the threats posed by
terrorists who seek to derail freedom and the good will of humanity.
May God bless America and all people of good will.
Hon. Dan Miller
of Florida
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember those who lost their lives and
the lives of loved ones on September 11, 2001. I also rise to submit an
article which appeared in the National Journal on August 31, 2002, which
recounts my experience on that fateful day:
President Bush had scheduled a visit to Booker Elementary School in
Sarasota to give a major speech on education on the morning of September
11. I'd spent the weekend in Washington, but I flew down in order to be
with the president and to fly back on Air Force One with him. The
president was scheduled to arrive at Booker at 9 o'clock in the morning.
I was told something had hit the World Trade Center, but I didn't think
too much more about it. We all weren't focused on that.
The classroom was small, so there were a limited number of people in
that room besides the students. I went into the auditorium-type room and
was awaiting the president's speech. The second plane hit at 9:05 or so.
We all started to realize the magnitude of what was happening. We were
just in a state of shock: ``This can't be true. This can't be true.''
Matt Kirk, of the Legislative Liaison Office at the White House, was
assigned to us, and he tried to keep us updated. Things were in a state
of flux, and the Secret Service agents were moving around. There was a
question about whether the president was going to make a speech to the
nation from the school, or go over in front of Air Force One. The White
House staff felt the quickest way was to just do that right there. We
went out and got in our van in the motorcade. I had my BlackBerry with
me and I would get some news, and Matt Kirk could get some news from his
little pager, but it was limited. This was, say, 9:15 to 9:30. The
president came out, got in his limousine, and then we just drove very
rapidly over to the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport. The president got on the
plane, and it took off about 10 o'clock. We were told to tighten up our
seat belts very tight, because the plane has the ability to take off
very steeply. When we took off, we were told there was no communication,
because they didn't want anyone to know where Air Force One was, and the
press was told that too.
In many ways, for most of that day, I had far less news and
information than most of the people around the world. It was
frustrating. Air Force One did not have, at that time, the ability to
pick up television. Matt Kirk would go up and try to talk to someone
else and pick up some news. Somebody would come back and share some
information. The president's political adviser, Karl Rove, came back a
couple of times, just giving us an update. It was very tense with the
staff, because there obviously was a great security concern by the
Secret Service and the crew.
Around 10 o'clock, we were heading due north. And then, you could
sense a turn to the west. I would say 10:45, maybe 10:30 or so, the
plane changed course. We were told we weren't going back to Washington.
We didn't know where we were going. I remember looking out my window and
looking down at that Gulf Coast of the Alabama-Mississippi-Florida area.
We started to pick up some TV reception. We saw that the collapse of
the towers had occurred. It was so surreal. I remember Karl Rove coming
back and he said, ``There are 40,000 people who are working at the World
Trade Center at this time.'' No one knew the magnitude could have been
that high. And then, to hear about the Pentagon!
About 11:30, we got called up to the president's office. The president
was at his desk. There's a little sofa that can seat four or five
people, and a chair where Andy Card sat. Behind us was this TV screen on
the wall. I didn't even know it was there until I got a photograph, and
you saw the World Trade Center, a fuzzy picture of it, right over our
heads.
The president was telling us that there were some other planes--six,
maybe nine, planes--that were unaccounted for, and that a plane had
crashed in Pennsylvania, so the decision was made not to return to
Washington. He was very serious, very determined, very focused, and very
collected. And I felt much more emotional at that moment than he was.
You saw he was in control. I felt choked up. It was almost like you're
speechless.
He said he was determined to make sure that the people who were
responsible for this would be identified and punished. There was
speculation on the plane, but not with him, that it was bin Laden. The
belief was, the only people capable of such an evil deed were either a
government--and they didn't think it was any government behind this--or
the bin Laden organization.
The president was saying, ``We are going off to an undisclosed
location.'' He was able to very calmly explain where we were and what we
were getting ready to do. The only one speaking was the president. And I
don't remember really even asking questions.
I remember saying as we were leaving, ``God bless you, Mr.
President.'' You could see the weight on his shoulders. He had been
through a lot in those couple of hours. And he obviously knew a lot more
than we knew. He talked about how he had given the order--he actually
said it had been while he was driving over from the school to Air Force
One--to bring all the planes down from the air. He was saying how we had
an AWACS and six fighters surrounding us. He was saying we were going to
land at an undisclosed location, and that we would be getting off the
plane there, and he was going on to another undisclosed location.
When we got to Barksdale Air Force Base, all you saw were just rows
and rows of B-52 bombers. There was a van, a Humvee, there were people
standing around with automatic weapons, which you don't see in the
United States. We're seeing it today--but we did not see it until
September 11. And you could see the president go out. We were left there
on the plane. That's when we got good TV, from noon to 1:30. We could
not have any contact--no cell phones or BlackBerrys. Then the president
came back about 1:30. We exited the plane and stood there on the tarmac,
and Air Force One took off.
I was able to call my wife, who was at home on Capitol Hill. The White
House had called her and told her I was on Air Force One. I said
something like, ``Honey, I'm OK.'' I was able to tell her where I was
and that there was another plane that was going to take us back to
Washington. They flew us to Andrews Air Force Base, and I got home about
6 o'clock. We have to be about the only plane in the air, with the
exception of the fighter planes, because everyone was grounded, I guess.
I'll never forget the landing. You saw the Pentagon smoke.
I remember when I came home and walked in the house, it was very
emotional. I hugged my wife. We just squeezed each other. It was hard to
comprehend. I just didn't want to talk to anyone, besides my son and
daughter, because it was still so emotional. I choke up sometimes just
talking about it. It's just hard to comprehend that I was right there on
Air Force One when this whole thing was evolving. This was obviously the
most significant event during my congressional career. You realize that
the U.S. is vulnerable--that we're not immune to some of the problems
elsewhere around the world, and it makes you think that life is very
precious. I didn't know anyone personally who perished that day, but it
brought that home to me.
Hon. Elijah E. Cummings
of Maryland
Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor of this important resolution
and to share in a day of grief and reflection with all Americans.
One year ago today, the course of our Nation was forever changed. As
we all know, on September 11, 2001, terrorists used hijacked airplanes
to inflict catastrophic damage upon the United States, taking the lives
of over 2,000 Americans. And while this day 1 year ago was marked by
chaos, carnage, fear, and great loss, it also served to showcase the
best we as Americans have to offer. In the year since, these qualities--
courage, innovation, idealism, hope--have enabled us to take great steps
toward rebuilding this Nation.
In many ways, the legacy of September 11, 2001, is a patchwork of
personal stories. For many of us, the world has been changed forever in
very personal and very painful ways. Each child who woke up on September
12 without a parent--and each parent who suffered the unspeakable pain
of awakening without their child--deserves our tireless pursuit of those
responsible for these heinous crimes. All Americans deserve a country in
which they feel safe.
Each and every one of us has a connection to the destruction. Stepping
out of my car that morning, I could feel the ground shake below me as
the third hijacked airplane struck the Pentagon. I will never forget the
uneasiness that I felt--I know that I will never be able to separate my
personal attachment to that day with the larger infamy of September 11.
While our individual struggles to come to terms with what occurred are
often frightening and lonely, they are also what bind us together. I
believe I speak for millions of Americans when I say that a piece of me
died with each victim of the September 11 attacks.
Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not mention a constituent in
my district who also had a piece of him taken away that day. John
Wesley's fiancee, Sarah, died on the plane that crashed into the
Pentagon. John, like so many loved ones left behind, funnels his grief
into a positive effort that is a testament to his fiancee--ensuring that
her legacy will continue. I must also mention that despite his grief,
John, such a positive person--is now committed to preserving Sarah's
mission of exposing kids to different cultures. Mr. Speaker, there are
so many John Wesley's in our Nation and I salute them for their courage.
We are now at the 1-year anniversary of a day America will never
forget. It is time to take a look at where we are. Already, we have
waged our ``war on terrorism'' to Afghanistan with great success. Brave
American servicemen and women have risked their lives halfway around the
world to prevent further attacks, and bring those responsible for
September 11 to justice. We have radically altered the way that we look
at national security by undertaking the single greatest Federal
Government reorganization in 50 years. We have taken unprecedented
strides in revamping our transportation security infrastructure. We have
been forced to reevaluate our aging systems of immigration and
naturalization. We have cleared the tons of rubble of the two largest
buildings in America's largest city. We have removed and rebuilt the
nerve center of this Nation's defenses. And we are far from through.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a patriot and a legislator. I take both
roles very seriously. Since the attacks of September 11, the American
people have been reminded that freedom is not free. It takes courage to
both survive in a dangerous world and retain our liberties. I will
continue to work to give law enforcement the authority and resources it
needs to attack terrorism, while standing sentry over the fairness,
justice and constitutional rights of all Americans.
I mourn the victims of September 11, and together with all Americans,
I accept the challenges facing us as a truly united America. We will
never forget. But we will not let the actions of a handful of zealots
derail the hundreds of years of work we have put into this country--the
freest, most successful, and most democratic Nation in the world.
God bless America.
Hon. Tom Davis
of Virginia
Mr. Speaker, September 11 will always remain a day of great grief and
sadness, courage and hope. The sight of the destruction and evil filled
us with disbelief, sadness, helplessness and anger. That day and every
day since we have also been blessed to see the best of America.
Throughout the last 12 months, we have seen the greatest of our
national character in countless acts of sacrifice, courage and love.
Police, firefighters and port authority officers rushed into the
building with more concern for finding victims than for their own
safety. Two office workers, finding a disabled stranger, carried her
down 68 floors to safety. Rescuers worked past exhaustion to save lives
after the collapse. The men and women of our Armed Forces, Federal law
enforcement and intelligence community are now prosecuting the war on
terrorism abroad. The men and women on flight 93, having spoken with
loved ones on their cell phones and being told of the unfolding events,
stormed the hijackers and took the plane down, saving thousands of lives
on the ground. These acts showed the world what we have long known--that
our fellow Americans are courageous, compassionate and brave. That the
true strength of our Nation is in the souls of each of us, and that is
something our enemies can never take from us and never defeat.
Our Nation still grieves through our national tragedy and personal
loss. To the children and parents and spouses and families and friends
of the lost, we offer our deepest sympathy, our tears, our support and
our love. None of us will ever forget the events of September 11, but we
will continue our lives together, arm-in-arm, with a collective strength
that can carry us all.
Not only is our military winning the war on the ground, we are also
winning the war in the hearts and minds of individuals across the world.
The world is beginning to see exactly who America is and who our enemies
are. Never has the difference been so clear. They wish to kill and
destroy, we seek to assist and build. They work for division, we seek
unity. They pray for and plot our failure, we hope and work for a better
life for all.
In 1 year's time, we have comforted those who lost loved ones, we have
completed our cleanup at Ground Zero, rebuilt the Pentagon, rallied the
civilized world against terrorism, renewed our friendship with our
Muslim friends and Arab partners, destroyed terrorist training camps in
Afghanistan, rid the world of thousands of terrorists, put others on the
run who will soon understand there are no limits to American justice,
and freed a people from an oppressive regime, restoring hope and
opportunity. We're working with the new Afghan Government to lay the
foundation for long-term stability and to reverse the conditions that
allowed terrorist regimes to take root in the first place. This Congress
has taken necessary actions to strengthen our homeland, assist the
families and friends who lost loved ones, and worked to stem the
economic downturn that resulted. There has been much good that has come
out of that tragic day that shook us to our core, but strengthened our
resolve and determination to rid the world of evil. And we still have
much work to do. We did not ask for this mission, but we will fulfill it
to ensure that freedom endures.
We are now engaged in a struggle that we cannot and will not lose. We
have come to a unique moment in history, and America must take its
rightful place, leading the charge for the rights of men and the
responsibility of government. Throughout our storied history, America
has reaffirmed its commitment to freedom. Today, we find ourselves at
the dawn of a new birth of freedom, not only for our Nation, but indeed
for all of mankind. We have been given this enormous task, and we will
undertake it as only America knows how--head on--and we will succeed. We
will capture this opportunity for all of mankind and all time. We will
continue to lead this Nation and world that we love, confident that the
same God that watched over George Washington as he led our Revolutionary
Army, over our Founding Fathers as they established our system of
government, over Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, and over our
Armed Forces as they stormed the beaches at Normandy, is still watching
over us today as we go forth to make the world safe for freedom and
democracy.
America was targeted by our enemies because we are the beacon for
freedom and opportunity in the world. That light still shines brightly
today. Peace and freedom will prevail. Hatred and evil are ephemeral,
but love and goodness have no end. The greatest people in the history of
mankind have been called to defend a great Nation and the greatest of
ideas, and we will continue to succeed.
As we pause to mark the first anniversary of one of the worst days in
our Nation's history, we not only remember and pray for the loved and
the lost, we also renew our commitment to honoring their memory by
pursuing peace and justice, by upholding freedom and democracy, and by
defending all that is good and just in the world.
Hon. Janice D. Schakowsky
of Illinois
Mr. Speaker, today, as we remember the victims of 9/11 and pay tribute
to the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives to save others, our
Nation offers gratitude, comfort and support to the families of those
who perished on that tragic day. Our Nation is also reminded of the
brave men and women who are standing guard here at home and abroad--
soldiers, police officers, firefighters, and first responders. We are
grateful for their service. Time may heal wounds, but we will never
forget.
Hon. Robert A. Underwood
of Guam
Mr. Speaker, it is with a most profound sense of remembrance that I
rise in support of this resolution, which I am proud to cosponsor.
Although Guam, the distant U.S. territory I have the privilege of
representing in this body, is roughly some 10,000 miles away from the
City of New York, Pennsylvania, and Northern Virginia, its people, my
constituency, share in the sorrow and concern for those directly
affected by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on our Nation. Our
geographic isolation and great distance from the mainland has not kept
us from taking part in the healing process, in demonstrating our
resolve, and in providing for the defense of our country. This past year
has been a time of anguish and renewal for many. It has been a time of
trepidation over our future in a world with division, unresolved
differences and weapons of mass destruction. As we reflect on the events
of 1 year ago, we are reminded of who we are as a people, of what we
believe in as a Nation, and of the values that make our democracy
strong.
The people of Guam are a patriotic people whose loyalty to the United
States has been tested in our most darkest hours of history. As many of
my colleagues recall, concurrent with the attack on Pearl Harbor on
December 7, 1941, Guam was also attacked, invaded and then occupied.
During World War II, our island endured a 32-month brutal occupation.
Survival during this daunting and difficult period emboldened the people
of Guam and taught us to cherish freedom and democracy. It was with this
experience etched in our memories, that we were confronted with the
events surrounding the most devastating attacks on American civilians in
our Nation's history on September 11, 2001. In the days that have
followed, schoolchildren on Guam, like many across the country, have
penned their thoughts on paper and creatively expressed their feelings
in drawings and illustrations for the families, firefighters, police
officers, rescue personnel, and others that were a part of this tragedy.
On Guam, like everywhere else in the country, scores of American flags
waved atop cars, trucks, and buses, on backpacks of schoolchildren and
in front of homes. People filled the pews in the churches and places of
worship to pray for those who lost their lives and for comfort, hope and
peace. The people of Guam also donated blood, time and money in support
of the rebuilding efforts. Memorial concerts, performances, and vigils
have been held to bring recognition of the American heroism that was so
courageously displayed in the aftermath of the attacks.
Last November, I was able to travel to the New York City Office of
Emergency Management where I witnessed first-hand the professional,
compassionate work of the people of New York in the face of this
tragedy. I was able to bring with me then hundreds of support and thank
you letters and drawings from schoolchildren on Guam.
To the families of those who lost loved ones, please know that the
thoughts and prayers of the people of Guam are with you. To those first
responders who aided in the rescue efforts and to those individuals who
have committed themselves to the rebuilding efforts, please know that
the people of Guam are grateful to you for your work and commitment. As
we commemorate the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and pay tribute
to all the goodness that has followed within the past year since that
unforgettable day, let us never forget the sacrifice. The people of Guam
stand in solidarity with the rest of our country. We continue to stand
ready to do our part in this national crusade. As so often has happened
in the past century, Guam is ready. We made our contributions in World
War II and in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. We will do our part, and
more, again and again in this new century to defend our country, to
preserve our democracy, and safeguard our values of freedom and liberty.
Hon. Michael M. Honda
of california
Mr. Speaker, today marks the 1-year anniversary of one of the most
tragic days in our country's history. I am proud of the way Americans
have united following the horrific terrorist attacks on civilians.
Neighbors who rarely spoke to each other, or people who did not even
know each other shared their thoughts, compassion, and prayers for our
fallen heroes. Our country is now stronger than ever.
Understandably, a lot of Americans are outraged following the attacks.
Let it be clear that we will continue to hunt down those responsible for
the attacks of September 11, and those who may be foolish enough to plan
to harm us again. We must also remember that we are not fighting a war
with people of any specific ethnic group, nationality, or religion. We
must be vigilant and wary of any efforts by the U.S. Government or
members of our citizenry to racially profile innocent people, as we wage
our war against terrorism. I repeat the poignant words of a famous
philosopher who once said, ``Whoever fights monsters should see to it
that in the process he doesn't become a monster.''
As a child, I was a first-hand witness to civil injustice. My family
and I were locked up in a U.S. internment camp during World War II only
because we were of Japanese descent. There were many patriots during
this war. Thousands of young Americans of Japanese ancestry fought and
died for the very country that imprisoned their families. However, their
loyalty to America never wavered.
Our war against terror is going to be a long-term engagement. Along
the way we will need to be thoughtful and critical of many different
courses of action. It will be more important than ever to ensure that we
all have the freedom to ask tough questions of our government officials,
cultural institutions, and citizenry. The declaration of war against
terrorism, in itself, is not sufficient justification for the passage of
invasive and constitutionally suspect government powers, or calls for
military action against nations. A true patriot will ensure that the
actions of our government are just and reasonable.
Our Constitution is rarely tested in times of tranquility, but is
severely tested in times of tension, turmoil, and tragedy. We must
remember to embrace the principles of our Constitution--our contract for
democracy and freedom--which others seek to destroy. They shall not
succeed. My heart and prayers go out to all those who lost someone dear
to them. Know that I share your pain, and that I will never forget the
sacrifice your families made in the name of America.
Hon. Tom Udall
of New Mexico
Mr. Speaker, a year has passed since 3,000 innocent men, women and
children tragically lost their lives in a brutal and cowardly attack on
our country.
While we have had a year to come to terms with the enormous tragedy of
September 11, the sense of loss remains overwhelming.
On that somber day, we all watched in disbelief as terrorists hijacked
planes to attack buildings that symbolized our strength and power. We
will never forget that day or the people whose lives were unexpectedly
taken from them.
New Mexico's families felt the pain of losing friends and loved ones.
No one who knew Alamogordo's Alfred Marchand can ever forget this man
who proudly served his community in the Alamogordo Department of Public
Safety. After a stellar 21-year career, he followed his heart and became
a flight attendant. While living his dream, he perished on United
Airlines flight 175 fighting against the terrorists.
We must also remember Senior Airman Jason Cunningham who grew up in
Carlsbad. Jason died on a mission in Afghanistan while trying to save
another serviceman. Albuquerque's Sgt. First Class Christopher James
Speer also died in an Afghanistan fire fight with suspected terrorists.
He made the absolute sacrifice to protect us from terror.
Remembering the 3,000 lives taken from us reminds us that, though we
continue to move forward with our own lives, we do so in a world that
has been profoundly affected by the events of September 11.
As we search for ways to deal with the unspeakable horror of this
tragedy, we can take guidance from the words of Robert F. Kennedy. Amid
the grief and rage that followed the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr., RFK said, ``In this difficult time for the United States, it
is perhaps well to ask what kind of Nation we are and what direction we
want to move in.''
These questions are still appropriate today. What kind of Nation are
we? What direction do we want to move in? I would answer that America
remains a great Nation and I would challenge us all to move in a
direction that even more closely embraces the virtues and values that
make us great.
September 11 has tested--and will continue to test--the resolve and
the resilience of all Americans. It will test our commitment to the
virtues and values on which this Nation is built: democracy, diversity,
liberty and justice for all. Our response to September 11 must be to
become even more passionate in our commitment to these virtues and
values: to embrace and support democracy around the world; to celebrate
our national mosaic of races and religions; and to shine the light of
liberty even more brightly into every corner of the Earth.
America is involved. We give of ourselves--as service members,
teachers, law enforcement officials, emergency workers, and volunteers
for causes great and small.
Today, public service is more important than ever. Tragedy reminds us
we must come together to create an America that is even more just, more
democratic and more secure.
America is a great Nation. Let us look back on September 11, 2001,
with sadness and respect, grieve for those we lost, and honor those who
showed the courage that makes us all proud. Let us emerge from this
tragedy a stronger and wiser great Nation.
Hon. Karen McCarthy
of Missouri
I rise today to commemorate the anniversary of the September 11
attacks on our Nation. As I reflect on this first anniversary of the
tragic attacks on our Nation I am overcome with sadness and hope. That
we as a Nation have come together in a spirit of reflection, resiliency
and continued renewal is a testament to the enduring greatness of the
American spirit.
Though we are pausing throughout the day to remember those we lost,
our resolve to protect our freedom is unyielding. Our Nation is strong
and once again America and our values have persevered. Friday's special
session of Congress in New York's Federal Hall invoked the history of
the first Congress convened in 1789 and represented a strong message to
the world that as Americans we stand together in our fight against
terrorism.
Last year when I visited Ground Zero I saw evil in the devastation
present. Last week at Ground Zero I saw the continuing of our healing
process and the unlimited hope of the American spirit. Throughout the
past year I have been working with community leaders in my congressional
district to both cope with the aggression forced upon us and assess the
level of preparedness in our region should another incident occur.
We need to be sure our everyday heroes: our police, fire, ambulance,
and medical personnel have the adequate resources, training, supplies,
materials, and equipment they need to protect our community. These brave
men and women are a critical component of our homeland security for they
are our front line. Because of their valor and commitment to service we
are safer than we were a year ago.
As we remember the attacks on our Nation in New York, at the Pentagon,
and in Pennsylvania we are reminded of the promise and the hope that has
risen from the ashes of that dreadful day. From Independence to Lee's
Summit to Kansas City, the people in the heart of our Nation are joining
in numerous events commemorating the 9/11 anniversary. One such event,
the interfaith observance, ``Remembering 9/11: A Day of Hope'' reflects
the uniqueness of Kansas City as a place known for its river and
fountains. Water gathered from the Missouri River and many of the area's
fountains will be mixed with water gathered from rivers all over the
world, including Tibet and Egypt. The water will be distributed to
participants in the observance to be used at other events later in the
day symbolically connecting all those present to a spirit of renewal and
healing, regardless of religion or creed.
Another common theme throughout the Kansas City area remembrances is
the number 3,000 approximating the number of victims in the September 11
attacks: 3,000 flags are to hang at the Kansas City Middle School of the
Arts, 3,000 memorial candles are to be lighted at Temple B'nai Jehudah,
3,000 names are to be read at the bell tower at Rockhurst University.
Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in support of H. Con. Res. 464 and
echo the sentiments of Margaret Truman, daughter of President Harry S.
Truman and native of Independence, MO, that ``in years to come we will
see September 11 as a turning point in our history as a people, a day of
grief and glory that created a new dimension in the soul of America.''
Hon. Dave Weldon
of Florida
Mr. Speaker, on this 1-year anniversary, I extend my deepest
sympathies to the families of the countless number of innocent victims
of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the Pentagon, the World Trade
Center, and in a desolate field in Pennsylvania.
Nothing will ever repair the losses we suffered as a Nation 1 year ago
today. The history of the United States changed forever when 19
terrorists hijacked 4 planes and killed 3,000 Americans.
While the events of that morning will forever play in our mind's eye,
we endure and we are moving forward. As a united America, we have taken
the needed steps to rebuild, to heal, to pursue justice, and to secure
our borders.
Since that time, I have been proud to vote for legislation to make our
communities safer and our military stronger as we face the challenges of
the new century. I commend President Bush for his leadership and I
commend the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces in the
successful effort to oust the Taliban from power and hunt down those
terrorists who perpetrated these acts of evil. I applaud those in our
Armed Forces for their continued commitment to pursue those responsible
for the attacks.
The words spoken so long ago by President Lincoln seem to fit so
eloquently at this moment in history.
It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated here to the
unfinished work which they have, thus far, so nobly carried on. It is
rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before
us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that
cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion--that
we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that
this Nation shall have a new birth of freedom; and that this government
of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the
Earth.
As we humble ourselves before Him and pray for His guidance, may God
continue to bless this great Nation.
Hon. Ted Strickland
of Ohio
We all carry with us memories of September 11, 2001. It was a
profoundly personal day for all of us. No matter what happens in our
lives, each of us will forever carry the horror we felt as we watched
the unbelievable images on television unfold that fateful day. Even if
we had no family or friends who were directly involved, as Americans we
were deeply touched by those unspeakable events.
One year later, we observe a day of remembrance. Not an anniversary,
but a guidepost: a mark against which we measure how far our Nation has
come since that horrific day 1 year ago.
That day, we witnessed the courage of hundreds of heroes who
sacrificed themselves in an effort to save others. We felt rage and
despair that a few evil men could purposefully steal so many lives, and
at the same time we felt deep pride in the courage of our fellow
Americans. We witnessed the best and worst of humanity. We dealt with
our sorrow by caring for each other.
What began as one of the darkest days in our Nation's history will
long be remembered as one of America's finest hours.
One year later, I see a new America. We have not experienced the
enormous sea change many predicted, but we greet each day with a greater
sense of responsibility to our families, our communities and our Nation.
We also know that from now on we will be asked to sacrifice convenience
for safety. We now know how vulnerable our freedom makes us.
But we also have a newfound appreciation for those freedoms and a
renewed sense of the strength that our liberty gives us. We have been
reminded that America's strength as a Nation comes not only from its
military might, but from the tightly woven fabric of the American
family, symbolized in the stars and stripes of our flag. It is the
solidarity of our national family that I hope will once again bring
comfort to the families and friends of those who lost their lives on
that fateful day.
We should also remember the thousands of Americans who are nobly
risking their lives in foreign lands in the effort to wipe out
terrorism. This war will continue to be time consuming and costly. But
we Americans are a strong and resolute people. We have lived through the
dark days of wars past.
As FDR said following the attack on Pearl Harbor,
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated
invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through
to absolute victory . . . With confidence in our Armed Forces, with the
unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable
triumph. So help us God.
May God place his blessing on you and yours, and may God continue to
bless the United States of America.
The following is a statement by Alan Wallace. Alan was a firefighter
from my district who was stationed on the helipad outside the Pentagon
on September 11, 2001. For his bravery that day, Alan was a corecipient
of the Department of Defense Fire Fighter Heroism Award. The following
is his account of the events that day.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, I was assigned to the heliport
station at the Pentagon. I was assigned there the day before as well. I
should have been assigned to the Pentagon fire station all that week.
Fort Myer firefighters were taking a weeklong class on air field
firefighting, given at the Classrooms Building 219. Mark Skipper, Dennis
Young and I had already had the training. Mike Thayer, John Pine and
Ronnie Willett also had had the training. Thayer, Pine and Willett were
scheduled off on 9/11. Chief George Thompson was off because his wife
was ill.
Mark Skipper, Dennis Young and I were the three crew members assigned
to the Pentagon fire station on the morning of 9/11. We arrived there
about 0730. The fire station was new and we had only been using it since
January or February 2001. We also had a new crash truck assigned there,
an Emergency One Titan 3000. It carries 1,500 gallons of water and 200
gallons of 3 percent foam. Our first helicopter flight was around 10 am.
But we were expecting President George W. Bush to land in Marine One
around 12 noon, returning from Jacksonville, FL. (He had actually left
from the Pentagon the day before.) Needless to say, neither flight
arrived at the Pentagon that day because of the terrorist attacks.
Mark, Dennis, and I had our turnout gear either on the crash truck or
in the station. About 0830 I decided to pull the crash truck outside of
the fire station and place it in a position more accessible to the
heliport landing site. The truck was then parked perpendicular to the
Pentagon, with the rear of the truck 15-20 feet from the west wall of
the Pentagon, and the truck facing west, toward the heliport pad. The
right side of the truck was approximately 30 feet from the fire
station's apparatus door opening. (I forget to mention the Ford van we
normally use for transport between Fort Myer and the Pentagon. It is a
15 passenger vehicle which was parked west of the fire station facing
north, with its rear about 10 feet north of the apparatus end of the
fire station and approximately 6 feet from the side of the fire
station.)
The fire station is approximately 75 feet long, 35 feet wide and 16
feet tall. The flight control tower sits above the fire station. There
were two other individuals at the heliport site: Sean Berger (U.S. Army
Personnel) and Jackie Kidd, both active duty Army.
As I said, we were expecting President Bush about noon, which would be
a Code One Standby. In such situations, one of the problems I see at the
heliport is that there are too many people there. Plus there are many
vehicles, including Secret Service, Pentagon SWAT, U.S. Park Police,
Washington, D.C., cops on motorcycles, and the two Presidential
limousines. And some of these vehicles even park in front of the fire
station apparatus door, blocking the fire truck from exiting the
building! That is why I wanted the crash truck out of the station and
parked in a good location, for easy access to the heliport in the case
of an emergency.
After checking out the fire truck, eating a bowl of cornflakes, and
cleaning the station and apparatus area, I sat in my favorite chair in
the apparatus area to read a book about opera. About 0900 Mark and
Dennis were inside the fire station in the day room. Mark came out to
tell me that an airplane had just crashed into the World Trade Center. I
then got up and went into the day room to watch the television coverage
from New York City. While we three were watching, a second aircraft
struck the second tower. I think we watched the TV for about 10 minutes
or so.
I then went back outside. I was soon joined by Mark. We both began to
work around the crash truck and were talking about the events in New
York. About 0920, Chief Charlie Campbell called the Pentagon fire
station to inform us of the attacks on the WTC in New York. He actually
talked to all three of us: first Dennis, then me and then Skip. He
wanted to be sure we were aware of the WTC disaster and that is was
definitely a terrorist attack. He wanted to be sure we were aware of
everything going on around the fire station. He also said Washington,
D.C., could very well be a target and if that happened, our fire truck
could be dispatched to an incident.
Let me say this. After the NYC attack, I began to have ``second
thoughts'' about having the fire truck parked where it was. Would it be
better for the time being to return it to the fire station until around
1100 or so? But I decided not to move it.
Mark and I continued to mess around the fire truck. The last minute or
two before the plane hit the Pentagon, Mark and I were working in the
right rear compartment where the foam metering valves are located. Mark
told me how, if you had to, you could get as much as 50 percent foam
solution out of the roof turret and discharges. We laughed about
cheating the government out of some foam! Mark and I then walked toward
the right front corner of the truck. We were side-by-side, always within
an arm's reach of each other. We had walked past the right front corner
of the crash truck (foam 161) and were maybe 10-15 feet in front of the
truck when I looked up toward my left side. I saw a large frame
commercial airplane crossing Washington Blvd., heading toward the west
side of the Pentagon! The plane had two big engines, appeared to be in
level flight, and was only approximately 25 feet off the ground, and
only about 200 yards from our location. I later said the plane
approached the Pentagon at about a 45-degree angle but later drawings
showed it was closer to 60 degrees. The airplane appeared to be a Boeing
757 or an Air Bus 320--white, with blue and orange stripes. Mark later
recalled the plane was silver and even identified that it was American
Airlines.
So many people think Mark and I watched the plane hit the building. We
did not. We only saw it approach for an instant, I would estimate not
longer than half a second. Others didn't understand why we didn't hear
it sooner. We did not hear it until right after we saw it. I estimate
that the plane hit the building only 1-2 seconds after we saw it.
What I am saying is, immediately after we saw it we heard the noise,
the engines, I'm sure. I described that as a terrible noise--loud,
scary, and horrible. At the time we saw the plane, I said ``LET'S GO!''
and Mark and I ran away from the area. I turned and ran to my right,
going north. (I do not remember which way Mark went, since I did not see
him until I crawled out from under the Ford van.)
As I recall, I had several clear thoughts and feelings as I was
running: (1) the noise from the engines of the airplane; (2) awareness
that now WE are being attacked; (3) planning to run until I catch on
fire, then maybe dive to the ground and then figure out what to do; (4)
hearing the sound of the plane crashing into the Pentagon, which I later
described as a ``crunch''; (5) sensation of a lot of pressure; (6)
feeling very, very hot very quickly; (7) ``we're certainly not going to
burn up!''
Later that morning when I began to look at the distances of everything
from the fire truck, I thought the plane hit the building 200 feet south
of the front of the fire truck. I had only apparently run about 20 feet
when the plane hit the building. I ran another 30 feet or so until I
felt I was on fire. I thought I had done everything I could do for
myself. I decided to get down below the fire and fireball. So I dove
face first to the blacktop. At this time, it just happened that I was
right beside the left rear tire of the Ford van. (I presume that the
debris from the Pentagon and airplane was being propelled away from the
impact site.) I immediately crawled very quickly under the van for cover
and safety.
At this time, I noticed a lot of heat and decided to crawl to the end
of the van. Very soon the heat was unbearable and I decided to get out
from under the van and get farther away from the impact site. It was
then that I saw Mark Skipper to my left--out in the field 50-75 feet
away. He was standing, looking back to the impact site and seemed to be
swinging his arms. I immediately ran over to him to ask if he was OK. He
said he was, and then said, ``I'm glad you saw that airplane!'' I said,
``Get your gear on--we have a lot of work to do; I'm going to the fire
truck.''
It was probably at this time that I first noticed the damage to the
Pentagon and the crash truck. A lot of smoke was in the sky above the
Pentagon. The rear of the crash truck was on fire with a large blaze.
But most noticeable was that everything around the fire truck on the
ground was on fire. Also the west side of the Pentagon was on fire, all
the way from the first to the fifth (top) floor.
I ran about 30 yards back to the damaged crash truck, stepping
carefully, not to slip on the burning debris covering the ground. I
arrived at the right cab door, opened it and climbed in. I grabbed the
radio and put the headset on, then jumped over the radios into the
driver's seat. I immediately pushed the two engine start buttons and to
my amazement the engine started. I thought if I could pull the fire
truck away from the Pentagon and put it in a left turn, I could direct
the roof turret nozzle into the impact site using the foam and water on
board the truck. I then pushed off the emergency brake and pulled the
transmission selector into the drive range and tramped on the
accelerator. (I still couldn't believe the engine had started.) However,
the accelerator would not make the engine run any faster and the truck
would not move. (I later found out from Mark that whenever I tramped on
the accelerator, the flames on the back of the truck would flare up.)
The window in the left door was open and I had left the right cab door
open as I entered the truck. There was a lot of smoke coming up along
the left side of the truck, and blowing through this open window and
filling the cab with smoke, as well as exiting the right door. There was
a fire in the left side of the driver's seat back. That must have
produced a lot of the smoke in the cab as well. At some point when I was
in the cab, I looked to my right and saw Dennis Young walking through
the apparatus area, so I knew he was OK. At another point, I called Fort
Myer Fire Dispatch on the fire radio and gave the following message:
``Foam 61 to Fort Myer: we have had a commercial airliner crash into the
west side of the Pentagon at the heliport, Washington Blvd. side. We are
OK with minor injuries. Aircraft was a Boeing 757 or Air Bus 320.'' It
also seemed like I mumbled something else before I removed the headset,
shut off the truck engine and began to egress the vehicle.
The fire station was to my right and I noticed it was trashed and
there was burning material inside the apparatus area. I saw Mark outside
the right cab door signaling me to shut off the engine.
(Note: I feel I had the fire truck engine running in 20 seconds after
the plane hit the building. This time included running, crawling,
checking on Mark and running back to the burning crash truck.)
Just as I was about to get out of the wrecked truck, someone appeared
at the cab door asking for a breathing apparatus. He may have been a
Pentagon cop. So I handed him one of the S.C.B.A.'s and then handed
another one to Mark. Before getting out of the cab. I grabbed my helmet,
radio and facepiece (for my S.C.B.A.). I carried these items over to the
rear of the van, an area I thought would be out of the traffic and easy
to find later. Dennis was attempting to use a fire extinguisher on the
truck. Mark was removing some of the EMS equipment from the truck. At
this time, we all probably thought the truck would be consumed by the
damaging fire.
At this point, I went into the fire station through the open apparatus
door area and attempted to get dressed in my turnout gear (coat, pants,
boots and helmet.) I noticed my boots and pants were covered with
debris, with numerous wood, rock and metal fragments filling the boots.
One of my elastic suspenders was on fire, which I stamped out (or so I
thought). When I was considering how best to empty the debris from my
boots, I heard a voice back outside saying ``we need help here.'' I
think it was at this time that Dennis, Mark and I began to assemble at
the first floor windows of the Pentagon (behind the crash truck).
I was later told by a civilian rescuer that I helped him climb into
the window of the Pentagon where most of the victims exited the
building. I don't remember helping him up. But I definitely remember him
being there. I feel he was instrumental in organizing the rescue effort
at this area of the Pentagon. At the time, I described him as a civilian
35-40 years old wearing black jeans and a black polo shirt with a red
logo on the shirt.
In April 2002, I learned that the identity of this ``civilian'' was
Blair Bozek. He turns out to be a retired lieutenant colonel from the
U.S. Air Force. He was one of the SR71 spy plane pilots. Mark and I
always felt 10-15 people may have exited the Pentagon at our location.
All were terrified, most were burned. They had had varying amounts of
clothing burned from their bodies, and some were missing shoes. We were
assisted in rescuing them by several civilians as well as Armed Forces
people who, having been uninjured in the attack, had come to aid their
fellow employees.
I would like to describe how very hostile the working environment was
following the airplane attack. We were directly up against the Pentagon
building, which was on fire with smoke pouring heavily from all of the
windows. The ground was burning all around us. A magnolia tree was
burning, which gave a strange sensation of flaming ``things'' floating
in the air--I later realized they were magnolia leaves. There were
several times the heat was so intense that I thought my pants were on
fire. It was especially difficult to breathe because of the smoke and
fumes. These conditions definitely limited how long we could assist in
the rescue.
I do remember helping three men carry an unconscious man all the way
out to the guard rail beside Washington Blvd. While carrying him, I
noticed the 4-inch firehose from our Fort Myer Rescue Engine 161. That
meant our fellow firefighters were on the scene. This was a relief,
because after I called them on the radio, I was certain it would be
difficult for them to get to the Pentagon because of traffic. But I
learned later that RE 161, RE 162 and the assistant chief did not have
difficulty getting to the Pentagon.
A further comment about my radio message: I should have followed it up
with a call from one of the portable radios or possibly a phone call to
Fort Myer from the heliport station phone (had it been in service). I
had not waited for a reply from Dispatcher Bob Connelly (more on this
subject later).
Unknown to me, before my radio message, Arlington Dispatch was
receiving numerous 911 calls from all around the county. Reports were
varied: helicopter crash into east side of the Pentagon, tractor trailer
on fire on Washington Blvd., possible airplane crash on or near the 14th
Street Bridge. Many of the 911 callers could see smoke but could not
determine its source. Some likely saw a low-flying aircraft or heard the
impact of the crash. Arlington Dispatch advised all listening stations
about some of these reports, but of course couldn't confirm the exact
location, etc. In fact, it is quite possible that one of these callers,
recalling the flight 90 crash into the Potomac River many years ago, was
instrumental in causing National Airport to dispatch the first big crash
truck. According to the firefighters from the classroom at Fort Myer,
immediately after the communication from Arlington, they heard my radio
message. Therefore apparently my message was successful in informing my
fellow firefighters of the exact location. After victims stopped
appearing at the Pentagon windows, Mark, Dennis and I began assisting
the arriving Fort Myer companies on the fire ground. My next task was to
get into my ``fire turn gear.'' Returning to the rescue site behind the
crash truck, again I looked at my fire boots and pants. They were still
full of debris, but now the left suspender had completely burned off
down to the end where it had been attached to my pants! I picked up my
gear and dumped out the rocks, etc., stepped into my boots and pulled up
the fire pants. With only one suspender, I must have looked like Jethro
Bodine from the Beverly Hillbillies. I also got on my nylon sock-hood
and fire coat. I grabbed a big lantern and two fire extinguishers (one
CO2 and the other 20# PurpleK, potassium bicarbonate).
I pulled the safety pin on the CO2 and placed the lantern
under my left arm, walked around the burning end of the crash truck,
sprayed some of the CO2 on it and under it. The extinguisher
seemed only about half full, so it was quickly discharged and I threw it
aside.
Pulling the pin on the PurpleK bottle, I walked behind the truck and
into the Pentagon. Holding the illuminated lantern in my left hand, I
immediately notice how poor the visibility was. Keep in mind I still had
no gloves, no helmet and no S.C.B.A. I do not think I went into the
building any further than 20 feet. I would see fire and spray the
extinguisher on it. It makes a very loud noise when being discharged and
I did so several times. Out of nowhere, I heard the clear voice of a
woman yell ``hey!'' She had heard the sound of the fire extinguisher and
realized she was near another person. She did not sound panicked. I
yelled back ``I can't see you'' and she clapped her hands. I was waving
my flashlight. I did not go after her, and later I questioned my courage
about why I hadn't.
Several days later, I noticed an article in the Washington Post which
mentioned me. It also described a woman, Sheila Moody, who heard the
swoosh of a fire extinguisher from someone, called out, and was answered
by and rescued by a firefighter. I do not remember making contact with
her. I believe it was my fire extinguisher she heard, but I also believe
she was intercepted by another firefighter. But had I not had the fire
extinguisher but had taken the garden hose attached to the fire station,
she might not have known she was very near the outside of the building
and near rescuers.
I then began to assist the firefighting crews. I got a larger nozzle
tip for the attack team and got 50 feet of 4-inch hose off Engine 161 so
we could move the deluge gun closer to the Pentagon. Another project I
undertook was to begin removing all the equipment off the crash truck:
the third S.C.B.A., all the extra air bottles, power cords, floodlights,
all the 1\3/4\-inch hose (200 feet of it), tools, and fire
extinguishers. At this point, the truck was still on fire and a lot of
fire was right behind the truck in the Pentagon. I also noticed that the
two personnel vehicles that had been parked near the impact site,
belonging to the two Army flight control tower personnel. Both had been
completely destroyed by flying debris and fire.
About this time hose line crews from Fort Myer were entering the
building with a 2\1/2\-inch hose with a
1\1/4\-inch solid nozzle. We added 50 feet of 4-inch hose to the deluge
gun. Capt. Dennis Gilroy noticed the first collapse of a cornice above
the fifth floor windows, just above the impact site. Dennis Young and I
were at the deluge gun and were told to pull back and allow the deluge
gun to operate unmanned.
About the time Gilroy ordered our people to get out of the building,
there was a report of another hijacked airliner, allegedly heading
toward Washington, DC. During this period of waiting, Capt. Gilroy was
assigning firefighters to hand line teams to attack the fire, which was
beginning to spread to the third and fourth floors of the Pentagon.
By now, I was feeling the effects of exhaustion from the frantic pace
and severe shortness of breath from the lack of air at the impact site
where we had assisted victims. I thought Mark and Dennis were in the
same shape. Mark and I both told Gilroy not to count on us for the hand
line crew. Our fellow Fort Myer firefighters had become aware of our
injuries and Gilroy called an EMS crew to tend to us.
Our injuries were primarily second degree burns on our necks and
forearms. In addition, Mark had a laceration on his hand, Dennis had a
sprained ankle, and I had left shoulder pain. (Note: Mark, Dennis and I
were only wearing T-shirts, work trousers and boots or heavy shoes at
the time of the attack.) A medic unit arrived, Arlington, I believe.
They bandaged our burns with wet dressings and wrapped them with gauze.
I was given oxygen to breathe; the others weren't experiencing
difficulty breathing. We were delivered to the triage area at
approximately 1100.
There, we three saw Jackie Kidd and Sean Berger from the control
tower. They looked to be OK. Jackie was really shaking and Sean had his
forearms wrapped, much like us. When I saw them, I realized I had not
thought once about them after the attack. I felt bad about this. Later I
thought I would have at least told Dennis Young to ``check on the people
in the tower'' but I guess there was just far too much to think about in
the immediate response to the attack.
Sean and Jackie were both given a ride home by a nurse-bystander named
Victoria Brunner, who had been working in triage. (She now works at Fort
Myer Radar Clinic as a counselor.)
Mark, Dennis and I had a welcome opportunity to rest in the triage
area, and were given water, bananas, apples and plums. There were
probably 50 health care people there. Triage was located in the tunnel
under Washington Blvd. on Columbia Pike.
By now, word of our experience had spread to the FBI who interviewed
us, as well as Kidd and Berger, while we were in triage. After our
interview, I wanted to return to the fire ground to see all the people
from Fort Myer. We did so and spent about half an hour there. Mark,
Dennis and I stayed around triage for about 2 hours. During this time, I
had a chance to use a cell phone to call my mother in Ohio. She was very
relieved to learn I was OK. I also called Donna Houle at the Women's
Memorial in Arlington Cemetery and asked her to contact some of my
friends. In the next few days, I think I called everyone in my address
book.
After all the other victims had been removed to hospitals, Mark and I
were taken via ambulance to Arlington Hospital by Army Chase-Bethesda
Rescue Squad 1. A young medic trainee named Sandra Melnick drove the
medic unit. There were 6 to 8 people in the back of the squad, with one
patient placed on a cardiac monitor. I sat in the front with her to give
directions to the hospital.
After being released from the hospital, I contacted one of the
hospital security officers to request a ride back to Fort Myer. He
provided a driver within 5 minutes. Just as we were leaving the
hospital, we were questioned by one of the local TV news channels, Fox,
I believe. We told them about seeing the airplane approach in time to
run away from the Pentagon building.
Our driver took us as far as the Iwo Jima Memorial, just 200 yards
from one of the gates into Fort Myer. Of course by now security had been
increased significantly since my arrival there at 0530 earlier in the
day. (The MPs had shoulder arms and a vehicle with a machine gun mounted
on top was nearby.) I was wearing a hospital gown, my fire boots and
carried my fire pants in a plastic bag and had no I.D. But fortunately
one of the MPs recognized me and allowed us to pass. (Mark did have some
I.D.)
As soon as we were allowed to pass through the gate, an Air Force
Major gave us a ride back to the fire station in his Jaguar. We were
home!
We immediately began to tell our story and help out at the fire
station. Dennis was there when we arrived. Soon after, Howard Kelly gave
Mark a ride home. Dennis drove himself to his West Virginia home. I
stayed at the firehouse that night.
I enjoyed being back with my fellow firefighters and helping get the
equipment back on the truck. Our people were exhausted and some were
still frightened. I think all were glad they were working that day.
Remember the three firefighters who were scheduled off the day of 9/
11? Willett, Pine and Thayer all came back in when they heard the news.
Thayer told me later ``from 25 miles from the Pentagon, I could see
smoke, and I knew you three must be dead.'' He also said he felt bad
because he was the person who had assigned us to the Pentagon heliport.
I was grateful--and am now amazed--that my injuries were minor. The
burns on my forearms and neck healed quickly. My shoulder pain persisted
and ultimately required surgery in November 2001. The surgery went well
and the surgeon and I were pleased with my recovery from it.
I returned back to work in February 2002, glad to have a good job. I
am very proud of Dennis, Mark and myself. I am SO grateful that none of
our firefighters were seriously injured or killed.
Hon. Lincoln Diaz-Balart
of Florida
Mr. Speaker, today we remember.
The pain has not subsided. The memories of those lost will not be
forgotten. Today we honor their lives and their sacrifice.
The terrorists have failed. Blinded by their hatred, the true result
of the attacks on September 11 were things they could never have
anticipated. America responded with courage--not fear. America responded
with love--demonstrated by the thousands of rescue workers. America
responded with resolve--as we continue to hunt evil doers around the
globe.
We must pay our highest tribute to the unsung heroes who have labored
this past year--our first responders, our men and women in the armed
services. I also would like to thank our President for showing true
leadership in the face of this challenge thrust upon us.
Our job is not completed. While we have responded to the events of
September 11 we have not taken the final step to ensure Americans are
safe. We are faced with great decisions. But we do so with great
resolve.
We will continue to show that the values and principles America stands
for--the values and principles our brave Americans died for--will
overcome those who would kill innocent civilians.
God bless and keep those who were lost 1 year ago today. God bless
America--beacon of freedom.
Hon. James H. Maloney
of Connecticut
Mr. Speaker, a year ago today our Nation was brutally attacked, and
thousands of Americans were murdered. Earlier today, I shared a moment
of silence with the people of Connecticut's Fifth District, in New
Milford, Sandy Hook and Waterbury, to honor the heroes and remember the
victims of that tragic day.
On this day, the people of Connecticut's Fifth District honor the
brave firefighters from the Danbury Volunteer Fire Department and the
Southbury Volunteer Fire Department. Each engine crew performed search
and rescue in the hostile and dangerous environment of the devastated
World Trade Center. On behalf of the people of Connecticut's Fifth
District, I wish to express my deepest thanks to these heroic
individuals. The contributions they made to our community and country at
the risk of their own peril cannot be measured.
The families and friends of those who perished have endured a year of
unbearable loss. They have my deepest sympathy. Rarely have we felt
hatred of terrorism perpetrated on our shores, and our response has
shown the strength of character of the American people. The sadness that
we all felt that day, and in the days since, has hardened into a resolve
to honor the memories of those who perished, to heal our wounds so that
our Nation is even stronger than before, and to bring righteous justice
to those who perpetrated the attacks.
Hon. Jeff Miller
of Florida
Mr. Speaker, today marks the 1-year anniversary of the most horrendous
act of terrorism ever perpetrated against any country. Our Nation will
never be the same after 19 terrorists took thousands of American lives
and declared war on our great Nation.
Since the infamous day last fall, an outpouring of patriotism and love
for this country can be felt in cities and towns from coast to coast.
The symbol of America, our flag, can still be seen flying with dignity
and honor outside homes and businesses, displaying the true pride this
Nation has in its freedoms and unwavering principles.
As we look back at the tragedy of that day, I know that everyone will
remember where he or she was on September 11, 2001. I am sure we have
all contemplated the frailty of life and that God has never promised
anyone a set number of days. It is my hope that the citizens of the
United States will use this time in our history as a catalyst to advance
the Nation and to return to the roots to which it was established; faith
in God, democracy and patriotism.
Terrorism is still a threat to the civilized world and must be
destroyed before it spreads. The primary weapons of terrorism are
violence and fear. Those who have no respect for human life and seek
terror through these means have no place in civilized society, and must
be eliminated.
As President Reagan has said, ``We will always remember. We will
always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we may always be free.''
Let us keep the families who lost loved ones in our prayers and continue
to support our deployed military personnel who courageously protect our
liberties and freedoms. They are the true patriots.
I praise my colleagues and the President for the courage and resolve
they have displayed during these trying and difficult times. May God
grant us the wisdom to lead this country forward in a manner that would
please Him and may He look favorably upon our great Nation.
Hon. Jerry F. Costello
of illinois
Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor of the Patriot Day
resolution, which fittingly expresses the sentiments of this body on the
anniversary of perhaps the worst day in U.S. history. In many ways it is
hard to believe it has been a year since that awful day--the memories
are so fresh, so vivid. I visited the site of the WTC 1 week after it
happened and spent time talking with survivors and rescue workers. That
memory is just as fresh as those of last Friday, when we returned to New
York City to participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the World Trade
Center site, and those of this morning, when we attended the ceremony at
the Pentagon to remember the victims and families. America will never
forget.
September 11, 2001, has left an indelible mark on the American
landscape and on our national consciousness. We will never forget the
events of that terrible morning, nor will we forget how America
responded. We continue to be inspired by the heroism of firefighters,
police officers and emergency first responders, our military men and
women and other ordinary Americans who have answered the call for
freedom.
The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were an attack
on all of us--our people, our Nation, our spirit, our way of life, our
liberty and freedom. The terrorists intended to bring down and destroy
the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and other targets--and the people
in them. Their real goal was to instill fear, bring about disruption and
to bring down and destroy our spirit. But as Rev. Billy Graham observed
at a service at the National Cathedral shortly after the attacks--Their
actions have done just the opposite. The terrorist attacks of September
11 could have torn our Nation apart--but they have brought us together--
we have become a family.
Mr. Speaker, the United States is the greatest country in the world!
We have been tested before and we will be tested again. Those we lost
last September 11 will hold a special place in the history of our great
country. As we gather together today in communities, churches and other
places throughout our great land we remain one Nation under God,
indivisible with liberty and justice for all! I urge all of my
colleagues to support the resolution, and God bless the United States of
America.
Hon. Carolyn B. Maloney
of New York
Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to serve in the people's House as a
representative of New York City, the greatest city in the world.
For the Nation, today is a day of solemn reflection and remembrance.
We have all tried to mark this day in our own personal ways. I have just
returned from a memorial service at Ground Zero, a sacred place for us
all. My thoughts and prayers over this year have been for my beloved
city whose residents have been fundamentally affected by 9/11.
Just a year ago, our country witnessed the evil actions of cowards
that resulted in more than 3,000 people tragically dead and 2,000
children without a parent.
Mr. Speaker, there may not be another Member of Congress who lost more
constituents in the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center than I
did. I applaud the House for introducing this resolution celebrating
America's resolve and commemorating the lives of those we lost. This
resolution, in a small way, can help to continue the process of national
healing and renewal.
We will never forget the hundreds of New York City firefighters, law
enforcement officers, and EMS who responded to the attacks, and
valiantly fought through the terrible conditions to rescue victims and
to provide emergency care to the injured immediately after the attack.
Tragically, the World Trade Center towers collapsed while these heroes
were attempting to save innocent lives--343 firefighters and paramedics
and 60 police officers made the ultimate sacrifice.
Over these past 12 months, we have witnessed countless selfless acts
by public servants and private citizens, by our friends and neighbors.
It is this wonderful spirit embodied by our city and our great Nation
that gives us hope.
Hon. Nick Smith
of Michigan
Mr. Speaker, I remember speaking on the House floor the day after the
attacks. I asked, ``Will we forget? Will this sick, sinking feeling
fade? Will we fail to follow through on these promises or will we
demonstrate unfaltering resolve?'' I am proud to say, 1 year later, that
the American people remain determined to fight the war on terror, and
though the road ahead will continue to be hard, we will prevail.
We should reflect for a moment on the lessons in the attacks. In my
view, there are three. First, America has enemies who resent our freedom
and way of life. These enemies are determined and are ignored at our
peril. Second, the oceans do not provide as much protection as they did
in the past. We have to be aware that threats can come from anywhere.
Third, as with Pearl Harbor, first punches can be devastating. We must
not allow ourselves to be taken by surprise again.
Even though we have had a year to reflect since last September, it is
still hard to comprehend the magnitude of the terrorist attacks and the
historic turn of events that they triggered. In our 226-year history,
America has never known an assault on our homeland such as that
terrorist attack.
As horrific and sickening as the attacks were, however, they brought
out the best in us as Americans. They reminded us that despite all our
differences, we are one--a united America. Not only a Nation of
unprecedented strength, but also a Nation that exhibits great tolerance
and respect for the rights of its citizens as well as those of other
nations--a Nation of unshaken spirit, a Nation bound by our shared faith
in the founding principles of liberty and freedom.
America was best exemplified by the actions of our first responders
after the attacks. On that warm autumn day, the New York City fireman
became the symbol of American freedom and American bravery to millions
around the world. I believe it is really the one silver lining that
shines through the cloud of horror that surrounds 9/11.
It is our job in Congress to honor those who protect us--our defense
forces abroad and our first responders here in America--by fully
providing the resources and guidance that they need. As President Bush
said at the annual fire services dinner in Washington last spring.
``There is no substitute for the raw courage of the firefighter.'' And
we must never forget those Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in
saving the lives of others on September 11.
Hon. Jim Matheson
of Utah
Mr. Speaker, when we evacuated our office a year ago, and I could see
the black smoke rising above the Pentagon, I knew our country was under
attack. The inconceivable was taking place.
The passing days brought more heartache than many of us thought we
could bear. The hijackings and plane crashes took the lives of three
Utahns--two who were on board the plane that hit the North Tower of the
World Trade Center and one who was on duty at the Pentagon.
Mary Alice Wahlstrom, of Kaysville, UT, and her daughter Carolyn, died
together--two talented musicians whose families still grieve for the
loss of their wives and mothers. Brady Howell of Centerville, UT, died--
along with 188 others--when hijackers struck the Pentagon. His family--
including his wife Liz--had to endure 1 agonizing week before learning
his fate. A year of sorrowful birthdays and holidays has gone by, with a
much-loved husband and wife, brother and sister, son and daughter,
missing from the family pictures. Their names and their lives will
always remind us of the goodness that is America--goodness that the
terrorists sought to destroy. But we know that the terrorists will not
succeed. Their cowardly attack took the lives of 343 members of the New
York City Fire Department, but not the determination of 62 search and
rescue team members from Salt Lake County. They rushed to New York,
working 12-hour shifts, searching the rubble at Ground Zero for more
than a week.
The terrorist attacks left many children without parents--but couldn't
destroy their future, as Americans rallied to support a $100 million
scholarship fund to someday send these children to college. We stand for
everything that the terrorists hate--courage, freedom, compassion,
democracy and hope. Even as our memorials and reconstructed buildings
rise from the devastation of that day, those values emerge unscathed. We
have suffered a loss, but not a defeat. We still mourn, but our faith
has not faltered. The wounds are still fresh but the spirit that is
America shines through--a beacon of hope for better days ahead.
Hon. Tom DeLay
of Texas
Mr. Speaker, we gather today within this citadel of freedom. This room
is where America unites in defense of enlightened self-government. From
this place our Nation draws from the strength and wisdom of our
Founders.
For this reason, the terrorists targeted this temple to justice as
they set out to strike a blow against self-government. And, as the
terrorists attacked symbols of might and prosperity, they attacked the
spirit of this building. In this way, the Capitol, the Pentagon, and the
World Trade Center were all one and the same. This is where the American
people exercise the fullest measure of freedom. So, we come together in
this hallowed chamber to honor the brave Americans of September 11. As
their Representatives, and on their behalf, we launch the debates that
chart the course for this country. And, make no mistake, it was the
exercise of freedom that terrorists wished to extinguish a year ago.
The terrorists failed. And, if their objective was to compel us into
abandoning our principles, there may have been no more spectacular a
failure in recorded history.
My friends, the flame of American freedom is burning brighter and
hotter on September 11, 2002, than at any moment in our history. And
that flame is sustained by the magnificent heroism in Manhattan, in
Virginia, and in the air over Pennsylvania. Freedom continues unabated
in many countries around the world. Americans are doing extraordinary
things in dangerous places that are known and some that we can't talk
about. But when we speak of the men and women defending us at this
moment, we can say this for certain: The present generation of Americans
stands shoulder to shoulder with our proudest generations. And we saw,
in Pennsylvania, a stirring example of what it means to be an American:
Out of many, one.
Strangers, thrown together by providence, facing certain death,
refused to yield in the face of raw evil. Their courage, in the moment
of maximum danger, is the essence of what it means to be an American.
That's why anyone in the world can become an American. All it takes is a
willingness to subordinate our own individual interests to the greater
good of the United States. It's a proud tradition of love, tolerance,
pluralism, and determination. But we would do a great disservice to the
legacy of America's September 11 heroes by casually accepting the
passive posture of complacency in the face of danger.
The great lesson from 9/11 is the moral imperative to address dangers
before they claim the lives of additional Americans. For that reason, we
must stand with President Bush as he marshals freedom-loving people to
confront gathering evils. We must actively deny the aspirations of evil
groups and dangerous regimes. We must bring justice to the most remote
caves where terrorists plot. We must protect America by striking our
enemies before they can carry out their schemes within our borders.
This is the great decision before the Congress. This is the defining
measure of our future security. And on this question, all of us will be
accountable to the people.
Mr. Speaker, we offer our deepest sorrow and solidarity to the
families of those who lost loved ones at the hands of evil, 1 year ago.
Those who now struggle with grief and loss should know, above all, that
they do not stand alone. They should take heart because every American
stands beside them. We offer our love and gratitude for the sacrifices
and unknown acts of heroism carried out by their relatives and friends.
We'll never forget them or what they did for our country.
Thank you and God bless America.
Hon. Tim Roemer
of Indiana
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support and as a proud cosponsor of H.
Con. Res. 464 expressing the sense of the Congress on the anniversary of
the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on September
11, 2001.
Nearly 3,000 American lives were lost exactly 1 year ago today when
the United States was suddenly and deliberately attacked by Al Qaeda
terrorists bent on suicide and destruction of human life. By targeting
symbols of American strength and success, these attacks clearly were
also intended to assail the principles, values, and freedoms of the
United States and the American people, intimidate the Nation, and weaken
the national resolve. Although New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania
suffered the overwhelming burden of the terrorist attacks, every State
and all Americans were affected and continue to mourn that day. We are
united by the events of September 11, 2001, and while passage of 1 year
has not softened our memory, resolved our grief, or restored lost loved
ones, it has clearly demonstrated that Americans will not succumb to
terrorists.
We observe September 11 not only to recognize the tragic deaths of the
innocent souls who perished or who were gravely injured in lower
Manhattan, Shanksville, PA, or at the Pentagon, but we also recognize
this date to honor the firefighters, police officers, rescue workers and
those intrepid eyewitnesses of this tragedy who selflessly faced grave
danger in order to aid the wounded and dying in the immediate aftermath
of the attacks. As the gravest moments came, many Americans, relying on
courage, instinct, and grace, rushed toward the flaming buildings in
order to rescue people or toward terrorist-controlled cockpits in order
to resist their destructive plan. Today we honor the sacrifices and
continuing heroism demonstrated by our brave servicemen and women who
left family and friends in order to defend our Nation. A year later,
many servicemen and women remain abroad, shielding the homeland from
further terrorist attacks.
As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I
am proud to serve on the ongoing congressional joint inquiry. My
distinguished colleagues and I have spent considerable time reviewing
the material and circumstances relating to the events surrounding last
year's attacks. However, many important questions about September 11,
2001, remain unanswered. That is why I support the establishment of an
independent, blue-ribbon commission to conduct a thorough investigation
and to make recommendations based on its findings so that we never again
experience another staggering loss of life on U.S. soil. The American
people deserve a more thoughtful investigation and the families of the
victims of September 11 are entitled to answers about exactly what went
wrong and why.
Hon. James P. Moran
of Virginia
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the first anniversary of 9/11, a day
which changed America's history.
For the past 12 months, this Nation has collectively experienced a
full range of emotion, from the initial fear and uncertainty of that
fateful day, to anger and outrage at the loss of American life and the
violation of two of our Nation's most recognizable symbols. We have
mourned and continue to mourn for the victims of this horrible attack.
Their families and friends are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.
Embedded firmly in my mind is the image of streams of people who came to
the ridge overlooking the Pentagon to pay their respects and sanctified
that hill with flowers, candles and notes of remembrance.
Yet, in the midst of all the sadness, Americans have sought an outlet
for their grief by renewing their sense of community service and
patriotic pride. Our country, which has a strong history of bridging
many differences, has become one. In Northern Virginia alone, we
witnessed friends, neighbors and colleagues coming together to help
rebuild and unite. With the round-the-clock dedication of the Pentagon
renovation team, the revival of the Pentagon has served as the
quintessential symbol of our country's resilience and renewal. A special
debt of gratitude goes to those workers and planners who orchestrated
this rebuilding.
As we bear witness to the powerful images and experiences of the past
year, we are proudly reminded of what it means to be an American. The
heroic acts of the firefighters, police officers and emergency
responders who rushed into the inferno of the Pentagon and World Trade
Center towers to save lives, touches a special place in all our hearts.
It is a place where love of country and for our fellow man is second
nature. This unique American spirit is what wills us to go the extra
mile and put our lives on the line for what we know is right.
So, Mr. Speaker, on the 1-year anniversary of September 11, let us
honor the many sacrifices that have been made by our police,
firefighters, emergency responders and our men and women in uniform.
Their efforts to heal, protect and preserve this great Nation deserve
the utmost respect and admiration.
Hon. Carolyn McCarthy
of New York
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 464, a resolution to
commemorate the passing of 1 year since the cowardly, brutal attacks of
September 11. I would also like to express my condolences to the
families who lost a loved one, along with my reverence for the heroism
of New Yorkers, and the American people.
On September 11, as the horrific events unfolded, I watched brave
firefighters, law enforcement and rescue personnel from New York and
around the country risk their lives to save others. I watched hospitals
prepare for the wounded and our Armed Forces go on high alert. I watched
a stricken Nation respond by rushing to donate blood and volunteer their
time to help the injured. These are acts of honor and bravery that no
barbaric act of violence can penetrate. The citizens of New York, and
all of America did everything within their power to respond unselfishly
and effectively to the attacks. More often than not, the very last fiber
of human strength was tested. New Yorkers and all Americans rose to the
daunting challenge as one proud, resolute Nation.
Throughout the past year we have witnessed the rebirth of a new
America. A stronger, more resilient Nation is determined to eradicate
all forms of terrorism. Those who oppose our way of life may try to
destroy our buildings, but they will never destroy the sense of pride
and love for this country cherished by Americans.
Although the tragic events of September 11 will forever bring sorrow
to the families who lost loved ones, they will also serve as a reminder
of how Americans unite during difficult times. This resolution reminds
us all how difficult it is to kill the American spirit. Honoring the
lives lost, as well as thousands of rescue workers who worked tirelessly
and bravely throughout this difficult time, is a fitting reminder of
what this country stands for. We never forget our own, and we will
always fight to continue our way of life.
Hon. Heather Wilson
of New Mexico
Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my support for the concurrent
resolution in honor of Patriot Day under consideration by the House
today.
On this solemn day of remembrance, it is important to gather with our
families, our friends, and our communities to reaffirm our love of
country and our dedication to upholding the values of freedom and
democracy that we hold so dear.
Today, in Albuquerque and across the Nation, we will take the time to
honor those who faced danger bravely to save others: firefighters,
police officers, and our soldiers overseas who now risk their lives to
protect the freedom we enjoy.
In this spirit, I will be in Albuquerque on September 11 with my
family and neighbors to honor the heroes, to pray for those lost and
their families, to comfort the hurting and to reassure the children.
Hon. David Wu
of oregon
Mr. Speaker, our Nation was irrevocably changed that Tuesday morning,
a year ago today. The past year has not been an easy one, but the
American spirit has carried us through, and our democracy stands strong.
Whether it's Bunker Hill, Pearl Harbor, or September 11, Americans
have a tradition of turning disasters into launch points for a better
future. The response of Americans and Oregonians on September 11
underscores the strength of our democracy and our commitment to
community and freedom. One thousand Oregonians went to NYC soon after
September 11 to show that we stand shoulder to shoulder. Hundreds of
Oregonians are there today.
Our Nation has endured, and will, in spite of everything, thrive.
Today, as we look back and remember who and what we have lost, we feel
keenly the sense of security that we no longer take for granted. But we
will not trade freedom for security. We will move forward together and
build a future worthy of our courageous forebears, and all that they did
to bring us to where we are today.
Hon. Cliff Stearns
of florida
Mr. Speaker, I rise today not only to commemorate the lives lost
September 11, 2001, but also to celebrate the indomitable American
spirit that has been displayed since, and finally to remind our enemies
that we are not finished with them. It has been a year to the date since
an organization of men decided to test the resolve of the American
people. With blind faith, unabashed cowardice, and intentions of terror,
these men, these terrorists took the lives of over 3,000 men, women, and
children. Through this evil act these men hoped to strike deep at our
security, to impact the very fiber of our country's spirit. But as the
towers fell, American flags rose, defying those who would attempt to
shake the balance of freedom and power that we enjoy in this country. On
that day the most diverse country on the planet was attacked, and from
the twisted and smoldering wreckage arose the bond that has connected us
all.
Many claimed that we would never be the same; that an inescapable
change had come over our country. On the contrary, I feel that we have
changed for the better. We are a stronger country, united in the face of
tragedy. The terrorists failed to realize that there is no changing the
American spirit, only revealing it. After the 11th, the spirit of
America revealed itself all across this country. From the thousands who
donated blood, to the thousands more who donated time, resources and
love to the task of not only repairing buildings but also repairing the
hearts of those who lost loved ones on that tragic day. In the few days
following 9/11 we wondered how we would respond to these cowardly acts.
It has now been a year since that day, and I feel we have responded
quickly and accurately. In the past year we have been able to witness as
a country the power and resourcefulness of our armed services. Combining
both new and old world tactics we have seen Special Forces mounted on
horseback calling in the amazing payload of a B-1 bomber. In a foreign
and alien terrain we have seen the men and women of our armed services
perform and adapt in outstanding fashion. Mr. Speaker, as cochairman of
the Air Force Caucus I realize the increasing importance of our Air
Force in current and future campaigns. Nowhere has this importance been
more felt than in the precision strikes made in Afghanistan in our war
against terror. As we continue to hunt down those responsible, we also
continue the rebuilding process both home and abroad. As voices rise
today in freedom from the sites of these grizzly attacks, soon also
shall memorials rise, as a continual reminder of that day and the way in
which we, as Americans have reacted in the year since.
And, as America has reacted this year, we have struggled with the
tender balance between security and freedom. While we of course must
gird our Nation for safety, are we eroding freedom and curtailing civil
liberties and privacy in the process? Our Federal buildings, once the
most open of any nation, are becoming barricaded fortresses, with
streets closed for blocks around, and loss of access. Airport travelers
shed clothing, common tools in their toiletry kit, and their patience in
the name of passenger screening. Future airport security measures may
chillingly include smart-technology that scans a traveler's
identification or body feature, and searches a database including
information as personal as financial stability or neighborhood
involvement, in the name of determining who is a trusted traveler. State
legislatures ponder the Model State Emergency Powers Act, wherein a
Governor might be granted powers to quarantine citizens, force
immunizations, and seize medical records, in the name of public health.
I hope that as we strengthen our Nation, we keep sight of the sublime
principle of liberty on which the Nation was founded, and think about
the overreaching consequences of binding the cords too tightly. The
terrorists attacked our freedom; we should not attack our own freedoms.
Turning from thoughts of ourselves to those of our aggressors, I
remind my colleagues that we are facing an enemy who despises our very
existence. They are consumed by a hate of a country that, despite its
faults, is open to all people regardless race or religion. We operate
under principles of freedom, the ability to pursue life, liberty and
happiness. As such, our country is fighting with hope against terror,
and freedom against oppression. Our enemies will never know freedom,
because they are imprisoned by hate, and for that, they have already
lost. Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Casper Weinberger stated that
``The will of the American people once aroused . . . is capable of
accomplishing all the things that have to be done.'' As long as we
continue to maintain a moral high ground in this campaign and take the
appropriate and precise responsive measures, the will of the people of
this county will know no bounds.
Much has been said and will be said today about what happened a year
ago. As observers, we have an obligation to the families and the
victims. We must remember our fellow sufferers; that is the salve we
offer the families. We also must remember those who terrorize us, as it
is judgment on our enemies. Do not forget: It was a massacre--a cold-
blooded, well-organized, well-executed, carefully plotted massacre of
thousands of Americans. It was perversion--of a faith that preaches
peace and tolerance. It was a message--delivered by maniacal men in
possession of a perverse theocratic ideology. It was a crime--that must
be paid for. It was an invasion--which damaged every sense of safety in
every person who tried to sleep that night. For all the many things it
was, it was also the beginning of a war that is not yet over.
And as much as there is to say about this day, one thing we have
learned is painfully simple. We have learned that whatever false sense
of isolation we felt was an illusion. We must remain vigilant and
remember that ``freedom is not free.''
I conclude that we have learned that our lives are but a breath. That
our families are more important to us than we ever knew and that
protection of our lives and our families may cost us dearly. But we are
Americans, and we will prevail.
Hon. Joe Baca
of California
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. Today, we mourn,
cry, and with clenched fists restrain the raw emotions that are pulsing
through our hearts. We look to the ground in sorrow and to the sky in
prayer, trying to understand this senseless tragedy. More times than I
can remember, I have bowed my head and prayed, asking our Heavenly
Father for spiritual and emotional comfort, for those of us that still
cannot understand why. We know the names and details of the actions of
those terrorists, but that still does not fill the void in our hearts.
To the families of those who died last year I can only say, you have the
heartfelt sympathy of an entire Nation. And, to our Heavenly Father I
would ask to please guard the souls of the dead and let the comfort of
His love ease the pain in the hearts of the living.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to cosponsor this resolution because it
accurately captures the emotions in our hearts. We all desperately wish
it could be September 10, forever. Yet, I take solace in knowing that
nothing endures but change. Things will get better. We have punished
those responsible and exacted that punishment with judicious caution,
and not unmeasured rage. America has proven that power in defense of
freedom is greater than power on behalf of tyranny and oppression. We
have demonstrated that power with spirit and resolve.
One year ago, for the second time in our modern history, our Nation
was attacked. War was thrust upon us. Undoubtedly, this day will forever
live in our memories. Three of my constituents lost their lives on
September 11, and my community will never forget their sacrifice: Cora
Holland, mother of three and grandmother; Rhonnda Sue Rasmusen, who died
at the Pentagon; and Navy Yeoman Second Class Melissa Rose Barnes, who
remains unaccounted for at the Pentagon. We as a Nation have pulled
together to build our courage and strength, for we are united and our
faith will guide us.
I salute those brave individuals, police, firefighters, emergency
medical personnel and others who sacrificed of themselves for their
fellow Americans.
Mr. Speaker, I ask for the prayers of the American people for those
whose lives have been lost. May God grant us the wisdom to continue to
steer our great Nation.
God bless America!
On behalf of the people of the Inland Empire of California, I join my
colleagues in full support of this resolution.
Hon. Michael E. Capuano
of Massachusetts
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of those who perished as a
result of the terrorist attack on September 11. It is impossible to
forget the events of that dark day and difficult to comprehend the grief
of the families who lost loved ones in an instant. My deepest sympathies
are with them on this first anniversary of the attacks. The loss of so
many innocent lives and the bravery of the rescuers will never be
forgotten.
Since September 11, Americans have adapted to a new reality--a reality
with additional security, higher unemployment, economic insecurity,
anthrax and the ongoing war on terrorism. But with this new reality we
are also witnessing renewed sense of American pride. September 11
reminded us all to treasure our freedom. American flags fill our
streets. Patriotic anthems play on the radio and in stadiums from coast
to coast. The principles upon which this country was founded brought us
together and the strength and spirit of our Nation will endure this
challenge.
Today, in every corner of this great country, vigils, prayer services
and memorials will be held to honor the victims of the attacks. As we
reflect on the events of a year ago, let us honor the emergency workers,
firefighters, police officers, hospital employees and grief counselors
who went above and beyond the call of duty that September morning and
during the months that followed. We must also remember the airline
employees and postal workers whose jobs were changed forever on
September 11. Finally, our hearts should also go out to the thousands of
children and families in New York, Virginia, and in communities across
the Nation and around the world who lost mothers, fathers, brothers and
sisters on that tragic day.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of all those who sacrificed
their lives on September 11, 2001, and I honor their memory.
Hon. Ken Lucas
of Kentucky
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the events of the past year.
As I do so, I am reminded that the spirit of America is unbreakable,
unwavering, and unshakable. September 11 and the actions that followed
have affected all of us. As a Nation, I see we are strong--if not
stronger--since that great tragedy struck our homeland. The terrorist
tried to break the spirit of America but they failed. As Americans, we
are united and we will work together to fight the war on terrorism, to
improve our lives, and the lives of our neighbors.
We will always remember the casualties of September 11, the brave
firefighters, police officers, and civilians that fought to save the
lives of so many Americans. They were the first casualties in the war on
terrorism. The heroes of September 11 are not just located in New York,
Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania, but all over this great Nation and in
the military serving our country overseas. For the Americans that
donated time, blood, money, and prayers, they are also the heroes of
September 11. These deeds and sacrifices will not be forgotten.
I recently had the opportunity to visit our troops in Afghanistan and
I am more confident than ever that we are in capable hands. There is no
doubt that we have the best and most professional military in the world.
And last week, I participated in a joint session of Congress in New York
to honor those who lost their lives on September 11. During our visit we
laid a wreath at Ground Zero. From my perspective, both events clearly
demonstrated America's renewed sense of solidarity, patriotism and
pride.
Although September 11 will be a difficult reminder for all Americans,
this is also an opportunity for the Nation to show its strength and its
unity. God bless America.
Hon. Ruben Hinojosa
of Texas
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution honoring the
patriots of September 11, 2001. A year ago, our Nation suffered a
terrible blow. Thousands of our friends and neighbors were lost in an
attack by terrorists who despise America and all it represents.
This morning, many of us in Washington came together at the Pentagon
observance to comfort and pray for all of those who are experiencing
renewed memories of the pain and anguish of that tragic day.
This afternoon, we come to reaffirm our resolve to stand strong for
the ideals of liberty and unity.
September 11, 2001, was one of the worst days in our history. It was
also one of our finest hours. That day, America showed the world that,
through the spirit and courage of the American people, this great Nation
did not and will not crumble despite those who try to tear it down.
Many people were heroes that day. Some of their stories have been
told, but many acts of courage will never be known. Emergency responders
braved fire and flames to climb the stairways of the World Trade Centers
in New York City to help people evacuate. Ordinary office workers
carried strangers down hundreds of stairs to safety.
At the Pentagon in Washington, DC, military and civilian personnel
went into the inferno over and over again to rescue their coworkers who
were trapped.
Heroic passengers abroad flight 93 sacrificed their lives on a field
in Pennsylvania to prevent the deaths of hundreds more of their fellow
Americans.
Yet even while the Pentagon burned and the World Trade Center towers
fell, we were already preparing our response to this act of war. On the
other side of the Pentagon, the military was making its plans. Within an
incredibly short time, Congress came together in a bipartisan manner and
quickly passed historic legislation to secure our homeland and our
skies.
Many of our allies pledged to stand with the U.S.A. in our war against
terrorists. We will always remember those nations who have fought by our
side in this war.
A year later, we have accomplished much. The Pentagon has been made
whole. The rubble at Ground Zero has been cleared. Al Qaeda has been
defeated and stripped of its power base in Afghanistan. Our brave
servicemen and women, together with Allied Forces, are far from home,
but are proudly carrying out their mission of destroying what's left of
Al Qaeda's terrorists.
Today, as we remember the patriots of September 11 and mourn their
loss, let us never compromise the ideals of liberty for which they, like
so many Americans before them, have died. Let us honor them by remaining
strong in our unity and in our diversity. Let us always remember that
good overcomes evil and darkness is always followed by light.
The American flag represents freedom and still proudly waves. With our
strength and resolve, we shall remain united in freedom . . . ``one
Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.''
Hon. Bill Pascrell, Jr.
of new jersey
Mr. Speaker, today, all across this great land, we honor the memory of
those who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001.
We honor those who were taken from us by cowardly murderers, the very
worst of human kind, simply because we are a free people. This 1-year
anniversary is indeed a day of deep reflection and remembrance. I am not
sure if the American family will ever come to terms with the visions of
our brothers and sisters, our sons and daughters, our mothers and
fathers, being victimized by the despicable acts perpetrated by the evil
and the cowardly. But I am sure that our love of country and our love of
each other will help us continue to recover and respond.
We remember and we mourn today. Those we lost will forever be in our
hearts and minds. Our lives now are about making sure theirs were not
lost in vain, about ensuring their values, their ideals, and their
spirit always endure. We will also never forget what we saw in the
immediate aftermath of the attacks. We saw--amid the carnage, amongst
the destruction--the amazing heights of benevolence and decency and
courage that mankind can offer.
What we saw was America.
Within moments of the first attacks, our first responders entered
buildings without reservation in an attempt to save others--and they did
so knowing full well that they themselves might never exit. Everyday
Americans became extraordinary heroes to people they had never met
before. Our eternal gratitude will also be extended to the passengers of
United flight 93 who prevented it from being used as a weapon against
America.
As we mourn the victims and honor the heroes of September 11, we must
be resolute in our efforts to ensure that we protect and defend this
Nation against all those who would do us harm. And we must never forget
what it means to be an American--to cherish the principles of freedom,
democracy, and human rights for all. It is what separates us from them.
Across our Nation, in synagogues, Roman Catholic churches,
Presbyterian chapels, Baptist meeting houses and mosques, words of
comfort, hope and grief will echo from pulpits. At dinner tables across
this Nation, families will grieve, and they will love each other. It is
what we should do on this day.
America is vast and diverse, but today we are united as never before
in our history. The victims of September 11 came from 735 towns and
cities in 40 different States, all members of one American family. My
district lost wonderful people, brothers and sisters, fathers and
mothers, dear friends. As our Nation pays tribute today, I think it is
appropriate to enter the names of the 54 individuals from my district
who died a year ago today.
You will never be forgotten.
Daniel Affilito, John Candella, Lt. Robert Cirri, Caleb Dack,
Antoinette Duger, Edgar Emery, Barry Glick, Emeric Harvey, Howard
Kestenbaum, David Lee, Ming Hao Liu, Robert Murach, Eshtesham Raja,
Linda Rosenbaum, John Skala, Jorge Velazquez, Leah Oliver, Paul
Lasczynski.
Cesar Alviar, Kyung Cho, Robert Coll, Robert Deraney, Luke Dudek,
William Erwin, Tim Graziozo, Zhutu Ibis, Lauren Kestenbaum, Craig
Lilore, Joseph McDonald, Ed Murphy, Steven Roach, Daniel Rosetti,
Michael Stewart, Douglas MacMillan, Dorota Kopiczko, Catherine Nardella.
Paul Aquaviva, Kirsten Christophe, Michael Collins, Georgette Deraney,
John Eichler, Christopher Faughnan, John Graziozo, Donald Jones II,
Franco Lalama, Ken Lira, Craig Montano, David Pruim, Leo Roberts, Norman
Roosinow, Francis Trombino, Marsha Rodriguez, Robert Cordice, Linda
Walker.
Hon. Edward J. Markey
of Massachusetts
Mr. Speaker, I rise as one of the hundreds of cosponsors of this
resolution today to commemorate the victims of the terrorist attacks on
September 11, 2001, and to honor the families who grieve and the heroes
who served on that terrible day in American history.
American Airlines flight 11 and United Airlines flight 175 took off
for the West Coast early in the morning from Logan Airport in Boston.
The Al Qaeda terrorists hijacked and redirected these planes into the
Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, a crossroads of international
trade and commerce.
In Newark, NJ, and in Washington, DC, similar teams of terrorists
aimed flight 77 toward the symbol of American strength, the Pentagon,
and took flight 93 toward the symbol of American democracy, the Capitol
dome.
We remember and honor the brave men and women aboard flight 93, who
overwhelmed the Al Qaeda operatives of flight 93 to prevent a
devastating fourth blow to America--an attack on this very Capitol
Building. Instead, they crashed that plane into a field in Pennsylvania
and saved thousands of others from the tragedy that was visited upon the
Pentagon and the Twin Towers.
The resolution we will pass today commemorates this day in American
history and the more than 3,000 lives lost--some 93 from the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts alone. But the resolution also honors all
those who became America's new heroes--the policemen, firemen, rescue
workers, medics and volunteers who toiled that day and days afterward to
pull victims out of the wreckage.
President John F. Kennedy said at his inauguration, ``In the long
history of the world, generations have been granted the role of
defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from
this responsibility--I welcome it! I do not believe that any of us would
change places with any other people of any other generation. The energy,
the faith; the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our
country and all who serve it and the glow from that fire can truly light
the world.''
Our new American mission is clear--we must never forget those who died
a year ago today on September 11. We must not rest until those who
committed these terrorist acts are brought to justice. And we must
protect our country, all its citizens, from all that threatens democracy
and freedom--for these are the fires that have lit the world.
Hon. Jack Kingston
of Georgia
Mr. Speaker, on this day I believe we have the duty to
remember all the ones who died on 9/11 and all the ones who have died in
Afghanistan and elsewhere as a result of this war on terrorism.
As one stares at Ground Zero today, it looks like any other large
building construction site in any other large city in America. There is
raw dirt, a fenced perimeter, earth-moving equipment going about and
hard hat workers milling to and fro, and if you didn't know better you'd
keep driving by. But upon close inspection, you notice all the buildings
around it have brand new facades, you notice also a new bike path, you
notice the road has been redone and much of the surrounding
infrastructure. Then you notice another building, a historic building,
that was located right next door; it's covered with soot, its windows
are cracked and it's still boarded up. This building makes a quiet but
solemn statement that sets the tone because as you look at this site you
know that it's not just any other construction site, there is an eerie
stillness about it. Rudy Giuliani has called it a cemetery but it's more
than that; it's a battleground, just like Manassas or Gettysburg. A
great battle has been fought here and the feeling of reverence one gets
is universal.
Like all Americans, I remember that morning's events. I was in
Washington, DC. As we watched in disbelief the horror of New York City,
we were soon disrupted by an explosion at the Pentagon. We evacuated our
building, and went onto a chaotic street scene, where we were told that
the Capitol was under attack, that the Mall area had been hit, the State
Department and the Sears Tower. Later that night, Congress gathered on
the steps of the Capitol and sang ``God Bless America.'' It was a moving
American moment. Later in the week, Congress attended a church service
at the National Cathedral with Presidents Carter, Ford, Bush, and
Clinton. President George W. Bush spoke, as did Billy Graham. Then, on
September 20, President Bush addressed the Nation. The sense of
Americanism had never been stronger.
But of all these moments and all these experiences, none struck me,
nor it seems anyone else in America, as deeply as the photos and images
of the firefighters and policemen rushing up the steps of the World
Trade Center at 9:30 the morning of the attack. It was there and then at
that moment that Osama Bin Laden was defeated. He had underestimated the
American spirit as these brave men rushed to rescue people that they did
not know, people who they did not see socially, people who probably
would not even eat lunch with them, and yet they were Americans, and
that was all that counted to the hundreds of firefighters, police
officers and public safety workers who put their lives on the line.
Of the hundreds who died, many people don't know that 60 of them were
off duty. One such fireman had a 9 o'clock tee time on the golf course.
He was already on the golf course, in anticipation of a joyful day of
golf, when he heard the news. Without even calling in, he threw the
clubs in the trunk of his car and drove to the precinct to report. His
body was found at 4 o'clock that afternoon.
At another fire station, six men were getting off duty having pulled
an all-night shift. Their fresh replacements were just finishing up with
breakfast when the alarm sounded. The 6 new ones and the 6 off duty all
jumped on board the fire truck and, of the 12 of them, not 1 made it
back. Such was the spirit of volunteerism that day. In fact, one
precinct asked the mayor's office to quit sending the call for more
recruits since they were already too crowded with men and women who had
stepped forward to answer the call.
On this day of observance, we should remember this lesson about being
on and off duty. For freedom does not wait for the on duty only. If you
and I are to preserve and protect freedom for the generations to come we
must do it 24 hours a day 7 days a week. That is the best way to
commemorate those who died on September 11, and our soldiers who have
died in Afghanistan and everyone else who has suffered and sacrificed
for this great land of liberty.
Hon. Darrell E. Issa
of California
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the city of Leidschendam-Voorburg
in the Netherlands for their act of friendship toward their sister city,
Temecula, CA.
As a way to express their sentiments of sorrow and sympathy for the
events that occurred on September 11, the citizens of Voorburg have
graciously donated the statue ``Singing in the Rain'' by Frans Kokshoorn
to the city of Temecula. The residents of Voorburg donated thousands of
dollars to have this statue built and shipped to Temecula for its
installation on this day of remembrance.
Mr. Speaker as we reflect on the events of 1 year ago, I would like to
join the city of Temecula in thanking the city and citizens of
Leidschendam-Voorburg for this genuine gesture of kindness during a
difficult time for every American.
Hon. Greg Walden
of Oregon
Mr. Speaker, today we gather together as one people united in
observance of the greatest tragedy in American history. We do so
mournful of the staggering loss of life we suffered that terrible day 1
year ago and humbled by the heroes whose courage lifted the spirit of a
grieving Nation.
The attacks of September 11 offered us a grim view of the evil
capacity of mankind, just as it showed us the triumph of the human
spirit and the resilience of the American people. In the heroism of the
firemen and policemen of New York, who rushed into burning buildings
without regard to their own lives, we saw barbarism met with humanity.
In the bravery of Pentagon personnel, who pulled their wounded comrades
from the fiery ruins, we saw wickedness met with honor. And in the
defiance of the passengers of flight 93, who sacrificed their lives to
deny victory to murderers, we saw cowardice met with valor.
While a year has passed since the Twin Towers fell and the symbol of
America's military strength was breached, we remain numb to the
magnitude of the suffering wrought by evil men. And while our grief
subsides with time, it never leaves us completely. The emotions that
swept over us that awful day--horror, sadness, fear, and anger--still
come creeping back to remind us that the scars of September 11 will
never fully heal.
But just as the terrorists dealt us a grievous wound, they also
succeeded in uniting the American people like never before. We have
renewed our faith in our system of government and reaffirmed our
commitment to the spread of freedom and justice around the globe. And we
have been reminded that whatever differences separate us, we remain a
profoundly unified people.
Mr. Speaker, in the years ahead, the attacks of September 11 will be
remembered not merely as an unspeakable tragedy, but as a date that
triggered a renewal of the American spirit. As we move forward in our
battle against the perpetrators of evil, we will proceed with the
unshakable certainty that America's brightest days lie ahead. God bless
you, and God bless America.
Hon. Bud Shuster
of Pennsylvania
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with you and all of my colleagues a
poem written by Mr. Bruce Starr of Warfordsburg, PA, in remembrance of
the tragic events of September 11. Mr. Starr's poem eloquently speaks of
the spirit and the sense of unity that is America.
I Am America
(By Bruce A. Starr)
I AM a most magnificent land of dreams with wondrous
opportunity of fabulous wealth.
I AM holding a vision for all of happiness and
radiant health.
I AM loving and caring for children of God
everywhere, and my generous sharing is beyond
compare.
I AM bringing hope and courage to many for a really
fresh, new start.
I AM the joy of freedom that beats from my heart.
I AM a powerful light of spirit which gloriously
illumines the earth.
To peace in the valley, I am graciously giving
birth.
I AM patiently awaiting everyone's communion, for
our gentleness and strength abides in union.
I AM the truth and beauty that sets souls free, and
I AM guarding and protecting your God-given right to
be!
For after all, ``I AM America!''
Hon. Jim Davis
of Florida
Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of the Bayshore Patriots, a group of four
proud Americans from Tampa whose patriotism inspired thousands of people
from across Tampa Bay to join together this morning for ``Flags Along
Bayshore: Tampa Remembers 9/11,'' an event to remember those lost in the
September 11 attacks and honor those who protect and serve our Nation
every day.
The Bayshore Patriots--Linda Alfonso, Julie Sargent, Julie Whitney,
and Bill Hamblin--have gathered every Friday afternoon since September
11 to wave flags on Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa, a major route for
servicemen and women who work on MacDill Air Force Base. Through their
simple act--the waving of a flag--this group has shown their support for
troops in the Tampa Bay area and sent a message that terrorism will not
destroy Americans' love of country. The Bayshore Patriots' spirit and
dedication has invigorated the Tampa Bay community as more and more flag
wavers join the group each week and passing motorists honk their horns
in support. Gen. Tommy Franks, Commander in Chief of U.S. Central
Command, based at MacDill, has seen the group on this way to work and
stopped to show his appreciation for the group's efforts.
When the Patriots decided to organize a September 11 tribute, with the
hopes of having all 4.5 miles of Bayshore Boulevard lined with Tampa
residents all waving flags, they were overwhelmed with support. Local
businesses volunteered time, money and services to make the event
possible, and people from every corner of our community signed up to
wave flags and participate in the event, which was scheduled to include
a keynote address by General Franks, patriotic songs, and remembrances.
A steady downpour may have interrupted the program, but nothing could
have dampened the resolve of the participants.
The Bayshore Patriots have taught us that we all can make a difference
in the war on terrorism. They started as just a few voices calling out
in patriotism and support for those impacted by September 11, but today,
they were joined by a giant chorus of voices--men, women, and children
from all walks of life singing in harmony. On behalf of the Tampa Bay
community, I thank Linda Alfonso, Julie Sargent, Julie Whitney, and Bill
Hamblin for their inspiration.
Hon. Rosa L. DeLauro
of Connecticut
Mr. Speaker, I rise in the strongest support of this resolution. Our
Nation has endured so much pain--so much hardship and grief since we
were attacked a year ago. Simply put, our world changed irrevocably.
More than 3,000 lives were lost, and today, America remembers their
powerful legacy of courage.
Today, there remains a profound sadness in America, a sadness that
will surely endure as spouses, parents, and friends across the Nation
continue to mourn their unfathomable loss. But in these last 12 months,
Americans have begun the healing process--a process that continues to
this day, inch by inch, hour by hour. That resilience is, perhaps, the
ultimate symbol of the indomitable strength of the American spirit.
All of us were touched by the tragedy of September 11, including so
many from my home state of Connecticut. It was something that once again
hit home for me 2 days ago, when I attended a ceremony dedicating a
garden to the memory of three brave men from Milford, CT, who perished
in the World Trade Center. The ceremony was particularly moving because,
in the World Trade Center bombing of 1993, one of these men, Seth
Morris, had carried a pregnant woman 103 floors to safety. His was the
kind of bravery we now understand is at the core of what it means to be
American. It was the same heroism we saw in the firefighters and police
officers who ran into the burning buildings while others ran out, and in
the heroes on flight 93 who made the ultimate sacrifice to save others.
These personal stories are now a part of our ongoing national story.
The anniversary of September 11 serves as a reminder to all Americans
that our Nation has changed forever. We are now so much more aware of
our freedoms and liberties, our strength of diversity and collective
purpose. Our commitment to freedom and our strength as a Nation has
never been on fuller, broader display.
As our world has changed, so too have the workings of this great body
in the last year. When it comes to protecting our people, Congress has
spoken with one voice--powerful, determined and compassionate. Many here
will remember when this body joined on the steps of the Capitol to
spontaneously sing ``God Bless America'' on this day a year ago. Then,
we said to those who had attacked us, ``You will not dampen our spirits,
you will not break our will.''
And now, after a year of grief, unbearable sadness and the beginnings
of the healing process, we have a similar message to share with the
whole world: our spirits have not been dampened, and our will will never
be broken.
That is what this resolution is about--reaffirming that commitment to
protecting our American way of life and our dedication to making our
Nation not only safer, but stronger. For representatives of the American
people, there truly is no higher calling.
Hon. Barbara Lee
of California
Mr. Speaker, as we pause to remember the horrific and tragic events of
September 11, 2001, let us honor the memory of the innocent men, women,
and children whose lives were lost on that fateful day. The families,
victims, and survivors are in our hearts and prayers as we support
efforts to rebuild and recover from such senseless, inhumane, and
inconceivable attacks.
We are filled with admiration for those who willingly rushed into
danger to try to save others--the firefighters, police officers, rescue
workers, and ordinary Americans who proved to be most extraordinary.
They raced up stairs, they ran into burning buildings, and they brought
down a plane to save others.
We pray that our young men and women in our Armed Forces who are
putting themselves in harm's way will return safely to their families
and friends. In the last year, they have stood watch to keep us safe,
and we are profoundly grateful.
To say America suffered a terrible blow is an understatement. Since
that terrible day we have slowly been recovering from our profound sense
of shock. The walls of the Pentagon have been reconstructed. The
terrible devastation at the World Trade Center has been gradually,
painstakingly cleared away.
Out of the ashes of loss, we must reshape a future, a world free from
horror and hatred, one that offers security for our children and future
generations. To shape the future, this better world, let us recommit
ourselves to justice and peace. As we rebuild the Pentagon, memorialize
the World Trade Center, and journey to a pasture in rural Pennsylvania
where the men and women of flight 93 gave their lives so that others
might live, let us emerge more dedicated to peace, more aware of the
world around us, and more secure.
Let us maintain the spirit of unity, of neighborly concern, of
friendliness toward others, and of service that was so profoundly
displayed in the aftermath of 9/11, and keep it alive and well. Let us
hold on to the spirit that led us to stand in line for hours in order to
donate blood because we so wanted to help. Those values exemplify true
patriotism and demonstrate what is best about America.
I am reminded of the words of a song which has been sung so often, by
so many, which begins, ``Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin
with me. Let there be peace on Earth, the peace that was meant to be.''
Let us remember that hymn as we remember those we lost. Let us keep
them as a constant reminder to be our own best selves, to stand up for
democratic ideals, to work for peace, disarmament, and security, and to
continue to display the love and courage that they shared with us 1 year
ago.
Hon. Lane Evans
of Illinois
Mr. Speaker, the devastating acts committed against the United States
on September 11 will never be forgotten. Today we remember those who
perished in the attacks and extend our continuing support to their
families. We honor and thank thousands of individuals--doctors and
nurses, police and firefighters, military personnel, volunteers and
blood donors and others--for their incredible acts of valor and courage
and service to our Nation. We salute postal workers and letter carriers
who were threatened and felled by a threat they never saw. They, too,
were innocent victims of these horrific acts.
Our thoughts this day are with the men and women in uniform half a
world away. They are on duty to preserve and defend our Nation against
the scourge of terrorism. We honor their service and thank them from the
bottom of our hearts.
Since September 11, our country has stood united in its resolve to
overcome these horrific acts. I and fellow Members of Congress have
joined together and supported President Bush in the war against
terrorism. We have taken steps to make our country safer, assist those
who have been affected by these acts of terrorism, and give law
enforcement and the military the resources necessary to protect us from
further acts of violence.
Those who carried out these acts can try to attack our way of life and
democracy, but they cannot and will not defeat it or destroy it. We will
continue to work together to ensure that these acts will never be
perpetrated again.
Terrorism can never undermine our national spirit and character. We
are a great Nation. We are brave and courageous people. The values that
guide us remain unbent and unbroken. They will endure.
Throughout our history, we have met great challenges. In every
instance, we have overcome every test, every danger. And each time we
have moved forward a stronger, greater Nation with a brighter future.
This solemn anniversary reminds us of a great tragedy. But it also
helps reinforce our national strength and what it means to be an
American. Our purpose and resolve are undeterred.
Hon. Bill Luther
of Minnesota
Mr. Speaker, the tragedy of September 11 is a stark reminder of the
dangerous world in which we live and the risks faced by people who are
firmly committed to democracy, freedom and opportunity for all, as we
Americans are.
As we recognize the 1-year anniversary of these attacks, it is
important to remember and honor the victims and survivors, their
families and loved ones. But we should also remember the amazing acts of
bravery, kindness and self-sacrifice that took place on September 11:
citizens helped each other, firefighters risked their lives to save
those of others, Americans participated in food and blood drives and
other efforts across the country.
The day was one of unspeakable horror, but also one of triumph. We
Americans committed ourselves to gaining from this tragedy. As difficult
as the time was, we resolved to work together to become stronger as a
Nation.
Events of this past year since the attacks remind us that we can
easily lose the spirit of September 11 as we go about our daily
business. At times we may have forgotten the feelings of national unity
and pride that came in the immediate aftermath of September 11. But in
order to continue America's mission in the world, we must continue in
that spirit and work together as Americans every day.
I, along with my family and staff, join all Americans in remembering
the loss of that day and in thanking Americans for their many
contributions in the face of tragedy. To truly honor them and the Nation
we love, we must continue in the spirit that followed September 11 and
work together to ensure peace, justice and prosperity for all.
Hon. Robert W. Ney
of Ohio
Mr. Speaker, whereas, September 11 was a day that impacted everyone in
the United States of America in a shocking and terrible way; and,
Whereas, September 11 also became a pivotal event that unified all
Americans, strengthening our communities and Nation in amazing and
inspiring ways; and,
Whereas, the committee of Phil Wallace, Marian Klier, Dorothy Powell,
and Marian Martin are to be commended along with the community of
Martin's Ferry for seeking to honor and remember those who lost their
lives that day; and,
Whereas, this anniversary of September 11 calls for solemn
remembrance, gratitude, patriotism, and most importantly a celebration
of the indelible American spirit;
Therefore, I join with the residents of Martin's Ferry and the entire
18th Congressional District of Ohio in remembering those who died and
thanking those who became heroes with perseverance and American pride.
Hon. James P. Moran
of Virginia
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the first anniversary of 9/11, a day
which changed America's history.
For the past 12 months, this Nation has collectively experienced a
full range of emotion, from the initial fear and uncertainty of that
fateful day, to anger and outrage at the loss of American life and the
violation of two of our Nation's most recognizable symbols. We have
mourned and continue to mourn for the victims of this horrible attack.
Their families and friends are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.
Embedded firmly in my mind is the image of streams of people who came to
the ridge overlooking the Pentagon to pay their respects and sanctified
that hill with flowers, candles and notes of remembrance.
Yet, in the midst of all the sadness, Americans have sought an outlet
for their grief by renewing their sense of community service and
patriotic pride. Our country, which has a strong history of bridging
many differences, has become one. In Northern Virginia alone, we
witnessed friends, neighbors and colleagues coming together to help
rebuild and unite. With the round-the-clock dedication of the Pentagon
renovation team, the revival of the Pentagon has served as the
quintessential symbol of our country's resilience and renewal. A special
debt of gratitude goes to those workers and planners who orchestrated
this rebuilding.
As we bear witness to the powerful images and experiences of the past
year, we are proudly reminded of what it means to be an American. The
heroic acts of the firefighters, police officers and emergency
responders who rushed into the inferno of the Pentagon and World Trade
Center towers to save lives, touches a special place in all our hearts.
It is a place where love of country and for our fellow man is second
nature. This unique American spirit is what wills us to go the extra
mile and put our lives on the line for what we know is right.
So, Mr. Speaker, on the 1-year anniversary of September 11, let us
honor the many sacrifices that have been made by our police,
firefighters, emergency responders and our men and women in uniform.
Their efforts to heal, protect and preserve this great Nation deserve
the utmost respect and admiration.
Hon. Eni F.H. Faleomavaega
of American Samoa
Mr. Speaker, although the scope and severity of the terrorist attacks
on America make it difficult to know how best to memorialize those who
were lost on September 11, 2001, I rise today to pay tribute to the
passengers of United flight 93 who courageously thwarted an attack on
our Nation's Capital.
To the firefighters of New York City who gave their lives to rescue
others, I join with my colleagues in saying that you will always be our
heroes. To the World Trade Center victims, we mourn your passing. To
those who died at the Pentagon, we will not forget you. To every man and
woman serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, we stand by you. To our friends
and neighbors across the globe, we thank you for supporting us in a time
of need. For every American who has made the ultimate sacrifice and
those who continue to risk their lives in order to save others, our
Nation stands forever grateful.
We are one Nation, under God, united in our resolve to defend freedom
in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on
America. As President Franklin Roosevelt said, ``We will not only defend
ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of
treachery shall never endanger us again. With confidence in our Armed
Forces, with the unbound determination of our people, we will gain the
inevitable triumph, so help us God.''
Mr. Speaker, I commend President George W. Bush for his leadership in
securing our homeland and strengthening America's resolve to triumph
over terrorism. I also commend the Honorable Colin L. Powell, U.S.
Secretary of State, for his untold achievement in strengthening our
alliances. I commend the Honorable Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of
Defense, for mobilizing our troops and protecting U.S. interests
overseas. I commend the Secretary of Transportation, the Honorable
Norman Y. Mineta, for his decisive action to ground all planes and avoid
further tragedy on September 11, 2001.
I also commend my colleagues in both the House and Senate. I commend
both Republicans and Democrats. I commend all Americans united in their
resolve to end the threat of terrorism for future generations.
On behalf of the people of American Samoa, I rise today to say that we
will always remember the heroic actions of those who gave their lives so
that we might live. We stand united in our resolve to defend freedom.
Like all Americans, we join in prayer and proclaim September 11, 2002,
as a day of solemn observance.
I commend the Honorable Tauese Sunia, Governor of American Samoa, for
proclaiming Wednesday, September 11, 2002, to be a day of solemn
observance throughout the territory. All flags will be flown at
halfmast. Memorial services will start in the territory at sundown on
Tuesday, September 5, 2002, and will end with the last service set for 6
p.m. on September 11, 2002.
During this time, American Samoa will participate in a worldwide
choral event. Choirs in every zone around the world will perform
Mozart's ``Requiem'' at 8:46 a.m., the exact time of the first terrorist
attack on America. American Samoa will represent the last time zone on
the globe and the American Samoa Community College Choir will be the
last choir on Earth to sing Mozart's ``Requiem'' during this worldwide,
commemorative service.
I applaud the volunteers from the Seattle Symphony Chorale who
organized this worldwide event to pay homage to the victims, survivors,
and heroes of September 11, 2001. I also commend the students, staff,
and faculty members at the American Samoa Community College for
representing American Samoa on this historic and solemn occasion.
I also express my deepest gratitude for those serving in the U.S.
Armed Forces during this critical time in our Nation's history. I am
pleased to say that the sons and daughters of American Samoa serve
proudly in the U.S. military and, per capita, there are probably more
soldiers in the U.S. Army from American Samoa than any other State or
U.S. territory.
I thank the sons and daughters of American Samoa for answering the
call to serve. I pray for them. I pray for their families. I am
painfully aware of the sacrifices they are making. I am very mindful of
the dangers they are facing. Some 30 years ago, I served in the Vietnam
war. As a Vietnam veteran, I remember all too well what it is like to be
separated from loved ones. Each day, I wondered if I would ever see my
loved ones again or if I would be among the thousands to return home in
a body bag.
By the grace of God, I returned home safely. I now pray that the Good
Lord will watch over the brave men and women of American Samoa who are
also willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice so that future generations
may live in peace.
On this day of solemn observance, in this somber time of remembrance,
my thoughts and prayers also go to all those whose lives have been
changed by the tragic events of September 11, 2001. May we always stand
together in the defense of freedom and may God bless America.
Hon. Hilda L. Solis
of California
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of one of the most horrific
events in our Nation's history.
Today we honor the thousands of innocent people who lost their lives
in the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon and aboard flight 93 a year
ago and salute with great pride the many rescue workers, medical
personnel, and firefighters who risked their own lives to save the lives
of others.
September 11 is a very emotional day for Americans of all walks of
life and it is especially difficult for those who were directly impacted
in one way, shape or form. My heart goes out to the survivors, their
families and all who were affected--emotionally or physically--by this
event. I know it has not been an easy pain to bear.
Last year's terrorist attacks shook the sense of security we have come
to take for granted in our daily lives. Although our country will never
be the same, we have a renewed sense of commitment and are dedicated
now, more than ever, to upholding our freedoms and liberties. Our
country, with all its diversity, stands united to prevent such a tragedy
from happening again.
Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence in remembrance of those who
were lost. May God bless America today and ever more.
Hon. Louise McIntosh Slaughter
of New York
Mr. Speaker, I rise to join my colleagues in remembering the terrorist
attacks of a year ago and paying tribute to the victims, the survivors,
and the American spirit.
One year ago today, almost 3,000 Americans lost their lives in a
series of despicable attacks. These acts were carried out by a group of
people who hated everything our Nation stands for, and who sought to
destroy the symbols of our freedom and prosperity.
Despite the destruction they were able to inflict, these terrorists
actually achieved the opposite of their intended goal. Instead of
dividing us, they united us as never before. The evil of a few was met
by the courage of thousands, and the generosity of millions.
The day of the attacks witnessed countless instances of unflinching,
selfless courage at the sites in New York, Pennsylvania, and the
Pentagon. Workers in the towers and at the Pentagon helped each other
through the evacuation. Firefighters, law enforcement officers, and
emergency personnel rushed to the scene, heedless of the danger to
themselves. Teachers shepherded children to safety; not a single child
at the World Trade Center or Pentagon day care centers was harmed. And
no one will ever forget the heroism of the passengers who crashed flight
93 rather than allow it to continue to its intended target. The world
watched in humbled awe as ordinary Americans performed extraordinary
acts.
The following days and weeks saw another quintessential American trait
expressed: our generosity. Millions of Americans contributed goods,
services, and funds for the rescue effort. Equipment, food, and supplies
poured into the City of New York. Over a few short weeks, millions of
dollars were donated to the families of the victims of the attacks.
Children held penny drives and car washes; businesses had fundraisers;
corporations opened their coffers. No sooner was any need made known
than it was met, often to overflowing.
The trials of September 11 proved that our Nation's motto still holds
true--``E pluribus unum.'' From many, one. From many individuals, many
cultures, and many ideals we stand together as a single Nation, united
in purpose and resolve. Like steel tempered in fire, the challenges of
this ordeal have made us stronger.
Today, we pay tribute to all those who were lost a year ago, and to
those they left behind. My district of Monroe County, NY, bears its
share of the collective grief. Pittsford businessman Thomas Duffy was at
an early morning meeting in the towers and perished. The Vincent family
lost their 24-year-old daughter, Melissa, who had just begun a career
with Alliance Consulting. Several other constituents lost children,
brothers, and sisters. Many lost friends and loved ones. None of these
families will ever be the same again.
The best homage we can pay is to ensure that these people did not die
in vain. We have already taken significant steps by removing the Taliban
regime in Afghanistan, pursuing terrorists across the globe, and
improving homeland security. But we can and must do much more.
Many vital security needs still must be addressed. We must pursue a
long-term strategy for rooting out terrorism and eliminating the
conditions that allow it to thrive. Our public health infrastructure
must be rebuilt and strengthened. Perhaps most of all, however, we must
rededicate ourselves to principles of freedom and democracy. Our
precious liberty can never be taken for granted. We must find the
delicate balance between protecting our security and preserving our
freedom.
Finally, we must pay special attention to the needs of our children in
these difficult times. Too many of our children across the Nation were
traumatized by the terrorist attacks, and many remain anxious and
fearful. These events must not be allowed to poison an entire
generation. We must ensure that our children receive the aid they need
to face the future happy, healthy, and secure. Terror is indiscriminate,
and the young are especially vulnerable.
I join my colleagues in paying tribute to all the heroes of September
11. Our honored dead will not be forgotten. Their families shall not be
alone. We, the survivors, will carry their memories in our hearts and
live their legacy through our actions.
Hon. Gerald D. Kleczka
of Wisconsin
Mr. Speaker, it was 1 year ago that we first shared that sense of
inimitable sadness upon learning that thousands of our fellow Americans
were suddenly and unexpectedly lost to us forever. They met their ends
in the fields of Western Pennsylvania; at our national military
headquarters in Washington, DC; in two of the world's tallest office
buildings in New York City. Some were sitting down for work, or simply
taking a plane trip when the unthinkable occurred. Hundreds of others,
heroes, were taken from us as they selflessly struggled to bring others
to safety.
We came together today to honor their memory. In churches, synagogues,
mosques, schools, homes, and workplaces across the land and around the
world, people will observe moments of silence in solemn remembrance. We
pray for those left behind, whose lives are scarred forever with the
loss of loved ones. We ask God for healing for them and for our country.
We also gather as a Nation to lift our voices in song. While uniting
us across the miles, our shared music today not only pays homage to the
lives lost, but reaches out to embrace the grieving. The songs give us a
shared strength by allowing us to publicly reaffirm the triumphs of our
humanity over terror, of community over hatred, of rebuilding over
destruction.
May today's remembrances bring honor to the memory of those who died 1
year ago, healing to the wounded of body and spirit, and the blessings
of courage and strength for all who remember.
Hon. Melissa A. Hart
of Pennsylvania
Mr. Speaker, on this fateful day last year, the cowardly acts of
terrorists tried to divide this Nation and destroy the American way of
life. Instead they united us, and Americans rose above the ashes to show
the indomitable spirit that makes this Nation so great.
Thousands of lives were lost that day, but millions of us answered the
call of a Nation under attack. The volunteers who helped the victims and
families, the outpouring of donations--these are the shining examples of
what we are capable of when our country needs us most.
President Bush asks us to honor the memory of those lost ``by pursuing
peace and justice in the world and security at home.'' While September
11 was a tragic day, we must also acknowledge the historic outpouring of
charity and sacrifice by all Americans to those in need.
The war on terrorism is not concluding; it has only just begun.
President Bush made it very clear that whenever there is terrorism in
the world, the United States cannot rest. This is a war that we must
remain united in--united and prepared for the challenge to defeat those
who use terror and fear to oppress and destroy.
Those who perished on September 11 will forever remain in our memories
and in our hearts. It is up to us to protect liberty and freedom for all
future generations.
God bless America.
Hon. David D. Phelps
of Illinois
Mr. Speaker, on the night of 9/11/2001, when all the Members of the
House and Senate gathered for that historic press conference to assure
the American people that we had not run from the terrorists and were
doing the business on behalf of the American people, that which we were
elected to do, I was inspired to write these words and set them to
music.
I believe my song expresses much of the sentiments of the American
people that we will and must respond when threatened or harmed. We will
defend the deepest principles of freedom and our Nation's heritage.
Especially on behalf of those brave people, our heroes: the firemen,
policemen, emergency medical teams, our postal workers, the Pentagon
workers, and those who were aboard the hijacked planes, Here We Come!
With you in our minds, and in our hearts, and for everything which this
country stands!
Here Comes America!
The greatest of all nations, where freedom was born
through wars and sacrifices tested, tried and weary worn.
We stand for truth and justice, and our aim is strong and
sure.
The red, white and blue waves on for freedom we shall endure
Here comes America on strong.
God bless America's her song.
United more than ever now.
In prayer to God we humbly bow
for freedom's cause we will not fail.
Over fear we shall prevail.
Let Old Glory wave.
HERE COMES AMERICA.
When liberty is threatened, we'll defend the people's will.
Though heroes have fallen, our resolve we shall fulfill.
A forgiving, loving people, pursuing peace and happiness
but if harmed or terrorized, comes the eagle from her nest.
Hon. Sam Graves
of missouri
Mr. Speaker, on September 11, 2001, America awoke to the worst
terrorist attack in history. As we went to work and school, we left with
a feeling of security that we have long since forgotten. By the time we
returned to our families, our lives and our Nation had forever changed.
It had been many years since America felt so insecure, so vulnerable. On
that morning, the American people's resolve was put to the ultimate
test. Everything appeared to be so uncertain that day. Who would do such
a thing? Why would they do it? Is there more to come? How can I protect
my family?
But there was much that was certain that day. America made a promise
to the victims and their families, to future generations of Americans,
and to the world. The American people promised that this action would
not go unanswered. We promised that this action would only strengthen
and unite us, not divide us. We would respond forcefully to those who
were responsible while tending to our neighbors, our fellow countrymen.
Together, you and people across Northwest Missouri and our Nation
donated blood for the victims, and donated money for their families.
Together, we prayed for those who lost so much that day. We prayed for
our soldiers who stood ready--preparing to defend our freedom.
As we stop to remember that terrible day, some of the pain and fear
has subsided. But our determination to defeat those who seek to
terrorize us must never fall victim to the passage of time. In the
coming months, the American people will face a choice: live up to our
responsibility by making tough choices and sacrifices to continue our
assault on terrorism, or quit now and hope that they choose to stop
planning future attacks. The American people should never have to endure
such a tragedy again. As we have learned over the past year, we can do
something about it. We must never mislead ourselves that we have to wait
to be attacked again to continue our defense from terrorism. The more
than 3,000 lives lost is all the justification we need to have to defend
against a certain threat of terrorism. The United States must remain
vigilant and prepared so that we remain forever free.
Hon. Mike Pence
of Indiana
Mr. Speaker, the United States of America is founded on the
fundamental principle that all citizens have the inalienable right to
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The United States of America stands as a beacon of freedom and
opportunity for everyone regardless of race, creed or religious belief.
The strength and vitality of the United States of America is in the
diversity of its people, the diversity of its ideas, the freedom to
express those ideas and the opportunity to achieve one's potential and
direct one's destiny.
Mr. Speaker, these ideals and principles are absolute and will not be
surrendered or weakened by the cowardly acts of terrorists who fear the
sunshine of freedom and the responsibility it brings.
Let us forever remember that the date September 11 reaffirms the
principles for which the United States of America was founded and that
on this day each year freedom shall ring from every community in this
great land and the voice of America will be heard around the world.
Hon. Xavier Becerra
of California
Mr. Speaker, a year ago I stood on this same floor of the people's
House as the ruins still smoldered, the families still prayed and hoped,
and all of us searched for ways to explain and prepare for the events
that were to unfold. I will never forget that feeling of collective will
which permeated this Congress to act to bring to justice those who
committed these heinous crimes.
America will never forget September 11, 2001. In its tragedy, in its
despicability, and in its lessons and impact on our way of life, it
represents a singular moment of history. But what really do we remember
about this event? And for today, the first anniversary of 9/11, perhaps
the best question is: What should we remember?
Mr. Speaker, my answer to that is: Let us remember the mothers and
sons, the brothers and sisters, who perished on September 11, by
remembering, today, to touch our own mother or son, our brother, our
sister.
We will never forget the firefighters, police officers, and
volunteers--the heroes of September 11. Let's prove that by not
forgetting to extend a hand to our heroes in uniform, who protect us
today.
And let us commemorate 9/11 and honor our fallen by forever defending
and living up to the ideals embodied in our Constitution. Our way of
life may have been challenged, but it has not been compromised. We can
prove to the world that in triumph or tragedy, we shall be a Nation of
laws.
As I stood on the floor of the House a year ago I asked: How do we
explain this barbarous act of terrorism to our children? I did not
believe then, nor do I believe now, that it is possible to really
explain--to make sense of what happened--to our little ones. But I
remember my words that followed and they ring so very true to me today:
``From my words and my deeds, from the way our country prosecutes this
unconscionable crime, I hope [our children] will learn and they will
remember how this country lives and breathes its freedom and relentless
search for justice. Perhaps, then, as our children grow older and wiser,
they will be better prepared to preserve life and defend America's
values.''
So, Mr. Speaker, as we move forward to complete the unfinished
business of 9/11, let us remember our fallen, let us reflect on our
tenacity and perseverance, and let us be the heroes in life that the
victims of that day are in death.
I remember that feeling of hope and justice back then, and I believe
it will guide us through our mission now. May God bless America.
Hon. Jane Harman
of California
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the commemorative resolution
honoring those who died last September 11, those who came to the rescue,
and those who served, and continue to serve, in the fight against
terrorism.
Our minds are still seared with the images of last year's tragedy.
Members knew some of the individuals who died in the attacks. In
California's 36th District, where LAX--the destination of three of the
four hijacked planes--is located, four of my constituents were killed.
They are: Anna Alison of Torrance, Chandler ``Chad'' Keller of
Manhattan Beach, Stanley Hall of Rancho Palos Verdes, and John Wenckus
of Torrance.
Today, we remember these individuals and join with their families in
commemorating their lives and their contribution to our community and
Nation.
We also remember several other individuals who worked in the 36th
District but lived elsewhere. Their coworkers remember them fondly:
Ruben Ornedo, who worked at Boeing; and Peter Gay, who worked for
Raytheon Electronics and commuted to El Segundo weekly from the East
Coast.
Mr. Speaker, our hearts are still broken and we continue to grieve.
The remembrance ceremonies I attended--last week at Ground Zero and this
morning at the Pentagon--were incredibly moving and heartfelt.
But as we work together to rebuild the lives shattered by the events
of September 11, we also look to identify the actions we need to take at
all levels of government to ensure maximum preparedness and protection
against this threat--beginning with a reorganization of our government's
resources.
We have learned from this horrific experience.
Sadder, but wiser and stronger, we are aided in our efforts this past
year by the testimonies of those who walked through hell and by those
who are prepared to do the same.
I am reminded of the words of Tennyson--
Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved Earth and heaven, that which we are, we are--
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
New Yorkers, the workers at the Pentagon and the passengers and crew
aboard American flight 77 did not yield.
Nor will America.
Hon. Solomon P. Ortiz
of Texas
Mr. Speaker, September 11, 2001, is a day you will always remember
where you were, who you were with, and what you were doing. My personal
experiences that day are vivid: going to a press conference in the
Capitol at 9:30, moving fast to get out when we saw the reports of smoke
at the Pentagon and seeing the monitor in the House radio-TV gallery
flash, ``White House being evacuated.'' Nothing can describe the feeling
of rushing out of the building you love, hearing the attack was not
concluded and seeing the smoke from the Pentagon rising behind the
building in which my congressional office is located.
I went to the Pentagon 2 days later to thank the emergency workers and
was struck by the smells that were still so strong there, the stench of
the burning building and literally the smell of death. I'd been to that
building so many times and it seemed so impenetrable. This attack served
to illustrate how vulnerable we are in this country. We live in a wildly
dangerous world; the security increases we see here now have been the
norm in Europe and around the Middle East for decades. Our world is
dangerous. We live in this world; now we appreciate that danger every
day.
Our Nation was founded on the belief that God is great, that He is
watching out for us. While the fear and hurt was apparent that day and
the days that followed, so too, was the strength and courage of men and
women who risked their own lives for their country and their American
family that day. The passengers in the plane that crashed in
Pennsylvania jumped into action, fighting a battle that eventually saved
a Washington-area target, quite possibly the building where Congress
meets.
Our legacy, our duty today is to ensure that those who died on the
planes, in the buildings, and on the battlefield, did not die in vain.
Our respect for their memory must be to recommit ourselves to our
Nation, our freedom and each other. Today we mourn anew the lives lost
in the attack 1 year ago, and the lives lost in battle since then and we
offer our sympathies again to those they leave behind. We also honor the
police, firefighters and rescue personnel who risked their lives to help
those hurt in the attacks.
Our challenges are huge. Many people in this world carry evil in their
hearts and minds. We can never change the hearts of humans, but great
American men and women are doing their best every day to prevent that
evil from finding its way here to our shores again. The United States is
a beacon of light around the world. There are thousands of freedoms and
privileges in this country that we enjoy every day but those privileges
come at a cost, at a sacrifice. Our way forward will not be easy, for
this is not over.
Ask God for wisdom and strength to protect us here at home and those
around the world who love freedom and democracy. Always remember those
servicemen and women serving in the military. They are doing difficult,
dangerous work on our behalf, and on behalf of freedom and democracy.
Our test is to be united at this hour of crisis in our Nation and in our
world. Congress will honor the memories of all those we have lost to the
war on terror by defending the United States in the face of future
attacks.
Hon. George R. Nethercutt, Jr.
of Washington
Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago on September 11, our country suffered
unexpected and unjustified attacks that killed and injured innocent
people from many nations of the world. While the attacks occurred in the
City of New York, a peaceful field in Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon
in Virginia, the effects of terrorism were felt in every corner of
America and throughout the world of nations that shared our sorrow.
The resulting war on terrorism has called together the people of
America to unite behind a commitment to defend our homeland and preserve
our way of life against all enemies of freedom and liberty. In doing so,
America has witnessed a heartening resurgence of patriotism, a deep
appreciation for the ordinary heroes among us, a fervent call to prayer,
and a thankful devotion to the simple blessings of family, community,
faith and friendship. We are indeed a blessed people, committed to
liberty for individuals and nations everywhere, but mindful that freedom
too often comes with great sacrifice.
Who can doubt our American faithfulness and resolve as we grieve for
those who lost life on September 11, applaud the brave government
servants and military might of our great Nation, strive for economic
stability and quietly pray for a peaceful world free of tyrants and
violence.
The United States is no stranger to evil--our forefathers have
overcome it through 225 years of proud but difficult history. The
challenge for this and future generations will be to never succumb to
the temptation of withdrawing from our national obligation to resist
evil and fight for freedom for future generations of Americans. The war
against terrorism, memorialized in those who died 1 year ago, is only
the latest test of our national resolve. In lasting memory of September
11, let the legacy of this new century be one of victory for mankind as
the United States of America leads the world to liberty and justice for
all.
Hon. John B. Larson
of Connecticut
Mr. Speaker, I rise today, 1 year after the terrorist attacks on our
Nation, as we collectively pause to reflect, remember, and memorialize
those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. We proudly remember
those heroic acts of bravery and courage selflessly performed by
citizens that day. It was a day when ordinary people performed
extraordinary deeds.
The Nation was struck by terror, but responded with the courage and
the conviction that makes us free. As we pause to recognize our precious
freedoms, we will never forget September 11 and what happened in New
York City, the Pentagon or in the fields of Pennsylvania.
The terrorists failed in their attempts to bring down this Nation
because the United States responded with love of country and the resolve
to bring them to justice, ensuring that those who gave their lives will
not have perished in vain.
With great compassion and understanding, our hearts go out to the
families of those who lost their loved ones, knowing life will never be
normal for them. As we pause today in remembrance, we are resolved to go
forward protecting and cherishing the freedoms that sustain us all.
Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 464 appropriately recognizes the 1-year
anniversary of September 11 and I urge my colleagues to unanimously
support this resolution. God bless America.
Hon. Randy ``Duke'' Cunningham
of california
Mr. Speaker, a year ago today our Nation was attacked by terrorists
intent on destroying the most enduring symbols of our success and our
way of life. On this solemn occasion, the anniversary of those horrific
attacks, I rise in strong support of the resolution recognizing
September 11 as a national day of remembrance.
On this day, we mourn the loss of thousands of innocent lives, we
honor the selfless acts of those who came to the victims' aid, and we
pay tribute to those who willingly put their lives on the line to stop
the terrorists from wreaking further destruction on our land.
September 11 will forever be remembered as one of the darkest days in
our Nation's history. Today the horror of that event is still fresh, and
the pain is still raw. And just as it is today, it will always be one
for sadness and reflection. But the response it inspired in our Nation
was uplifting. As we shudder at the recognition of devastation on this
day, we can also take heart in the greatness and strength it inspired.
Time will ease our sorrow, and we will continue to prosper as a
Nation. But we must never forget the lesson we were forced to relearn on
September 11, 2001: there are those who are threatened by our strength,
our freedoms and our way of life, and they want to destroy our Nation.
We must remain united in our commitment to pursue those who threaten us,
to ensure our way of life and to uphold the hope of freedom around the
globe.
Hon. Rob Simmons
of Connecticut
Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago today our Nation endured an attack by a
dedicated and dangerous enemy. Since that day we have seen that the
principles and ideals that are the foundation of America are far
stronger than any of the steel and concrete that fell that day.
We are gathered to remember the innocent lives that were taken. The
district that I represent, the Second District of Connecticut, lost a
number of wonderful people on September 11. The names of some of them
follow:
Josh Piver, of my hometown of Stonington, worked at Cantor Fitzgerald
on the 105th floor of the World Trade Center. Josh loved jazz, loved
living in New York City and had an exuberant passion for life. He was a
fine young man with a bright future.
Madeline Amy Sweeney, a flight attendant for American Airlines flight
11, the first jet to strike the World Trade Center. Displaying a courage
while under tremendous pressure, she proved that on that day a loving
wife, and a caring mother and daughter, could also be a hero. She used
her cell phone to report what was happening and the information she
provided helped us identify the attackers. She jump-started our
investigation. Her parents live in Norwich, CT.
Ruth McCourt, a homemaker from New London, CT, and her 4-year-old
daughter, Juliana, were on United Airlines flight 175 bound for Los
Angeles. They were on their way to enjoy a vacation at Disneyland. Their
jet crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
James Greenleaf, Jr., a 32-year-old history buff, was a football star
in high school. He worked on the 92d floor of the World Trade Center.
His friends said he was the type of individual who would spend a week's
vacation helping an old friend build a new house.
Ed Calderon, 43, was a security guard for the Port Authority of New
York and New Jersey. He loved to dance and especially loved the salsa.
He had worked at the World Trade Center for 22 years and was last seen
running toward the North Tower after helping dozens of workers reach
safety. He was hoping to help a few more people just before the building
collapsed.
Bruce Eagleson, 53, a vice president of the Westfield Group, was at a
meeting on the 17th floor of the World Trade Center when a jet struck
the building. His oldest son called after the first plane hit and urged
him to leave. He told his son he was helping to evacuate people and
promised he would get out. Mr. Eagleson had hoped to retire within 7
years. He loved fishing and golf.
Eric Thorpe, 35, was the star quarterback of his undefeated high
school football team. He was one of the top salesmen at Keefe, Bruyette
and Woods. But he kept success in the business world in perspective. He
helped run a soup kitchen during college, worked as a Big Brother and
participated in Hands Together, an antipoverty program in Haiti. His
friends knew him for his nonstop sense of humor.
Eric Evans, 31, was an easygoing individual who was determined to
succeed in business. He also loved to garden and enjoyed tending his
tomato and basil plants. His friends said he loved animals, except for
the squirrels that would get into his tomatoes.
These fine people, and all the others who were taken from us on
September 11, 2001, leave behind families and friends and lives that
were full of the promise of tomorrow. Today it is appropriate that we
honor their memory.
But this is more than a day of remembrance. This is a day to recommit
ourselves to the values that are the foundation of America. Freedom,
justice, honor and an unwavering belief in self-government--those are
the values we believe in and they are the values that those we remember
today believed in as well.
This is a day to keep in mind that there is a great and profound
difference between the use of force to liberate and the use of force to
enslave.
And this is a day to recommit ourselves to our love of our country.
Let us join together and appreciate America's history and stand firm in
support of our institutions and the duties of citizenship. This is a day
to look to the future.
A great deal of learning in our Nation has traditionally taken place
when families gather around the kitchen table at mealtime. I hope that
beginning tonight all American families will take time to discuss
today's events around the dinner table. Talk together about what it
means to be a citizen of this great Nation. Share your thoughts with
each other about what the events of today mean to you, your family and
friends.
John Winthrop, one of the Pilgrims who came to this new world,
described it as a ``shining city upon a hill.''
Today, with our prayers, we remember those who are gone. Let us also
direct our efforts to ensure, for our sake and for the sake of those yet
to come, that this shining city on a hill will remain a beacon of
freedom and hope that will forever reach out to embrace the aspirations
and dreams of all the people of the world.
Hon. Jo Ann Davis
of Virginia
Mr. Speaker, a year ago today, a radical, Islamic terrorist group
seized four aircraft, turning them into deadly weapons and killing
thousands of defenseless people. Today, we continue to mourn the loss of
those victims, and honor those who, with great bravery and instilled
sense of duty, risked their lives to protect our people.
Yet while we reflect on this day, 1 year ago, we cannot look back.
Throughout the history of America, we have been a forward-looking
Nation, striving for excellence and finding strength in our love of
country. America is a God-fearing land, and because of this, our Nation
has been blessed mightily.
These attacks have been compared to December 7, 1941, when Pearl
Harbor was also struck from the sky. At the end of that day, America was
devastated and struck with the great sorrow of this tragedy. Yet as
history so aptly tells us, America's resurgence brought forth the
liberation of the world, and global peace for decades.
Today, as we look out across our land, we will see America at its most
glorious hour. We will see the spirit of America at every ceremony, in
every city and on the face of all Americans. It was the spirit of
America that got us through that fateful day 1 year ago, and it will be
this spirit that will carry us through for years to come.
It is contagious, this American spirit. Last year, as our
firefighters, police officers and rescue workers sacrificed to save
lives, the American spirit shined. As our military men and women headed
overseas to defend our country, the American spirit shined. As Americans
across our land joined together in unity and with a renewed sense of
patriotism, the American spirit shined.
This is America, and faith and freedom will always be our call. That
is what makes us unique. That is what makes us a people of great pride
and resiliency. And that is what makes us a target. Yet in the end,
America endures.
Today the war on terrorism is progressing, but it will take time. As
the President has said many times--this is a faceless enemy that we
fight, and determination and perseverance will be our keys to victory.
In the end our victory will once again bring about global peace.
So as we reflect on that tragic day, 1 year ago, and mourn the loss of
so many of our fellow Americans, rest assured that our brave military
men and women overseas are getting the job done, and making America
proud.
I commend and thank our military men and women for their sacrifices
and bravery as they protect the homeland. They are picking up where the
heroes of September 11 left off--defending America, and fighting for the
freedoms that we are willing to die for. The terrorists who attack us
operate out of hatred--hatred of our freedom, hatred of our faith, and
hatred of our liberty. Yet in the end, it will be our faith, freedom and
love of liberty that will ultimately defeat them.
May God bless the United States.
Hon. Dana Rohrabacher
of california
Mr. Speaker, today America is reflecting on the events of 9/11, as we
should; and it is a time to remember. It is a time to remember those who
lost their lives and to remember those, like the firemen and the police,
who gave their lives trying to save others. It is a time for rage, as we
have heard, and a time for reflection, a time for pride and a time for
anger. What it is not, however, is a time for mourning. That time is
over.
Today, I join with all of those who solemnly commemorate this
anniversary. Heartfelt commemoration, I suggest, is not enough. We must
consider not just what happened a year ago, as we have been hearing for
the last hour; but instead we must find and discover and talk about and
we must make determinations about why 9/11 happened.
As a Nation, we are now engaged in a historic global conflict with a
vile enemy who slaughters innocent people by the thousands and then
makes sanctimonious references to God. Talk about blasphemy. I do not
know if bin Laden is dead or alive; but I do know that when he dies he
will burn in hell, and it is our job to get him there as quickly as
possible.
Our President laid down a battle plan that brought the liberation of
Afghanistan and will soon rid the world of threats like that of Saddam
Hussein. This is a result of 9/11 one year ago, but it did not start one
year ago.
The first order of business is for us to recognize that the murderous
attack on us in New York and at the Pentagon was not an act of God, nor
was it a natural phenomenon. It did not just happen; nor, let me add,
was it just a case of bad luck.
The slaughter of our fellow citizens need not have happened. It was
something that would not have happened had certain people done things
differently, had certain government policies been different, had certain
Federal agencies and departments been given different marching orders.
In short, 9/11 need not have happened, and it is imperative that the
American people look closely at the policies, the systems, and yes, the
people which led to 9/11 to ensure that something like this never
happens again.
What policies am I talking about? Let us start with the fundamentals
or, if you will, the fundamentalists. Of the 19 hijackers on 9/11, 16
were Saudis or held Saudi passports. America's relationship with Saudi
Arabia is complex but not as unfathomable as some would have us believe.
In the cold war, we worked closely with the Saudi royal family; and to
be fair, they were our loyal allies. They helped us finance anti-
Communist projects that were of immense importance to our national
security in the days when the Soviet Union was spending billions of
dollars to bury us. Saudi help was vital on a number of fronts; and,
yes, there is reason today for us to be grateful.
What they did to help us in the past, however, does not excuse what
they are doing today that threatens us. Times have changed, and
dramatically so. If our policy toward Saudi Arabia does not change
significantly, there will be a heavy price to pay in the future, if we
have not already paid enough.
Relying on low oil prices and on Saudi largesse for special cold war
projects left us dependent upon them, and who is them, who are we
talking about? We are talking about the royal family, the royal family
of Saudi Arabia that is autocratic and over the years has become fat and
incompetent and in many ways cowardly. However, again, they helped us
defeat an enemy intent on destroying us, communism. So we paid special
attention to the Saudis.
Instead of pushing for democratic reform and human rights, we let the
Saudis, and because of their influence, much of the Muslim world in
general, we let them off the hook in our push for democracy and human
rights.
In the short term, it makes sense. In the long term, it has had a
dramatically bad impact, negative impact. Young people in that part of
the world have suffered under despots and crooks; yet we Americans
continually talk about stability in that part of the world, when what we
should be pushing for is democratic reform and the opening of closed
societies.
Entrenched regimes, royal and secular, have been brutal and corrupt.
Is it any wonder that young people in a large chunk of the world turn to
Islamic fundamentalism as their idealistic alternative? In their corrupt
world, radical Muslims have been the only ones offering a morally based
alternative, but radical Islam is not a positive force. It is
tyrannical, arrogant and malevolent.
Right here we should note that most forms of religious extremism are
equally reprehensible and that radical Islam should not be singled out.
Although limited to a few loud voices, a drumbeat started right at
September 11 to paint all Muslims as the enemy of the United States and
of the West. That drumbeat started the moment those planes hit the World
Trade towers; but thanks to our wise President, we did not succumb to a
strategy of hate.
Bin Laden wanted us to retaliate against Muslims in general, which
would have polarized hundreds of millions of people against us, many of
whom would have ended up supporting bin Laden and his terrorists as
their saviors. As I say, we did not fall into that trap.
By the way, just to put things in perspective, in the decade leading
up to 9/11, Muslim people saw their fellow Muslims being ethnically
cleansed, raped and murdered in Bosnia by thugs calling themselves
Christians. They saw their fellow Muslims repressed and murdered by the
tens of thousands in Kashmir by people who called themselves Hindus and
were cut down in the Middle East by the Israeli Army. Hundreds of
thousands of non-combatant Muslims have lost their lives due to the
actions of governments controlled by people of other faiths. So from
their perspective, Islamic people are no more terrorists than others.
In the West, all we see is the frightening picture of planes flying
into buildings and suicide bombers blowing up Pizza Huts in Israel. So
the first policy we need to change is that which has us tolerating
dictatorship and corrupt governments in Muslim countries in order to
maintain stability. Working with Russia, which is now our friend, and
trying to build a democratic society, let us break our dependency on oil
from unfriendly and democratic and undemocratic anti-Western
governments. Let us seek out reformers in the Arab and Muslim world. Let
us demand free elections and freedom of speech and press as well as
religious tolerance in those Muslim countries.
Over the last 2 decades, the Saudi establishment has dealt with the
rise of their homegrown religious extremists by ignoring them, giving
them a free hand overseas and by sending them to Afghanistan.
Their extremists are called Wahabis. Those folks are on the outer
limits of Islam. They are the ones who insist that women must cover
themselves from head to foot. Now, that is okay if women voluntarily
accept this religious mandate. Instead, however, the Wahabis act as if
they have the right to control everybody, even those who do not accept
their particular view, claiming to have an infallible insight about the
wishes of God. They beat women with sticks if so much as their ankles
are showing. They feel free to commit violence against people of other
faiths and to prevent anyone with a different belief in God, even other
Muslims, from worshipping and living their lives as they see fit.
These are the most radical of all Muslim sects. Instead of standing up
to this religious gangsterism, the Saudi royal family allowed them to
establish their base of operations in Saudi Arabia and to export Wahabi
radicalism throughout the world, with the help, of course, of billions
of petrol dollars.
One of the places not just influenced but under the control of the
Wahabis was Afghanistan. The Taliban was not an indigenous religious
sect of Afghanistan. That is the mistake so many people make. They
represented a transplanted Wahabism. Transplanted from? Where else.
Saudi Arabia.
These crazies did not represent the character and/or the values of the
Afghan people. The Afghan people are devout in their faith but they are
not fanatic. They pray and are grateful to God, but they do not feel
compelled to have everyone else pray, much less feel compelled to make
everyone else pray just like they pray.
I have seen this tolerance first-hand, even in the most desolate
regions of that distant land. Years ago, 14 or 15 years ago, actually, I
was in Afghanistan with a mujahedin unit, the mujahedin being the
fighters against the Soviet occupation. During long treks across the
desert, the small group of mujahedin fighters I was with would stop and
pray five times a day. They would get on their knees and they would
pray, and they would thank God for everything that they had. I might add
that they had little. We did not even have a good clean glass of water,
much less the provisions of food that could keep people healthy. Yet
these people were grateful for everything.
It caused me reason to pause and think that here in the United States
we have so much and how rarely people think about how grateful they
should be for what we have. But here were these people, under attack by
the Soviets, on their knees praying. But there were many other people in
the surrounding area and with our group. About half of them were not
part of the praying during those prayer sessions. They stood there.
What impressed me is that those who were praying felt perfectly
comfortable. They were fulfilling their obligations to God but did not
feel threatened by these others who were not praying and who were not
compelled to participate. That was the essence of the Afghans--grateful
to God, devoted to God, but not fanatics who were trying to suppress
other people into some sort of religious dictatorship.
The attitude of the Taliban in Afghanistan, of course, was totally
different from the type of attitude I am talking about. And it was not a
result of the susceptibility of the people to the Taliban's form of
Islam as much as it was a result, meaning the Taliban's ascension to
power, of what is naturally in the Afghan people's hearts. Instead, I
believe, it was the result of a deal between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan,
and, unfortunately, the United States.
It, of course, goes back to the cold war, when the United States was
helping the Afghan freedom fighters in their struggle against the Soviet
army that occupied their country. The Saudis were helping, too. Now we
helped, and we can be proud of that. The Saudis were also helping, but
as I discovered, it was not quite that simple.
As I was hiking through Afghanistan with that mujahedin unit heading
toward the battle of Jalalabad, which was one of the last battles the
Soviets participated in in Afghanistan, we came across an encampment of
white tents. These were very expensive tents. There were off-road
vehicles there. The people were well fed, well clothed. And I was told
by my mujahedin fellow freedom fighters to keep my mouth shut and to
speak no English because this was an encampment of a crazy psychopathic
killer, a Saudi named bin Laden, and bin Laden would kill all of us if
he knew there was an American with the group because he hated America as
much as he hated the Communists.
And much of the support that the Saudis gave to the Afghan freedom
fighters was right there. It was actually bin Laden and his group there
fighting against the Russians. And that was their contribution to
Afghanistan in the fight against the Soviets.
Well, after the Soviets withdrew from Afghanistan, after the mujahedin
victory, we can be proud we helped them fight off the Soviets by giving
them the weapon systems they needed, but we did not help them at that
point rebuild their country. In fact, America simply walked away and let
them sleep in the rubble. We did not even help them dig up the land
mines that we had given them to defeat the Soviet army. And so young
kids, little kids from Afghanistan have been blowing off their legs ever
since. And they cannot even treat their young people. They do not have
the medicines to do so because we have not been there to help.
There was an agreement, however, as we left. It was probably not a
formal agreement; probably just an understanding to let Saudi Arabia and
Pakistan oversee that region. So we walked away from Afghanistan and the
entire region. Instead of insisting on a government that reflected the
will and values of the Afghan people, we left them in the hands of the
Saudis and the Pakistanis.
For several years, there was chaos and fighting. Not as bad as before,
but there was fighting that continued, and the Saudis then unleashed
their ace in the hole. We had left, but the Saudis had been preparing
for this eventuality. The term taliban means student and refers to those
who spent most of the war against Soviet occupation not fighting the
Russians. That was a whole different group of guys. That was the
mujahedin. No, the Taliban were in schools, so-called religious schools,
in Pakistan. Later, they emerged from these schools seemingly out of
nowhere, but in fact were trained, armed and financed by Saudi Arabia
and Pakistan.
Within 6 months, they had conquered over two-thirds of the country,
including Kabul, the capital city. But just as it was in Orwell's Animal
Farm, vicious dogs were surreptitiously nurtured and then suddenly
unleashed to do the bidding of pigs.
Just a reminder: Many pundits fail to understand the difference
between the mujahedin and the Taliban. The former fought the war against
Soviet occupation troops. That was the mujahedin. The latter, the
Taliban, arrived on the scene much later. And in the end, the same
mujahedin who helped defeat the Soviets were our allies in this last
year in driving the Taliban out of power. The mujahedin, the good people
of Afghanistan, have stood with us twice. Let us pledge that we will not
walk away from them again. Let us help them rebuild their country.
Let the Record show that I had spent a year trying to prevent the
Taliban from coming to power at that time. My goal right after the end
of the war with the Soviets was to try to bring the old King Zahir Shah
back from his exile in Rome. Zahir Shah was one of the most beloved and
pro-Western of his people. He was anxious to serve as a transition
leader that would lead his country to a new political system that was
based on democratic elections; on ballots instead of bullets. As I say,
he was an honest, kind man, with a good heart, and respected by all the
people of Afghanistan.
Instead, the King was pushed aside, or should I say he was kept on the
sidelines. And I might add that our own State Department played a major
role in ensuring that this positive alternative did not come to power.
Instead, the Taliban assumed power with the acquiescence if not the
support of the Clinton administration. Knowing there was nothing more I
could do, I hoped for the best. I tried my best to prevent the Taliban
from getting into power. Now they were there, and our government seemed
to be going along with it, so all I could do is hope for the best.
However, within a month or so, the tyrannical ways of these religious
kooks made it clear to me and to everyone that they had to go. Yes, it
was clear to me, but I take that back, it was not clear to everyone,
because the Clinton administration could never seem to come to that
conclusion, that the Taliban had to go. In understanding who should be
accountable for 9/11, we must understand that the State Department,
under President Clinton, was never anti-Taliban. Our State Department,
probably under the President's direction, undermined those efforts aimed
at undermining the Taliban. So those of us who were anti-Taliban found
ourselves the target of the State Department rather than having the
State Department target the Taliban for their misdeeds.
In several personal instances I was involved with helping obtain
medical and humanitarian support for people in the areas of Afghanistan
that was not yet under Taliban control. I was thwarted by our own
government. I was thwarted by our own State Department. NGOs with aid
for Afghans who were in areas that were controlled by the Taliban, on
the other hand, had no trouble with our government. They had some other
troubles that, of course, the Taliban gave them themselves, but our
government was perfectly happy to have NGOs operating in Taliban-
controlled areas but stopping people like myself who were trying to help
those people in areas that were opposed to the Taliban.
In mid-1988, however, even with this tacit support from the Clinton
administration, the Taliban were incredibly vulnerable. They had
overextended themselves in an invasion of the northern part of
Afghanistan, and many of their best, if not most of their best, fighters
were captured, along with huge amounts of war supplies. The road to
Kabul was open. And who interceded to prevent the collapse of the
Taliban at this pivotal moment? Who pulled their chestnuts out of the
fire? President Clinton, personally.
At this moment of maximum Taliban vulnerability, the White House
dispatched Assistant Secretary of State Rick Inderfurth and Bill
Richardson, then our U.N. ambassador. They flew to northern Afghanistan
and convinced the anti-Taliban forces not to attack and not to retake
Kabul, but, instead, to accept a cease-fire and an arms embargo.
This is the moment, and I cannot stress this more forcefully, it was a
pivotal moment. The Taliban could easily have been defeated. The
Northern Alliance was willing to accept a return of King Zahir Shah to
lead a transition government. Instead, under the direction of the
Clinton White House, these two top U.S. Government officials, Assistant
Secretary of State Rick Inderfurth and U.N. Ambassador Bill Richardson,
arrived on the scene to convince the anti-Taliban forces to stand back.
And we thus saved this fanatical, anti-Western regime from being
destroyed and being defeated.
This later led to a dramatic defeat of the anti-Taliban forces. The
cease-fire lasted only long enough for the Saudis and the Pakistanis to
fully rearm the Taliban. And the arms embargo that Bill Richardson and
Rick Inderfurth talked about was only effective against the anti-Taliban
forces, which are the people called the Northern Alliance. Think about
that. We talked them into a cease-fire, which lasted only long enough
for the Taliban to rearm. We talked them into an arms embargo, which was
only an arms embargo against them.
Again, this was one of the major turning points that led to 9/11.
Later, the Taliban, with their supplies replenished, went on the
offensive and turned their country into a staging area for terrorism. So
the Taliban ended up, somewhat with the Clinton administration's
blessings, of taking over all but a sliver of Afghanistan. That portion,
of course, that little sliver, was under the command of Commander
Massoud, who stood alone in the Panjir Valley, a hero against the war on
the Soviets. Now he was all that was left to resist the tyranny of the
Taliban.
This is where bin Laden makes his official entrance. Behind the
scenes, his foreigners, his radicals, had been there and been the
Taliban shock troops for a long time. They murdered anyone and everyone
who got in the way and ran roughshod over people all over Afghanistan.
Bin Laden had already declared war on the United States, and had already
killed military personnel and bombed U.S. embassies. The Taliban
permitted them to use their country as a base of operations.
Yes, the Clinton administration repeatedly demanded that bin Laden be
given up or at least kicked out of Afghanistan. They were using all of
these words making demands, yet they never seemed to care enough to help
Massoud or help any of the others who wanted to resist the Taliban.
So what was the Taliban leadership to think? Well, of course they
thought that the U.S. Government really did not mean what it was saying.
They believed it was simply posturing for domestic political
consideration. This is like when the Clinton administration went to
China and demanded human rights reform and then never put any type of
force behind that demand.
So our government made it clear to the Taliban by our inaction to
support anyone who was opposing the Taliban that our demands on them
actually were just made for public consumption here, and that we were
actually more concerned with our deal, whatever that deal was, with
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and that we were more concerned with that than
anything going on within Afghanistan, including bin Laden. Why would the
tough guys in the Taliban think that we cared about human rights abuses,
about their treating women like cattle, about their harboring of
terrorists like bin Laden, and about their rejection of even a
consideration of free elections of any kind when we were not doing
anything about it? We did not, as I say, support Massoud; and, in fact,
when several of us tried to help those resisting the Taliban, it was our
government, the State Department, that got in our way.
Let us be fair about it. If that is the impression the Taliban got, we
should admit it. Our government at that time was not serious about
democracy, human rights and such in Afghanistan. We were not serious
about their form of government or even their harboring of bin Laden
because our government in that administration did nothing.
What all this means is that if we stray too far from our basic
principles as a country, it is going to end up hurting us. If we stray
too far from the fundamental principles that make us Americans, a love
of liberty and justice, a belief in the democratic procedures to guide
men, and permit people to guide their own destinies and secure their own
destinies through election processes, if we ignore these principles, it
will come back to hurt the United States of America.
Over the years, I complained over and over again; and I will submit
for the Record quotes of mine that warned America that we must act
against the Taliban. I did this for years.
Well, obviously there was another policy. I am just a lone
Congressman. I do not make policy. I try to influence policymakers. But
my warnings, repeated warnings, were not heeded.
Well, who was responsible for the policies that left the Taliban free
from domestic rivals, the policy that left them free from outside
opposition, that left them free from the pressure to democratize and
respect human rights? Who was responsible for these policies? How about
Madeleine Albright? How about President Clinton? They could not get
themselves to endorse any meaningful action against the Taliban even
after we had been attacked in Saudi Arabia, seen in the blowing up of
our military bases there, our military installations, our living
quarters there, or the blowing up of U.S. embassies in Africa.
Furthermore, there is ample evidence that in the last administration
they passed up promising opportunities to take out bin Laden. I, for
example, several years ago during the Clinton administration contacted
the CIA to let them know that I had an informant who knew exactly where
bin Laden was, that he was out of Afghanistan, and that he was willing
to pinpoint bin Laden for them. I gave them my contact's phone number.
They never called. After a week, I called my friend back and asked,
``Did the CIA get with you?'' His answer was ``no.''
I went to the CIA again and explained that this person had impeccable
credentials of knowing what was going on in Afghanistan. They said they
would get to him, but they did not. A week later they still had not
called. Then I complained to the chairman of the Permanent Select
Committee on Intelligence, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Goss), whom I
respect; and I told him what happened.
The next day he had a meeting in this building with representatives of
the NSA, the CIA, and the FBI. It was the bin Laden task force. I told
them what had happened and that my friend could pinpoint bin Laden, and
that he had been ignored for 2 weeks. They would get to it.
Guess what, a week later my friend still had not been contacted. By
then the trail was cold. But when I went to the gentleman from Florida
(Mr. Goss), it got action and my friend was called. He said it was a
lackadaisical call. It looked like it was a pro forma call.
Does that sound like an administration committed to getting bin Laden?
No. Let the Record show there were numerous opportunities to get bin
Laden and not one was exploited. The Government of Sudan tried to give
the United States a complete file on bin Laden and his whole gang.
Madeleine Albright personally turned that down.
I know of a situation at the Defense Intelligence Agency where a young
analyst felt there was a lack of information about Afghanistan and that
lack of information was threatening to our national security. She wanted
to get the information. She wanted to go up to Massoud's territory and
find out what was going on because we did not know what was happening in
Afghanistan. She was denied, and she had the gall on her own time, on
her own vacation time, to go there to Massoud's stronghold to try to get
that information. I think someone like that should get a medal. Instead,
she was fired.
I personally asked the general who then headed up the DIA not to fire
her. She got the ax anyway. By the way, there is no indication that the
DIA, the Defense Intelligence Agency, warned anybody about the attack on
9/11, even though the murder of Commander Massoud 2 days prior to the
attack in New York should have set off alarm bells. Of course they had
fired the one person who was conscientious about Afghanistan. They had
fired that person for being too conscientious, over the objection of a
Member of Congress who pleaded that that was the type of responsible
behavior we needed.
I say this because the death of Commander Massoud had a special
significance to me. I had known Commander Massoud for many years, even
before I went to Afghanistan in 1988. During my time in the White House,
he sent his brother to me; and we continued a communication through
third parties over the years. He was a man I deeply respected. He was a
hero; not to say he did not make mistakes. Certainly he made mistakes,
and he did some things wrong. But over years of fighting, everybody
makes mistakes. But Massoud was a hero. He was a giant of a man.
Mr. Speaker, 2 days before they attacked us, they murdered Massoud. It
took the wind right out of my sails. I had been to his stronghold 5
years before. I visited him in the mountains of Afghanistan. Our
friendship was close, and I respected him. We worked out an agreement
that would have King Zahir Shah return and Massoud would support that if
the King would lead a transition government and have honest elections 2
years later. He was willing to support that, and then the Taliban killed
him.
After I had gotten myself together after his death, I knew that it
must be because they are going to attack the United States. That is why
the Taliban killed him, so we could not have anyone to turn to, to rally
behind in our counterattack. So the next day I called the White House. I
asked to speak to Condoleezza Rice, and I wanted a meeting with her and
the National Security Council because there was an attack that would
soon befall the United States of America.
They got back to me, and said, Congressman, we take your opinions on
Afghanistan and elsewhere very seriously, but we are very busy. Can you
come tomorrow? The earliest we can fit you in is 2 tomorrow. I woke up
on 9/11 expecting to have a meeting with Condoleezza Rice and the
National Security Council at the White House to warn them that there was
an imminent attack planned on the United States and to take seriously
any possible threat that they saw. Unfortunately, at 8:45, the planes
began crashing into the buildings in New York.
So here we are. One year ago our country was blindsided, attacked
without warning, resulting in the slaughter of 3,000 Americans. As I
have just discussed, this represents a failure of policy and a failure
of the people behind that policy, primarily those in the Clinton
administration, not because of politics, but because they happened to be
there at the time. Who knows what would have happened if it would have
been a Republican administration. It was George Bush who walked away
originally and left the Pakistanis and the Saudis in charge of that
region. But it was during the Clinton administration that the Taliban
took over, consolidated their power in Afghanistan, and turned that
country into a base of operations for anti-American terrorists. The
American response is undermining those who oppose the Taliban.
This leads me to my conclusion that our policy was part of an
agreement with the Saudis and the Pakistanis to keep the Taliban in
power. The attack, however, reflects more than a failure of policy. It
reflects more than just that policy. The attack was carried out by a
terrorist organization that we had been told over and over again was the
number one target of U.S. intelligence. That organization was able to
launch an attack of this scope and of this magnitude requiring millions
of dollars and the coordination of hundreds of people against the United
States. The number one target of U.S. intelligence was able to slaughter
3,000 Americans, to blindside us. This represents a catastrophic failure
of America's intelligence system; it is a failure of the DIA, the CIA,
the NSA, the FBI, and the rest of the intelligence alphabet soup here in
Washington, DC.
We spend tens of billions of dollars every year, and the number one
target of American intelligence is able to organize and pull off an
operation of this scale. The magnitude of the screw-up boggles my mind.
Now we know there were warnings. The BBC is reporting that just 2
months before 9/11, the foreign minister of the Taliban was so upset
about the terrorist plot that he had heard of that he sent an emissary
to an American consulate in nearby Pakistan to warn the United States of
a pending attack.
But no one listened to him. Then we know of FBI field agents who were
pleading that attention be paid to the terrorist ties of certain
students who were being trained to fly airplanes. These FBI agents were
chastised for going around channels. They had to go through channels,
but they were so concerned that the people in front of them were not
acting, they tried to get the attention of Washington but were chastised
for not going through channels and they were ignored. The list of
failures goes on and on.
I will just say on 9/11, that something like that happened to me
indicates the type of mindset we are dealing with, even after the
attack. On 9/11, when the planes had already crashed into the buildings,
I realized, everyone realized it was an attack from Afghanistan, based
on the terrorists based in Afghanistan, and I called the King of
Afghanistan. I wanted to know if there was anyone there protecting him.
``Do you have any police there protecting you?''
``No.''
Remember, the King of Afghanistan is in Rome, exiled in Rome. ``Are
there any policemen outside your door?''
``No, there aren't.''
``Are there any people inside your compound with you protecting you?''
``No.''
I said, ``Is there anyone there with a gun to protect you?''
He said, ``no.''
I thought, Oh, my gosh, our number one asset, the one man who the
people of Afghanistan could rally behind now that they have killed
Massoud, only the King, Zahir Shah, was someone we could rally the
people behind to counterattack against the Taliban, and he was hanging
out there in the wind. He was totally exposed.
So I talked to a very high official in one of our intelligence
agencies. He said he realized the importance of Zahir Shah and he was
totally exposed, and he was vulnerable. And, guess what? Five hours
later I happened to talk to that same high-level official again. I can
tell you when I asked him about Zahir Shah, whether he was under guard
now, his response to me was, ``You don't expect us to act that fast, do
you?''
Give me a break. Of course we expect our people to act that fast. You
are within a phone call's distance of the Marine guards who guard our
embassy in Rome. Our ambassador, or whoever was there, could have gone
over and picked up the King or sent Marines over to protect him, or the
agency has people in Rome, and so forth.
Instead, 5 hours later, after 3,000 of our people, at that time we
thought it was 20,000 people had been slaughtered, but you do not expect
us to act that fast, do you?
The people in our intelligence community are, by and large, fine and
dedicated people. I will tell you that right now. I respect them, but
those individuals who may have my respect as people of good hearts and
are patriots, they are now part of a bureaucratic behemoth.
We are relying on what has become organizationally incompetent, a
system in which individuals get fired for showing initiative, like that
young analyst at the DIA, or they get reprimanded, like those FBI field
agents, for begging attention on some pressing threat.
We need to reform the system and make it better. To do so we need to
hold those accountable who made errors and to change the structure and
mindset. Most important, we need to change the structure and the mindset
of our intelligence organizations. We cannot let the cloak of secrecy be
used to shield the consequences of failure and incompetence.
For that reason I voted for an investigation of 9/11, not just that it
be done by our congressional oversight committees. And I have great
respect for those leading those committees and members of those
committees, but I believe that it should also be the responsibility of
an independent commission on the level of the Warren Commission and
perhaps the commission we established after Pearl Harbor to get all the
facts about this historical failure of U.S. intelligence.
Let me stress again that I have tremendous respect for and trust for
the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Goss) and the others in the Permanent
Select Committee on Intelligence here in the House, but a redundancy
like we are calling for with an independent commission looking into the
problem as well cannot in any way hurt. An independent commission could
do nothing but contribute to the understanding of the idea pool that is
needed to reform and to fix the system.
This anniversary is with us today. We must commit ourselves to see
that such surprise attacks will never again be successfully launched
against the United States. We will accomplish this by making the changes
in policy and the changes in personnel that are needed to keep our
country secure.
We must change the way we deal with Saudi Arabia. We must evaluate how
we dealt with Afghanistan and admit that it was horrendously wrong. The
people behind those policies, especially those people who are still in
influential positions in the State Department and elsewhere, must
understand that they bear a significant share of the responsibility for
the death and destruction that fell on America 1 year ago today.
The arrogant so-called experts, for example, who shoved aside exiled
King Zahir Shah for years, they shoved him aside for 2 decades, claiming
that he was too old to play a positive role in bringing about a better
Afghanistan and peace in Afghanistan. They were so absolutely wrong.
People in the State Department should find out who it was who pushed
this idea that Zahir Shah could not participate, and those people should
be talked to, and those people should look in the mirror and think very
seriously about what they did to contribute to this loss of American
life.
In essence, they kept the Taliban in power, because they prevented us
from getting behind a positive alternative, whether it was Massoud or
the others fighting the Taliban, or whether it was Zahir Shah. In
essence, they kept the Taliban in power until 3,000 Americans were
slaughtered by an attack that was launched from Taliban-controlled
territory.
We were attacked a year ago today, and over these last 12 months our
military has been able to launch a counterattack that has dislodged the
Taliban and sent them, along with their terrorist allies, the Al Qaeda,
running for cover and running to hide their heads.
Our military has done a tremendous job. They did this in a landlocked
country halfway around the world. This has been a magnificent victory
for our country and for its military. To the degree that we sort of have
questions about the need to restructure our intelligence system, we need
to praise our military and make sure that we build upon their success.
They need certain changes, too, but we need to do that with the
military. We can see the positive things they have done and build upon
that.
This has been a magnificent victory. If bin Laden is alive today, he
is in hiding and he is spending all of his hours not trying to launch
some attack on us, but instead he is spending his time trying not to be
captured. He could be spending his time mapping out attacks on the
United States. Instead, thanks to the expertise and bravery and courage
and great job our military has done, we have bin Laden and his likes in
hiding, looking over their shoulders, freezing their assets, not able to
launch another attack of the magnitude that we suffered 1 year ago
today.
We have accomplished all of this, a tremendous accomplishment in a
country on the other side of the world, landlocked. We did this with
fewer than 50 American combat deaths. We dislodged the Taliban
government from power, we destroyed the regime, we dislodged the
terrorists, all with fewer than 50 American combat deaths.
Yes, there have been some mistakes, and in every combat situation
there are. If accidentally a house or area is bombed, if we bombed some
of our friends accidentally, which has happened, we just need to admit
that it was a mistake and help those people rebuild. They will
understand, because the Afghan people are praising us as their
liberators. We have fought beside the mujahedin again, the freedom
fighters of Afghanistan, to free their land from the Taliban tyranny. As
I say, there have been mistakes, but compared to what has been
accomplished, this mission gets an A.
Let me note that I have two complaints. They are small complaints and
the Afghan people will put up with them for now, but I think that we
need to pay attention.
Number one, I do not believe Karzai was the right guy to pick. He does
not have a wide base of support in Afghanistan. When the loya jirga was
held, we should have permitted the King to emerge, as would have
naturally happened. I think there was some wheeling and dealing going on
that led to Karzai's ascension, and the King could have been there. He
was the natural choice.
But I believe the Afghan people have good hearts and understanding.
They know we are there to help them. They know there are political
considerations. But they are demanding free elections in 2 years, and
that is what we should be doing, making sure that we keep that pledge
and that there are free elections. And if they want to elect anybody,
whether it is Karzai or a member of the royal family or whoever it is,
they should have a right to do so. We should work with them and help
rebuild their country, and that will be one way to really defeat the
Taliban and really defeat Al Qaeda. The people of Afghanistan have
looked to us as liberators.
The other concern is about drugs. We have not eliminated the drug
production in Afghanistan. The poppy crop was not destroyed. We have got
to do so next year. That commitment has to be there. That drug money
goes into bad hands.
Finally, let us take a look at the challenge we have today and look
ahead a year. The President has wisely suggested that now is the time
for us to eliminate that threat that hangs over us and has hung over us
for 10 years. We did not complete the job in the gulf war. We left
Saddam Hussein in power. That was the gift that George Bush, Sr., gave
to us. George Bush, Jr., is going to make up for that. He has committed
us to eliminating the dictatorial, fascistic regime of Saddam Hussein.
We should not be weary of this. In fact, we should know that Saddam
Hussein has less support in Iraq than the Taliban had support in
Afghanistan. Our strategy should be to help the people of Iraq liberate
themselves from this monstrous regime headed by Saddam Hussein. The
people of Iraq will be waving American flags and dancing in the street
because we will help them build a democratic society. We can do so with
the same strategy as we did in Afghanistan, work with Special Forces
teams and air support. We can support those people who want to fight for
their own freedom. It worked in Afghanistan, it will work in Iraq. We
should not have fear and trepidation about getting rid of this threat of
Saddam Hussein. He is, as George Shultz suggested, a rattlesnake in our
front yard, and we should not wait until he bites us to cut off its
head.
Now we can move forward in Iraq and eliminate that threat, as we have
eliminated the Taliban threat, and we can do so not by sending huge
numbers of American forces, but by helping the people in Iraq, as we did
in Afghanistan, to liberate themselves. That is the challenge the
President is giving us. That is why we as Americans should always stand
for those people who want to live in a free society and are willing with
their courage and blood to fight for their freedom, but need our help
logistically, need our air support, perhaps need our advice from our
Special Forces teams.
So, as we remember 9/11, let us never repeat that, by being proactive
in the future. Where there are dictatorships and fascist regimes like
the Taliban, and if they threaten the West and the United States, we do
not have to do this with all regimes that are dictatorial, but if they
threaten us, let us work with the people who suffer with a boot on their
face and with an iron grip around their necks. Let us work with those
people to help them free themselves.
We have on the floor of the House of Representatives two pictures, one
of George Washington, a great painting of George Washington, and a
painting of Lafayette. Lafayette came here during the American
Revolution to help us win our freedom. Let us not forget the French
helped us win our freedom, and that people like Lafayette were heroes to
early Americans.
We must serve that same role that Lafayette served for us. We must
serve that role for those people overseas who long for liberty and
justice. If we do so, we will be the light of the world. We will be the
hope of all the young people in the Muslim countries who are looking for
some people who believe in something, rather than people who are talking
about stability and keeping the status quo.
We need to be the ones who offer moral alternatives, and the morality
we offer is democratic government and a respect for human rights,
treating people decently. Our flag should stand for justice and hope. If
we do, rather than the type of things we were doing in the 1990s with
Communist China and the Taliban and all of these regimes, where we were
not doing anything to make it clear that we honestly and sincerely
believed these founding principles of our society, we will be free and
we will be safe.
There is a dynamic in this world between peace and freedom. Freedom
tomorrow will bring peace. Just as we lived under the threat of some
sort of war with the Soviet Union, the Soviet people, the Russian people
were never our enemies. It was that system. As soon as we made it a
fight between communism and democracy and stopped just supporting any
dictatorship that was against the Communists, the Communist system
itself began to crumble in Moscow, and no one was more heroic in that
fight against the Soviet dictatorship than the people of Afghanistan.
They fought and they bled and they gave us a more peaceful and freer
world.
We did not do what was right by them. We did not help them rebuild
their country at that time; we did not stick with them. We left it up to
the Saudis and the Pakistanis. We have a chance now to make up for that.
But we must persevere in helping them rebuild their country; and that
will cement peace in that region, because people will believe in us
again. We need, again, to make sure that we become the force for liberty
and justice and decent treatment for people all over the world, and that
is where we will find America's security. Let us have the courage to do
so. Our President has charted a wise course, and we should have the
tenacity and the courage to follow this through now that we have learned
after 9/11 that there are consequences to pay when we do not.
IN SUPPORT OF H. CON. RES. 464, PATRIOT DAY RESOLUTION
Hon. Ken Bentsen
of texas
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support today of H. Con. Res. 464,
commemorating the solemn occasion of the first anniversary of September
11, 2001, and the vicious attack on the United States and its people
that day.
September 11 will long be remembered not just for the death and
destruction brought upon America and too many of our people, but also
for the day in which innocence was lost. The hijacking of civilian
aircraft and the taking of thousands of innocent bystanders' lives will
forever be among the most heinous of crimes against humanity. Yet, while
the attacks, designed to shake our Nation to its deepest roots and break
our spirit to be a leader of the free world, they only served to
strengthen our resolve and show the world that the American sense of
kindness and community could not be broken even by the most awful of
acts.
In the midst of a living hell only Dante could describe, Americans
rose to respond, first by the police, firefighters, and emergency
medical personnel who poured into burning buildings which had become
infernos, risking life and limb to save a fellow citizen and later by
military force. As we now know, many made the ultimate sacrifice. Yet,
rather than create panic and chaos, the attacks by the terrorists only
served to underscore our resolve. Clearly, in the early hours following
the attacks, the actions of otherwise ordinary Americans proved beyond a
reasonable doubt that the terrorists failed in their ultimate goal.
While they were able to cause pain and suffering and shatter a sense of
security felt here at home, they failed in destroying the spirit which
is America. And, in causing the death and destruction, they exposed the
world to their own twisted ideology of anger and hate and a lack of
respect for freedom and human life.
Mr. Speaker, in the intervening months, America, with our allies, has
proven militarily that we can and will respond to defend ourselves and
our freedom throughout the world. But even as important as it has been
to respond swiftly and forcefully, it is now clear that the actions of
those Americans who gave their lives on September 11, 2001, and those
who responded to help them, and the faith that they inspired in the rest
of us, resulted in a victory over the terrorists that very day.
Now, we must continue to battle for freedom and democracy throughout
the world, not only for our own defense, but also in the memory of those
who first gave their lives for the cause on September 11, 2001.
GOOD WILL OF UKRAINE HELPS AMERICA HEAL
Hon. Bob Schaffer
of Colorado
Mr. Speaker, this hallowed day, the anniversary of the terrible
terrorist attacks upon the United States, is one that is observed
throughout America. The eloquence of our colleagues in this House has
stirred our hearts, described our attitudes, and revealed the Nation's
character. America's tragedy is mourned this day throughout the world,
too.
It is important for Americans to understand and appreciate the
outpouring of support, the gestures of solidarity, and the prayers of
the faithful bestowed upon us by the people of the world. As cochairman
of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, I rise today to speak about one
country's good will toward the American people in commemoration of the
September 11, 2001, terrorist attack.
Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have always been an ardent
supporter of democratic development in Ukraine. The full commercial and
strategic potential of a democratic Ukraine is staggering and the desire
for freedom is deeply rooted in the American psyche.
Mr. Speaker, in the House the days and the weeks following the
attacks, the Ukrainian people grieved with America and the rest of the
world. The sentiments of the Ukrainian people were echoed in a letter
from Bishop Stanislaw Shyrokoradiuk of the Roman Catholic Diocese of
Kyiv-Zhytomyr. Here is what the bishop wrote:
I would like to present to all American people, our condolences
because of the terrible tragedy that has stricken the whole world.
We have been deeply shaken to know about the series of acts of
terrorism that happened in the United States of America yesterday.
It has been an awful blow by its cruelty and scale that struck not
only the U.S.A., but all humanity. I received this notice during
spiritual retreats in our Higher Spiritual Seminary in Vorzel, where all
priests of our Diocese came. As a sign of our unity and sympathy in your
grief, we celebrated Holy Mass for the souls of the departed and prayed
for all victims. May the Lord strengthen them by His grace that they may
outlive this horrible disaster.
There are Divine Services and prayers said for the souls of the
departed victims, and for all of those who have suffered, in all of our
churches.
These days our hearts and prayers are with you and your people.
Sincerely Yours,
Bishop Stanislaw Shyrokoradiuk,
the Vicar General of Kyiv Zhytomyr Diocese.
Bishop Shyrokoradiuk in Ukraine sent that the day after.
As a country, Ukraine immediately declared its solidarity with the
United States, offering its support morally, technically, militarily and
with the capabilities of its infrastructure. Ukraine's stance clearly
demonstrated its friendship with the United States and the forces of
freedom.
Most helpful has been Ukraine's clearance of airspace for nearly 5,000
aircraft flying in from Afghanistan and aid in transporting allied
troops and materiel by air and train. Ukraine also provided planes and
crews in order to provide transportation for coalition forces and
humanitarian missions over Iran.
Ukrainian security forces have been cooperating with Americans
offering intelligence regarding the fighting in Afghanistan and other
security concerns. Ukraine's international efforts in leading the
Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia Group, called
GUUAM, to secure strategic transport corridors from terrorist activity
have helped secure the entire regional community. Ukraine has cooperated
with us in blocking and investigating the financial transactions and
accounts of suspected terrorists.
Just today, Mr. Speaker, Ukraine's Parliament, the Verkhovna (Supreme)
Rada, unanimously passed three resolutions in support of America. One
extends Ukraine's profound sympathy to the families and friends of
victims. The other directs the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to
establish a memorial at the World Trade Center in New York to the
Ukrainians who perished there. The third resolution outlines Ukraine's
commitment to the future of freedom and reaffirms Ukraine's solidarity
in the war on terrorism and its commitment to strengthening
international peace and security.
This latter resolution lucidly addresses issues of global concern,
including environmental problems and global health issues. Currently,
Ukraine is preparing to send two IL-76 cargo planes loaded with small
arms, ammunitions, and other military equipment to outfit the Afghan
National Army.
This morning, the President of Ukraine, Leonid Kuchma, met with our
Ambassador, Carlos Pascual. The President pledged his country's
continued support for Operation Enduring Freedom and expressed his
regret for the loss of lives in America 1 year ago.
This afternoon, Ukraine's Ambassador Kostyantyn Gryshchenko visited me
in my office here in Washington, DC, and extended his country's
condolences, support, and solidarity. He asked me to express to the
House Ukraine's commitment to America's war on terrorism. He assured me
that the prayers of countless Ukrainians are for the souls of the
victims.
At this moment in Kyiv, Mr. Speaker, Ukrainians are paying their
respects as they observe a large photo collage of Ground Zero. The
display honors the emergency workers and heroes of 9/11. There is
a similar exhibit at the Ukrainian National Gallery; and on Friday, they
will hold a commemorative concert at the National Opera.
Ukraine's condemnation of international terrorism, its much
appreciated support on the war on terrorism, its tough, newly enacted
laws to combat terrorism and its commitment to fight at the side of the
United States and its allies for civil society and democracy clearly
demonstrates the role Ukraine and her people intend to play. Ukraine's
support for America is deeply appreciated.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the people of Ukraine for their condolences and
camaraderie and commend Ukraine's leaders for standing shoulder to
shoulder with the United States. I will submit for the Record at this
time the resolution that was adopted this morning by Ukraine's
Parliament.
The Lessons of the Tragedy Are Not To Be Forgotten
Statement by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on the occasion of the
anniversary of the events in the United States on September 11, 2001
The year that passed after the tragedy in the United States of America
did not assuage anger and indignation at malevolent actions of
terrorists, pain and bitterness over the loss of thousands of innocent
people who died in the airplanes, skyscrapers of the World Trade Center
in New York, and offices of the Pentagon. Paying homage to their memory
we express once again our sympathy with families and loved ones of the
victims.
Last year's tragedy has taught mankind many lessons. First of all it
demonstrated that neither financial and economic power, nor possession
of unprecedented arsenals of modern arms can guarantee security even for
the most powerful state of the world. It has become even more obvious
that only with united and coordinated actions can mankind overcome
international terrorism and religious fundamentalism.
Realization of that led to creation of the anti-terrorist coalition
that included dozens of countries. An important role within the
coalition belongs to Ukraine, whose foreign policy major goals are
strengthening of the international peace and security, maintaining
peaceful, equitable, and mutually beneficial cooperation with members of
the international community consonant with the generally accepted
principles and norms of the international law.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine considers it exceptionally important to
apply the experience of the anti-terrorist coalition to strengthening
cooperation of members of the international community in overcoming such
global challenges as the deepening gap between a handful of the richest
countries and numerous less developed nations and countries in
transition; catastrophic impoverishment of hundreds of millions of
people; spread of drug abuse, infectious disease, corruption and
organized crime; depletion of water and other natural resources;
pollution; dangerous accumulation of nuclear, chemical, and other
weapons of mass destruction; and attempts to use objective processes of
globalization and internationalization in the selfish interests of one
state or a group of states.
United, mankind is capable of ensuring protection of the environment
and biodiversity, acceleration of economic and social growth of every
member of the international community. We consistently support the
increasing role of the United Nations in resolving international
problems, strict compliance with requirements of the U.N. Charter on
conflict resolution and prevention of threats to peace and security of
the nations.
The documents of the World Summit on Sustainable Development held
recently in Johannesburg attracted attention in the Ukrainian society.
By taking unprecedented decisions to voluntarily renounce the third
largest nuclear arsenal and close up the Chernobyl nuclear power
station, Ukraine, having been left alone with these very complicated
problems, demonstrated to the world its devotion to the cause of peace
and international security and adherence to its international
commitments.
Reflecting on the lessons of last year's September tragedy, we
consider it our duty to draw once again the attention of the
international community to the above issues and call on all the nations
to consolidate and multiply their efforts to overcome global challenges
facing mankind in the 21st century.
AMERICANS STAND TALL AGAINST TERRORISM
Hon. Jim Turner
of Texas
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on this September 11, the 1-year anniversary
of the greatest tragedy on American soil in our history, with a heavy
heart, as I know is shared by all Americans, because it was on this day
1 year ago when almost 3,000 Americans lost their lives at the hands of
evil terrorists who sought to destroy our Nation, who seek to destroy
our way of life.
We know from that experience that all Americans must stand tall
against the threat of international terrorism. We know as Americans that
we never, never, never want to experience that tragedy again. As a part
of our history, we will always remember September 11 of last year.
I come to the floor today to call upon the House to pass legislation
entitled the National Memorial to the Victims of Terrorism Act. This
legislation would memorialize all victims of terrorism, both those who
have lost their lives on September 11, as well as those who have been
victims of terrorism in previous times, as well as those who have died
in the cause since.
Since September 11 of last year, we have engaged in a battle in
Afghanistan where 51 Americans have lost their lives. We know from
experience that the war against terrorism will not be won quickly and
that perhaps we may face this challenge for many years ahead.
In many ways on September 11, the American people recognized for the
first time that we were in fact engaged in a war against terrorism, even
though we have had ample opportunity to define those events that
occurred in previous years--taking the lives of American citizens and
American soldiers--as a war. We understand that this legislation we have
introduced will memorialize those who lost their lives to terrorism. It
was introduced by me and by the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen). It is
a bipartisan piece of legislation that enjoys the support of Members on
both sides of the aisle.
The legislation would create a 13-member Victims of Terrorism Memorial
Advisory Board appointed by the President in consultation with the
Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Defense. Members of the
advisory board would include appointees from organizations dedicated to
assisting the victims of terrorism and their families. The board would
begin the process of establishing a memorial not later than 1 year after
the date of enactment of this legislation. The advisory board would have
the responsibility of raising the necessary funds from private sources
to pay for this national memorial.
Those who came and testified on behalf of this legislation in the
committee last May spoke very eloquently about the importance of this
national memorial. We had testimony from Lisa Beamer, the widow of Todd
Beamer, who joined those brave passengers on flight 93 and fought off
the terrorists and saved this Capitol and many people who were in this
building.
We had testimony from Col. Ted Anderson, who saved many victims when
the Pentagon was struck by the aircraft on that fateful day.
We had testimony from Joe Finley, a New York firefighter who worked
hard and dedicated his efforts on that fateful day to saving the lives
of those who were struck in the World Trade Center.
We also had testimony from Liz Howell, a staffer on the Committee on
Resources staff who heard of this bill who lost her husband at the
Pentagon on September 11.
Each of these individuals shared heartfelt testimony as to why it is
important for Americans to mark this event with a national memorial, and
why it is also important to reflect in this memorial the memory of all
who have lost their lives to terrorism.
The war on terrorism is indeed the first war of the 21st century. It
will not be one marked by any one geographic location. It is a global
war. It is a global war that will be fought both at home and abroad.
Though they have lost their lives in places far and near over a span of
time that includes the past, the present and perhaps the future, the
victims of terrorism, both civilian and military, deserve solemn
tribute, for they died at the hands of the enemies of America simply
because they were Americans.
I call upon the leadership of this Congress to promptly set this bill
for hearing in order that we may act promptly and pass the National
Memorial to the Victims of Terrorism Act.
THE MEANING OF SEPTEMBER 11
Hon. Frank Pallone, Jr.
of New Jersey
I wanted to take to the floor on the evening of September 11 to talk
about the meaning of September 11 to me and particularly to my
constituents in New Jersey. I wanted to particularly make reference to
two events that I participated in in the last 24 hours.
Last evening, after the House adjourned during the day for votes, I
went up to Middletown, NJ, which is a town in my district, in Monmouth
County, that suffered more deaths in the World Trade Center building
during the attack on September 11 than any other town in New Jersey or
maybe in the whole metropolitan area. There was a memorial service, a
dedication of a garden in memory of the 36 residents of Middletown who
died on September 11. It was a very moving ceremony. We had relatives of
the victims who made speeches. I would like to talk about it a little
more.
The other event I went to this morning was at my own high school in
Long Branch, NJ, where the entire student body from kindergarten, I
believe, all the way to 12th grade, to the graduating seniors, showed up
at the football stadium for a service. I think we must have had probably
over 4,000 people there this morning. It also was very moving. I would
like to comment on both of those ceremonies in light of what happened
last year.
Mr. Speaker, last September 11 I actually was in the Capitol. Many of
us know that on Mondays and Tuesdays we schedule at 9 a.m. what we call
morning hour, which is very similar to the special orders that we have
at the end of the day. It is an opportunity between 9 and 10 a.m. for
Members of Congress to come down and give 5-minute speeches on whatever
topic they desire. It is not part of the votes of the House. It is an
opportunity to talk about issues or really any kind of event that you
want to talk about that day.
Before morning hour on the Democratic side we have a meeting, what we
call a message meeting in the morning that I chair, along with the
gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), and that usually starts at
8:30 in the morning. So on that morning of September 11 last year we
started at 8:30, maybe it was a little later, with a message meeting,
and then we came up to the floor, some of us, including myself, to do
the 5 minutes for morning hour.
I do not know exactly what time it was, probably maybe about 9:15 or
9:20, when I finished my 5-minute speech for morning hour that I walked
out of this Chamber and walked over to the leader's office, the office
of the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt), and discovered that the
World Trade Center had been attacked. It was on the television.
The only reason I bring this up is because over the weekend there was
a report in the news media about how certain informers for Al Qaeda and
the Taliban had indicated that the plane that went down in Pennsylvania
on September 11 last year was actually headed for the Capitol, for the
U.S. Capitol.
This morning when I was at the ceremony at Long Branch High School,
the superintendent of schools, who was the MC for the ceremony, Mr.
Joseph Ferraina, mentioned in his opening remarks that the people who
died on September 11 basically gave their lives so that others might
live.
I thought about that statement this morning, and, of course, it has a
tremendous symbolic meaning, but it also had a literal meaning in a
sense for me, because it is very likely that if those brave Americans
who had decided to try to fight the terrorists and bring down that plane
into a field in Pennsylvania had not made the decision to try to
struggle and overcome the terrorists, that that plane would have headed
for the Capitol and I would have been right here on the House floor and
probably died as a result of that attack. So those people literally were
giving their lives so that Members of Congress like myself and my
colleagues could live.
It is an amazing thing to think about, that they were willing to
sacrifice so that that plane would not come here and hit the United
States Capitol.
But I also thought this morning that they were not only giving their
lives for other Americans, possibly myself and my colleagues, but they
were also sacrificing their lives, they were essentially martyrs for the
cause of America in a more symbolic way. When I say the cause of
America, what do I mean? I mean democracy. I mean the freedom of speech,
the freedom to assemble, the freedom of religion that we find so sacred.
My wife mentioned to me this morning that the Americans who were on
that plane who ended up crashing in Pennsylvania were in contact with
others on the ground using cell phones. They found out that the World
Trade Center had been attacked, that the Pentagon had been attacked.
They decided they would take a vote among themselves on the plane as to
whether they would try to overcome the terrorists in order to veer the
plane away from, in this case, the Capitol or whatever other landmark
they thought it might be used by the terrorists to attack.
I thought it was terribly significant that they voted, because here we
are this morning in Long Branch, yesterday in Middletown, today on the
floor in Washington, talking about the meaning of democracy and how the
people who lost their lives were really martyrs for the American way for
democracy. Lo and behold, they were taking a vote to decide whether to
overcome the terrorists, which is probably, I guess, the most basic
manifestation of what democracy is about, taking a vote.
I am sure the terrorists who hijacked the plane were not taking any
votes because, unlike the Americans who were willing to give their lives
on that plane, they did not believe in a democratic process. They did
not believe in the American way, the values that we believe in. They
basically had a very different ideology, and their ideology, whatever it
was, said that it was okay for them to hijack the plane, to kill
innocent civilians for what would appear to be some sort of
Fundamentalist religious cause.
I think that we cannot forget that so many Americans lost their lives
on September 11, including the 36 in Middletown, the town that I went to
last night in my district. Even though they were giving their lives for
the American way, for American values, that the effect on their
families, the effect on their relatives, is devastating.
It is nice to say that someone is a martyr. It is a glorious thing.
But, at the same time, it is very hard to be the relative of the martyr,
because your husband or your wife or your daughter or your son is no
longer there. There is the huge void, if you will, that lingers. I am
sure it lingers a year later or lingers 10 years later. It is never
really filled.
Mr. Speaker, I will introduce into the Record an article that was in
the New York Times, I think it was on September 7, just a couple of days
ago, that talks about Middletown, NJ, and the grief and the difficulty
that the relatives and the survivors of the victims of September 11 have
been going through.
I put it in the Record, Mr. Speaker, not because I want to dwell on
the grief. The title of the article in the New York Times is ``Emerging
From [the] Cocoon of Grief,'' but because I think it is important for us
to understand that as much as we talk about these heroes and their
families, they gave so much yet they still were people whose families
now are having problems because of a void that has been left behind. I
think this article sums up their courage and what they had to face, but
also sums up what they face in the future.
Hon. Maxine Waters
of california
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for yielding to me and
giving me an opportunity to voice my support for H. Con. Res. 464. I was
not here when the vote was taken. I was on a plane coming from Los
Angeles. I had to stay in the district to take care of some very
important problems there. I tried very hard to get from the airport here
to the House floor so that I might take that vote, because I think it is
so important for all of us to show that we really do care and we really
do honor the memory of those who lost their lives and for those families
who are making sacrifices, even today, because of the devastation that
they are experiencing in their families and in their homes and in their
lives. So I would like it to be known that had I been present for the
vote on H. Con. Res. 464, Roll Call No. 384, I certainly would have
voted yes.
Again, I want to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) for
taking extra time on the floor. Having done what we all should have
done, and that is voted, the gentleman has remained here, because he had
something additional that he wanted to say to the families, friends,
neighborhoods and communities.
Just as I walked in, the gentleman was talking about what happened on
that airplane in Pennsylvania when a decision was made by a vote ``to
roll,'' to try and take the plane away from the hijackers, in an effort
perhaps to prevent them from coming to this Capitol or to the White
House.
The gentleman is absolutely correct, we should never forget that, and
we should all know and feel that we are very blessed because there were
very brave people who decided to take a courageous action in the
interest of saving lives. So I thank the gentleman for the extra time
that he is putting into this.
Hon. Frank Pallone, Jr.
of New Jersey
I just wanted to talk a little bit more about the Long Branch ceremony
this morning and Middletown last night, if I could.
I was really happy this morning in Long Branch because there were so
many young people there, about 4,000 people, as I said, maybe from
kindergarten all the way to 12th grade from my home community. I think
they were listening very attentively to the various speeches being made
and they understood that the people who lost their lives on September 11
really were heroes to the American way.
The most important thing I think we need to do is continue to
commemorate September 11. In Long Branch they said they plan on doing
the ceremony every September 11 because they wanted to teach, if you
will, the students and the young people about the significance of
September 11. It is important that from now on, not only today, but in
the future, that we continue to commemorate the day and we continue to
commemorate those people who lost their lives and the heroes who tried
to help the victims, the firefighters, the police. If we forget it, then
we are not paying proper respect to them, and we must continue to point
out that this democracy that we live in and the freedoms that we so
cherish are not easy to come by, that people continue to sacrifice for
them.
Obviously we must continue to do what we can here in Congress with the
President and Congress working together to make sure that the terrorists
do not have the opportunity to do this type of terrible act again.
As I said, there were 36 Middletown men and women who lost their lives
in the World Trade Center on September 11. I mentioned the article that
was in the New York Times, and there were a lot of news stories and
national attention that was focused on Middletown over the last year
because so many people died proportionately for the size of the town.
But in all the descriptions in the news media about the suffering, about
the people who died and their families, there was also much said about
the pride of the community, the fact that the community came together in
untold ways. Residents were helping each other in time of need, and the
community banded together not only to help the families of people who
died but also to send firefighters and police to help the efforts on
September 11 and in the aftermath. I just wanted to say this evening how
proud I was last night to be able to say that I represent a community
like Middletown and to also have the opportunity to participate in the
groundbreaking for another wonderful community effort there, the
Middletown Memorial Garden.
Last night each of the elected representatives spoke briefly; they had
relatives of the victims who spoke; and then they proceeded over to the
new memorial garden where each of the relatives had an opportunity to to
shovel some of the dirt before the garden started to be put together.
Every speaker was overwhelming in terms of what they said and the
significance of what they said. In particular I remember a little girl,
about 9 or 10 years old, who reminded me of my own daughter. I have one
daughter who is 9 years old. And she spoke about her father. She
basically read a letter, I guess in a sense she was writing a letter to
dad, and it was such a moving experience. And after that about 170 or so
relatives that proceeded over to the garden to the groundbreaking, and
there were little kids 2 years old, 3 years old, all the way up to
teenagers. It was such an overwhelming experience.
I want to say in conclusion before I yield to my colleagues, the loss
is always going to be there. There is no way to get away from the loss
for all these relatives of what they lost on September 11, but I think
if we do not forget the people who gave their lives, if we continue to
commemorate their activities, if we do things like the Middletown
Memorial Garden or the ceremonies like that were held at Long Branch
High School this morning, then we are doing what is necessary to make
sure that we never forget what happened and the significance of what
happened. We need to be reminded ultimately that this battle against
those who would defy America and defy America's values is never-ending
and that we have to be constantly vigilant in order to protect our
democracy and our freedoms. And that is why I think today was so
significant to me, not only to the two ceremonies that I attended over
the last 24 hours, but because I feel in general that people after a
year really understand the significance of what happened on September 11
and are determined to keep in mind the lessons of that day.
Hon. Eliot L. Engel
of New York
I am very grateful that we are able to speak on the floor about
September 11 today because I have just gotten back from New York and
spent my morning at Ground Zero at the World Trade Center site where we
had extremely moving events. I was just out in front of the Capitol
where I sang ``God Bless America'' with so many of our colleagues, and
for me being in two places the same day, Ground Zero, the World Trade
Center, and at the Capitol where we now know that the doomed flight from
Pennsylvania was heading. It has been a very emotional roller coaster
for me to be in both cities one day. Flying the shuttle, it was
practically empty. A lot of people were obviously not flying today. But
I am just so proud the way this Congress and the American people are
handling the anniversary of the tragedy that happened 1 year ago today.
I saw, as I have seen in my city since September 11, just an
outpouring of good will, of people just hugging each other and banding
together and taking pride in being New Yorkers and taking pride in being
Americans and just wanting to help each other, care about each other, be
concerned with each other. We saw that again when I drove down this
morning. The first thing we saw when we got near Ground Zero were people
with American flags signaling victory signs and thumbs up signs and just
hugging each other. When we actually got to the event, there was a
platform and we started with different famous speeches that were made,
and then at the exact times that the planes hit both towers at the World
Trade Center, there were moments of silence, and then at the exact times
that the buildings crumbled a year ago, there were bells tolling and
moments of silence, and the names of all the victims of the September 11
tragedy at the World Trade Center were read from A to Z, and it was
very, very moving. I was given a list of names to read to be part of the
procedure, and I realized that someone had come in who was a family
member of someone who had died at the World Trade Center and he had no
names to read, and I gave him my list to read because it was just enough
for me to be there. And I will tell my colleagues, it was a very windy
day in New York City today, and it was almost as if one could just feel
the spirit lifting everybody who was there. I do not think I have ever
experienced anything that has been as emotional or as emotionally
uplifting. It was sad, very, very sad, but at the same time it made us
feel like we were all together as Americans and as New Yorkers. There
were thousands upon thousands of people. There were family members
making their way down to the exact spot of Ground Zero.
Last night at about 1 o'clock in the morning, there were processions,
actually marches, of people from all five boroughs. New York City, of
course, has five boroughs--the Bronx, where I am from; Brooklyn;
Manhattan; Queens; and Staten Island. And people started from the
farthest reaches of the city, from the farthest points of the five
boroughs and all converged at Ground Zero. As the names were being read
out, family members marched down. Yo Yo Ma was playing as he does so
well, and it was just a very moving experience.
After touring the site with the President 3 days after September 11
last year, I said that I was never more proud to be an American and
never more proud to be a New Yorker, and I feel that way again today. I
do hope that every September 11 we can all come together. I hope we can
do it 365 days of the year, but I think that September 11 is a day that
we really always need to reflect and always need to understand how proud
we are to be Americans, how proud we are to be New Yorkers. The
terrorists think that they can destroy our way of life, but they cannot.
Quite the opposite. Because what I see is a resolve among Americans,
among people in this country like I have never seen before. It is almost
as if a sleeping giant has awakened, and we are going to ensure that the
evil of terrorism is eradicated all over the world wherever it rears its
ugly head, and this country will always be in the forefront of fighting
evil. We understand what it means to be an American, and we understand
why it is so important that we all band together and help each other
because that really gives us the meaning of what life is all about.
Those people who died on September 11 did not perish in vain because
they will always be in our minds; they will always be in our hearts. The
heroism that we saw from the first responders to everybody else, the
untold acts of heroism that we will never know about are an inspiration
to all of us.
Hon. Nancy Pelosi
of California
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for having this
very important special order this evening on this day that is etched in
the hearts and minds of all Americans.
I want to commend the gentleman, my colleague from New York (Mr.
Engel), and extend to him and the members of the New York delegation,
especially the dean, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), for the
magnificent hospitality extended to the Congress. Over 300 Members of
Congress traveled to New York on Friday to the place where George
Washington took the oath of office as our first President of the United
States. What more suitable place could there be than for us to express
our grief to all those who personally suffered on September 11 and,
indeed, to our entire country which shares in that grief?
New York took a hit and all those from surrounding areas, as the
gentleman said, many from New Jersey, certainly those in the plane in
Pennsylvania and those at the Pentagon. In every venue the spirit of the
families who suffered the loss and the spirit of the communities that
were involved have lifted up our country.
This has been quite a day for our country, all over America, and in my
district in San Francisco. We started at 5 o'clock this morning because
it is three hours earlier, to be ready to commemorate at the exact
moment the sad tragedy that our country experienced last year. But some
of us were in the National Cathedral at that precise time when the great
bell of the cathedral rang to observe again that sad time and to join in
mourning. It is a day of mourning and memories, and it is a day to pay
tribute and give thanks certainly to the New York delegation for the
wonderful venue they provided for us to mourn, commiserate, and they
provided us a great memory for which we are all grateful.
With the resolution that we approved today in the Congress, we
expressed our utmost appreciation to those brave and courageous young
men and women in uniform who are fighting the battle to root out
terrorism wherever it exists. Today we remember the victims of September
11. We also remember and pay tribute to Johnny Michael Spann, the CIA
officer who in November became the first American killed in combat. We
honored him earlier in this Congress with his family in the gallery. His
name and the names of thousands of other Americans, too many Americans,
are now etched as permanently in our history as they are in the minds of
their families. As the poet laureate of the United States said in New
York, there are too many names for even the walls of our hearts to
contain.
For some of the families of the victims, the sound of a plane flying
overhead fills them with fear. Indeed, the warning of any possible
terrorist act intensifies their grief, and for them and for all
Americans we must do everything in our power to reduce risk to the
American people. Yet as we continue to grieve, we take pride in knowing
that the unspeakable events of September 11 have brought Americans
closer together than ever. The gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel)
referred to that, as did the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone). We
have joined together as a community; we rush to give blood, money, and
volunteer time to become more patriotic, to appreciate our freedom.
Today's resolution honored all of those affected by September 11 from
whom we have learned what it means to be a member of the American
family. From our first responders, our firefighters, and police
officers, we have learned to be an American is to be selfless, to put
honor above personal safety and the lives of strangers above your own.
From cell phone calls made from crumbling buildings, we learned that to
be an American is to love family with a power and a force that
transcends even death. From a group of passengers in a hijacked plane
over Pennsylvania, we learned that to be an American is to be brave in
the face of hopelessness and to do good for others while evil is being
done to oneself. And from workers at the Pentagon who went to work that
day and every day, we learned that to be an American is to love freedom
and to show that love everyday by serving our great country.
This morning we also went to the Pentagon and shared some sympathies
with the families of those who lost their loved ones. One young man
showed me the flag that was given to him in memory and honor of his
father who perished that day. We also honored the workers in hardhats
who rebuilt the Pentagon so that here today on that 1-year anniversary
we could visit a Pentagon that was restored, a sign of confidence and
pride in our country.
With these lessons in mind, we can rest assured that the assault in
our heart, the heart of our Nation, will only make it beat more
strongly. That strength will allow us to triumph over terror militarily,
and that strength will allow us to triumph over terror in spirit. We
will cherish our freedoms now more than ever and recognize, as was said
at the National Cathedral this morning, that there is a high cost to
freedom.
We will draw our loved ones closer and reach out further toward peace
with our adversaries.
With that, I would like to once again express gratitude to all who
have helped us all grieve. I hope it is a comfort to those who lost
their loved ones that so many people throughout the world, and indeed,
intensely in our own country, share their grief and are praying for them
at this sad time.
I would also like to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Speaker
Hastert) and our leader, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt), for
making it possible for us to travel to New York, because it was a place
we had to visit. We went to the heart, to where our country began, to
renew ourselves and to be ready for this very, very sad day, but in a
spirit of renewal and pride in our great country. God bless America.
Hon. Eliot L. Engel
of New York
I want to add, Mr. Speaker, that the gentleman pointed out that so
many people from New York City and the suburbs of New York lost their
lives. Both Senators from New Jersey were there today at Ground Zero, as
were the New Jersey Governor, both Senators from New York, and the New
York Governor.
In my district in Rockland County and Westchester County, the suburbs
of New York City, so many people lost their lives: firemen, policemen,
and average citizens who went to work. So this is truly a regional
feeling, and absolutely a national feeling; but of course, in the New
York City metropolitan area, it is a regional feeling as well. I thank
the gentleman for mentioning that.
Hon. Frank Pallone, Jr.
of New Jersey
I thank the gentleman for adding that. He is right, that we can even
go beyond that. My understanding was that the plane that went down in
Pennsylvania was originally headed for California, so there were
probably some constituents on that plane from the district of the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi).
We know there were even foreign nationals who perished in the World
Trade Center, so the tragedy was truly not only American but included
people from other parts of the world.
Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record the article from the New York
Times of September 9, 2002.
The article referred to follows:
[From the New York Times, Sept. 9, 2002]
Emerging From Cocoon of Grief
(By Andrew Jacobs)
Middletown, N.J., Sept. 6.--Even now, a year after her husband, Louis,
disappeared at the World Trade Center, Barbara Minervino struggles with
the competing pulls of rejoining the living or remaining curled up in
the shelter of her cream yellow ranch home with its comforting memories
and distracting mounds of 9/11-related paperwork.
A photographic shrine to her husband still dominates the living room
and she refuses to touch the Yankee ticket stubs and the $15 he left on
a nightstand the final evening of his life. But she is also increasingly
drawn into the world, both by necessity, and in recent months, the
realization that she can survive as a 54-year-old widow with limited
skills. ``It devastates me that I was able to live without Lou for the
last year,'' she said, sitting in Redheads, a strip-mall restaurant
where hundreds of mourners gathered last year after her husband's
memorial service. ``I didn't change a light bulb for 29 years. I didn't
buy a bedspread without consulting him.''
In contrast to the unrelieved grimness of the past months, there is
now a hint of levity in her voice when she talks about the road ahead.
``I still don't know where I'm going, but I feel like I'm a butterfly
about to come out of the cocoon,'' she said. ``With the grace that God
gives me, I look forward to October and what my place is in the world.''
Since losing 36 residents on Sept. 11, this centerless hodgepodge of
look-alike ranch homes and waterfront estates has become a national
symbol of devastating loss and communal caretaking. Over the past year,
Vanity Fair, ``Dateline NBC'' and a score of newspapers discovered that
tragedy had transformed this anonymous, disjointed suburb into a model
of selfless do-goodism. Local volunteers distributed more than $700,000
in cash and services to the stricken families, and many neighbors, once
strangers, delivered home-cooked meals to make sure no grieving survivor
would have to cook during those first terrible months. Lawn services,
mechanics and plumbers donated their time, ensuring that no one would
have to worry about the mundane aspects of suburban living. In a way,
this community has discovered itself in its grief. But as it crosses the
first anniversary, Middletown, like Mrs. Minervino, is struggling with
opposing impulses: the urge to move past the trauma of last September
and the need to remember.
And while both impulses have enormous force, both the individuals and
the town seem intent, finally, on moving on. ``Some days, I just want a
normal life like other women,'' said Kristen Breitweiser, who lost her
husband, Ronald. ``I want to go food shopping. I want to bake an apple
pie. I don't want to be a 9/11 widow for the rest of my life.'' Of
course, Sept. 11 this year will be more about looking back than looking
forward. By 8:46 on Wednesday morning, when the bells begin to toll at
St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, the camera crews from MSNBC, CBS and
Australian television will already be broadcasting live, showcasing this
township's resilience in the face of excruciating loss. Shopping malls
will fly their flags at half-staff, police officers will shroud their
badges in black and residents will gather for commemorative events at a
fishing pier, a half-dozen churches and the Middletown train station,
where township officials will break ground on a four-acre park honoring
the local residents who died.
``Not an hour goes by when you don't think about it,'' said the police
chief, John Pollinger, choking on emotion as he pulled his car into a
drive-through teller. ``I think all of us here have been changed,
changed forever.''
But neither patriotism nor civic boosterism can stop the intrusions of
daily life. Mounting job losses have taken a toll on many families. The
battle over a proposed megamall, dormant in the first few months after
the terror attacks, has reignited with more fury than before. And
although a tentative contract agreement reached Thursday means schools
opened without labor strife, there is lingering bitterness from an ugly
strike in December that sent 228 instructors to jail. Since then, more
than 100 teachers, about one-eighth of the district's total, have left
the community for other jobs or early retirement. The district's
embattled superintendent moved on as well. ``There are deep and painful
wounds that no glossing over, no platitudes, can undo,'' said the
union's president, Diane Swaim, a middle school teacher who has lived
here most of her life.
While many families say the public outpouring of kindness helped them
endure a nightmarish year, they recognize that the unlimited benevolence
cannot last forever. The meals stopped coming with the onset of summer,
when many families went away on vacation, and several women said they
have sensed a waning tolerance for outward displays of grief. ``After a
very long year, people expect us to move on, to get on, to try to live
life,'' Mrs. Minervino said.
To many family members, moving forward remains painful. Brittany
Chevalier, 16, who lost her 26-year-old brother, Swede, worries that
school administrators and teachers will no longer make allowances for
the days she is too distraught to come to school or too upset to
complete an assignment. ``They were understanding on the six-month
anniversary, and they'll understand if I don't come to school on Sept.
11,'' she said, ``but they'll start to think I'm being ridiculous when
the year-and-a-half anniversary arrives. I guess I'm afraid people are
just going to forget and that the world will just go back to normal.''
But the pull toward moving on is the dominant impulse, even for the
bereaved. During the past year, Patricia Wotton was so distracted by
grief she became emotionally detached from her two children, Dorothea,
nearly 3, and Rod, who is named for his father, who died a week before
he was born. ``It was too painful interacting with them,'' she said,
``It reminded me of what I lost. Besides, I was so focused on
breathing.''
Over time, Dorothea began to act out aggressively, much of it directed
at her fragile brother, who was born prematurely and spent his first
month in intensive care. Last month, Dorothea's therapist warned that
Ms. Wotton's inattention was compounding her daughter's trauma. It was
those blunt words, Ms. Wotton said, that helped her cross an invisible
line.
In a burst of activity, she opened her backyard swimming pool, planted
some tomato plants in the garden that was once her husband's domain and
started to talk baby talk to her son. She even visited ground zero,
which helped her realize that her husband was really, truly gone. ``I
saw where the south tower was and finally understood he couldn't have
survived such hatred,'' she said.
In an outgrowth of her newfound strength, she has begun a campaign
aimed at winning extended health coverage from her husband's former
employer, Fiduciary Trust, which plans to cut off all medical benefits
in December. Last month she appeared with Diane Sawyer on ABC's
``Primetime Thursday,'' and now other networks are clamoring for an
appearance. ``I have this big open wound, but it's starting to form a
tiny scab,'' she said. ``I still feel the pain, but I'm doing what my
husband would have expected of me.''
For Elaine Chevalier, Brittany's mother, the journey back to everyday
life has been powered by the earthly distractions of work and the
spiritual nourishment that comes from intense faith. Those first
catatonic months have given way to busy days managing commercial real
estate in and around Middletown. But Ms. Chevalier says her true
salvation has been her church and its support group. The crystallizing
moment came one night last year in a dream, which featured Swede, the
angel Raphael and her son's yellow Labrador retriever, Holly, who had
also just died. ``I'm trying to heal by thinking about my son in a
different way, trying to think of him as a spiritual being,'' she said,
sitting in the family's soaring great room with Brittany by her side.
``Sometimes it works, but sometimes it doesn't cut it.''
As she crosses the one-year mark, Ms. Chevalier believes she is
entering a new phase of her life, one marked by self-reliance. (She is
also seeking a divorce from her husband of 30 years). ``The community
has been so wonderful to us,'' she said, ``but people can't feel sorry
for us and cater to us forever.''
It has been a busy year for the dozens of volunteers who came together
to spoil the grieving families of Middletown. Besides raising $200,000
in cash, the group, Favor, made sure every family received overflowing
gift baskets to mark Thanksgiving, Christmas, the depths of winter and
the beginning of summer.
In June, the group decided it had done its job, and announced that it
would disband. Several of the organizers, who set aside work and the
demands of family, said it was time to return to their former lives. But
Favor will not be fading away any time soon. The renewed flood of news
media attention that began in recent weeks has sparked a fresh round of
philanthropy, including that of a Texas millionaire who has offered
scholarships to the 61 children who lost a parent last September.
At the very least, Allyson Gilbert, the group's executive director,
said she and others have decided to put together one more gift basket,
something small and simple, perhaps a tray of home-baked cookies crowned
by a teddy bear. The baskets, she said, will probably arrive a week or
two after Sept. 11, when the commemorative events and televised
anniversary specials are through.
``They don't need us to deliver these huge food baskets or big checks
anymore,'' she said. ``I think they just need a reminder that we're
thinking about them, that we have not forgotten, and that we're not
going to go away.''
MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE
A message from the Senate by Mr. Lundregan, one of its clerks,
announced that the Senate has passed without amendment a concurrent
resolution of the House of the following title:
H. Con. Res. 464. Concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the
Congress on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks launched against
the United States on September 11, 2001.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO AMANDA DAVIO AND ST. MARTHA CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Hon. Mike Rogers
of michigan
Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Amanda Davio and her classmates at St.
Martha Catholic School in Okemos, MI, for their special efforts to thank
the thousands of volunteers and emergency workers who responded to the
September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City
and the Pentagon here in Washington, DC.
Last year, soon after those tragic attacks, I asked children
throughout Michigan's Eighth Congressional District to write letters and
cards to the military men and women who were preparing for the war
against terrorism. St. Martha students responded to that request along
with hundreds of other students. Several of the schools, like St. Martha
and Amanda Davio's kindergarten class, also sent along letters and cards
for the workers at the attack sites.
These were forwarded to the Red Cross and eventually Amanda's card
made it into the hands of New York City police officer Steve Tarricone.
Officer Tarricone contacted the school, eventually traveled there to
meet the students, especially Amanda, whose greeting has inspired him at
a time when his spirits were very low.
Since then, the Davio family has visited New York and the two families
have become good friends, developing a special bond born out of the
shared experience of dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy of
September 11, 2001.
The remarkable story of this new friendship is best told in the words
of Amanda's father, Christopher Davio, who wrote:
With the approach of the anniversary of the tragic events of September
11, 2001, I'd like to relate an uplifting side to the story and how, out
of such horrific happenings; blessings and new relationships can grow.
Shortly after 9/11/01, U.S. Representative Mike Rogers sent out a
request to the schoolchildren of his district to write cards and letters
to the rescue workers at Ground Zero, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania.
My daughters' school, St. Martha Catholic School in Okemos, like I'm
sure many other schools in the area, answered the call and each class
composed cards which were delivered to Mr. Rogers for forwarding to the
workers.
The cards followed a circuitous route and my daughter Amanda Davio's
(age 5 and in kindergarten at the time) card ended up posted in a Red
Cross tent at the Staten Island landfill, along with hundreds of other
cards and notes. There in early March of this year, the construction
paper card caught the eye of an NYPD officer, Steven Tarricone. The
card, with a 5-year-old's rendition of the American flag and the words
``Thank You'' on the cover had a simple but profound message inside,
``You Make Me Feel Proud.'' Officer Torricone saw that the card, signed
Amanda Davio, was stamped with the school's name and address on the back
and wishing to express his gratitude for the support and comfort that
the card and all the other cards and notes had given him, placed it in
his pocket and took it home.
Steve showed the card to his wife and his partner. He had to put in
long days and was drawing extra shifts while the city still struggled
with the aftermath of the devastating attack. After a few weeks, he put
together a package and sent it to the St. Martha School. Inside the
package was a thank you card in which he wrote a little about himself
and his job. He described the day he found Amanda's card, he was
assigned to the Staten Island landfill and as he said, ``My job for the
day was to sift through the debris to try to find anything that would
bring closure to the family members of victims of the World Trade
Center.'' He thanked Amanda, her classmates and the staff at St. Martha
School for their support and for taking the time out of their day to
thank all the rescue workers. Steve included in the package five
pictures he took on the days immediately following the disaster and took
the time to describe on the back of each picture what was shown. He also
sent along an NYPD cap, arm patch and ID cards with the request that
they be given to Amanda.
Mrs. Helen Hillman, principal of St. Martha, related to me how moved
she was as she opened the package and after discussing the contents with
other staff members, Amanda's teacher, Kara Lampke, suggested she
present the items to Amanda at the upcoming spring program that the
schoolchildren were to perform the next week. When next she saw me at
the school, Mrs. Hillman told me to be sure and have my camera ready at
the end of the program as Amanda was going to be presented with
something. Being the proud parents that we are, my wife and I videoed
and photographed throughout the show and when the time came for Mrs.
Hillman to present the items and relate the story, sat there stunned by
the thoughtfulness of Steve's reply. For him to express his gratitude in
such a way and to know that someone took the time to show all the
children how important their support was to the workers and victims of
September 11 was one of the most significant events in my life.
A few days later, Officer Tarricone called the school to see if they
had received the package and talked to Mrs. Hillman at length about what
the cards had meant to him and other workers at the sites. He said he
was amazed at the outpouring of support shown by the entire county and
was moved by the fact that Amanda's card had come from a kindergarten
from halfway across the county.
My wife and I began to put together a few things to send back to
Officer Tarricone and his family and after videoing greetings from
Amanda and her sister Angela (8) and Alissa (14), included the tape of
the presentation and the school program along with other cards, photos
and expressions of thanks.
When Steve got that package, he called to share his excitement with us
and told ``in the past 24 hours, I've watched the tape at least 25
times.'' He had shown it to his mother and sister and they were all so
happy about our reaction to his reply.
We kept in contact over the next few weeks and Steve told us that he
had gone to the Policemen's Benevolent Association for permission to
have Amanda named an honorary NYPD officer. After receiving permission,
he had a plaque made and sent it along with more photos, commemorative
pins and the arm patches from each of the units of the NYPD to Amanda.
In the meantime, Mrs. Hillman called our local papers and news outlets
and a story was run on the front page of the Community News as well as a
news segment on WLAJ which was aired as a local connection to the
official closing of the cleanup effort at Ground Zero.
Since then, Mrs. Hillman has traveled to New York on a trip that she
had planned long before all this developed. Steve met her at the airport
with a red rose and welcomed her and her family. He arranged a visit to
police headquarters and Ground Zero for all of them.
We took our family to New York at the end of August to meet Steve and
his family (wife Michelle and daughter Ashley). Upon our arrival at a
nearby hotel Wednesday, August 28, we called Steve and he immediately
came to meet us. Greeting him for the first time was like seeing a close
family member after a long absence. Amanda ran into his arms and the
smiles lit up the whole lobby of the hotel. Steve took us to his house
and we met Michelle and Ashley. Steve had a shirt made for Amanda in the
style of his uniform, complete with her name and honorary badge number
as well as NYPD arm patches and badge insignia.
We saw Steve again the next day at his house and met with a reporter
and photographer from the Long Island Catholic, a diocese newspaper who
had heard of the story from one of their staffers with family here in
Okemos. After visiting with the representatives from the paper, we did a
little touring locally then went to dinner with Steve and his family.
On Friday, Steve and Michelle met us at our hotel and took us into
Manhattan. He had arranged a tour similar to the one given to Mrs.
Hillman on her trip earlier in the month. We got to lower Manhattan
about an hour before our appointment at One Police Plaza and while
driving near Ground Zero, saw a fire station at the corner of Water and
Wall Streets. Steve asked us to wait in the car while he went in and
talked to the firemen on duty. The firemen, after hearing the story from
Steve, welcomed us into the station, gave us a tour of the fire trucks
and equipment and posed for pictures with the girls in fire suits and
helmets. We paid our respects to the fallen members of the station at a
memorial on the sidewalk in front of the firehouse, thanked the two
firemen for the tour and their welcome, and went on to our appointment
at police headquarters.
Pulling up to One Police Plaza was like entering a military post.
Concrete barriers are placed so that only one vehicle can enter or leave
the lot at a time and a large sanitation truck blocks the opening,
pulling away to allow access after getting clearance from the guard
post, then moving back to block the entrance. Security was tight! Upon
entering the building, we passed through metal detectors and were
photographed and given passes to wear on our outermost clothing.
We were all escorted to the Division of Community Affairs where we met
Detective John Rowen and his daughter Ashleen. Detective Rowen took us
to a conference room where we also met Detective Eugene Canapi. Gene had
heard the story and came in on his day off to show us a presentation
that the department had put together as a historical documentary on the
events of September 11, 2001. Both men expressed their welcomes to us
and told us how much the cards and letters from across the Nation had
meant to them. John said that of all the cards he had seen, it never
occurred to him to answer back and he was glad that Steve had shown such
thoughtfulness to reply to Amanda.
After the presentation, reporters from the New York Post and Newsday
interviewed us and took photos of Steve and Amanda in their
``uniforms!'' We met Deputy Commissioner Patrick (Division of Community
Affairs) and were greeted and treated like VIPs by everyone.
Detective Rowen and his daughter took us all down to the waterfront
near Battery Park where we boarded a Police Harbor Patrol boat and were
given a tour of the area from the water. We rode under the Brooklyn
Bridge, out to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. I'm not usually
an emotionally demonstrative person but I had tears in my eyes when I
saw the statue. It was my first visit to New York City and I had never
seen it before. I remember thinking back to 9/11/01 and hearing the
threats made to her after the horrible attacks. I was sure at that time
that I'd never see it in person and was truly overcome at seeing her
from the boat. I imagine that is how my ancestors felt coming over from
Italy at the turn of the last century.
While on the harbor patrol boat, I talked with one of the officers
that made up the crew of three. He had no idea who we were and when I
told him the story he told me how glad he was that Steve had replied in
the way that he had. He described the events of that day and how they
ferried survivors and rescue workers to the site and told me how much
they all appreciated the support shown by the rest of the country after
the attack. He said that the Red Cross had given him a box of cookies
sent by some schoolchildren from New Jersey and that he still kept the
note that they had enclosed in his wallet, nearly a year afterward.
After the harbor tour, we returned to One Police Plaza and were told
that Police Commissioner Ray Kelly would like to meet Amanda. We were
absolutely floored! Steve was really nervous as we waited to be escorted
into the Commissioner's office, as he had never met him before either.
Detective Rowen remarked that he doubted that many officers with Steve's
experience (he's been on the force for 7 years) had been invited to meet
the Commissioner in his office. Commissioner Kelly greeted us warmly and
posed for pictures with Amanda and Steve and a group photo with all of
us. He gave us a brief tour of his office and explained that his desk
was Teddy Roosevelt's from his tour as Commissioner in the late 1800s.
After leaving the Commissioner's office, Detective Rowen took us to
see Ground Zero. After seeing it so often in news coverage, it was an
uncanny feeling to actually be at the site. I said a quiet prayer for
the victims and listened while Detective Rowen related his memories from
the day of the attack. He was at the command center when the first plane
hit and was helping victims at the foot of the buildings when the first
tower fell. There is a brief shot of him running up the street in one of
the CNN videos as the cloud of debris follows behind. He said it was
like a wall of water, he ducked into a side street and the wave of dirt
followed him around the corner. A nearby visitor asked what is was like
to be surrounded by the smoke and he said it wasn't smoke, it was more
like dirt and fine particles of concrete dust that followed him and
eventually covered him like so many of the photos we all saw from the
news that day.
The site now looks more like a construction site and an individual
happening along on it today would probably wonder what was going to be
built there. The sides of the hole go straight down for probably five or
six stories and you can see each level of the substructure of the
underground areas across the way. We could see where the subway tunnel
was going north from the site. For someone who had never seen the World
Trade Center, it was hard to imagine just how tall it was. Standing at
Ground Zero now, you are surrounded by skyscrapers, the tallest of which
is 54 stories. I tried to explain to my daughters that if they took that
building and placed another one just like it on top that would have been
about the same height as the 110 stories of the Twin Towers. Many of the
buildings still show damage from the attack and collapse of WTC. Still
the cleanup has been a heroic effort in and of itself.
My family thanked Detective Rowen as we left and my middle daughter,
Angela (8) exchanged e-mail addresses with Ashleen planning to stay in
contact. As we drove back to Long Island we all were just amazed at the
events of the day. Reflecting on the tragedy of last year and
remembering the expressions of welcome and gratitude from each and every
person we met.
When we had first discussed going to New York City to meet Steve and
his family, he had told us that when we got there he was going to throw
a big party. As the plans for the trip grew, we found out that his
daughter Ashley's second birthday (September 1) would be celebrated on
Saturday, August 31 and that he was having his whole family over. We
picked that weekend to go so that we could meet all of them and make
sure that they knew just how special we thought that Steve and Michelle
were. Saturday dawned with a story in the New York Post about Amanda and
Steve and how a small thank you card and its magnificent reply reached
halfway across the country to bring them together. As we arrived at
Steve and Michelle's, we were welcomed by all of their family and
friends as a new part of the family. Steve's mother Linda had gifts for
each of our girls, as did his Aunt Val & Uncle Len. We got to meet his
partner and other friends form the force. About halfway through the
party, we all heard the sound of bagpipes tuning up. Steve had told me
that there was another surprise coming and as he called us all to the
patio, he announced his lieutenant and other members of the Emerald
Society, NYPD's pipe and drum corps. They gave a short concert for all
of us in honor of Ashley's birthday and Amanda's visit. Once again the
emotions overflowed to hear the patriotic medleys and other songs from
the bagpipes and drum. It was a great way to cap off another
extraordinary day.
Our last full day in New York was spent touring the city like normal
visitors. We left Steven and his family to give them a chance to spend
Ashley's birthday alone while we went to the observation deck of the
Empire State Building, drove down Broadway and explored Manhattan by
ourselves. For visitors coming to New York for the first time, you're
struck by the size of all the buildings, the number of people and you
quickly come to see that there is no place like it in the country. I've
had the privilege of visiting 46 of the 48 contiguous United States as
well as Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Truly New York City has no equal.
After having dinner with Steve, Michelle, Ashley, and Steve's sister
Lisa's family, we headed back to our hotel and the next morning left for
home. Our trip to New York City was way more memorable than we could
ever have imagined. It gave my children an experience that they will
never forget. Steve and his family are in the process of planning a trip
here for a visit to St. Martha School in early November. We are all
looking forward to seeing them again. The police officers and
firefighters of New York showed the rest of the Nation that heroes arise
from adversity. My family has been fortunate to meet one of those heroes
and to get to know him as a good friend. People like Steve Tarricone are
around us every day, and sometimes the small gestures, like a thank you
card sent by a kindergartener can bring them into our lives. The next
time your child comes home from school and says that they sent cards to
someone, be it at a local nursing home, or to the President of the
United States, I hope that you will recognize the importance of those
messages to all who see them.
Mr. Speaker, Christopher Davio is right. Small gifts of kindness can
have immeasurable benefits. Today, we wish to extend our appreciation to
Amanda Davio and her family, Officer Steve Tarricone and his family and
colleagues, and all the students from the Eighth District who helped our
Nation begin its recovery. I now ask that our colleagues in the U.S.
House of Representatives join us in recognizing this remarkable American
story.
TRIBUTE TO THE HEROES OF THE 14TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Hon. Anna G. Eshoo
of california
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary women and men of
the distinguished 14th Congressional District for their heroic responses
to the tragic events of a year ago.
On the first anniversary of the attacks on our Nation, we reaffirm our
commitment to the ideals that have made the United States of America the
greatest Nation on Earth. We have grieved for our lost loved ones, and
now we continue the work of a freedom-loving Nation. We take pride in
and are in awe of what the American people have done in response to the
attack on our Nation. They have been brave and generous and the entire
world has witnessed the strength and the decency of our people.
Americans respond with open, brave and generous hands and hearts to
those who are in need.
Mr. Speaker, the 14th Congressional District lost two extraordinary
people, Naomi Solomon and Andrew Garcia, who enriched the lives of
everyone they knew and loved.
I ask my colleagues to join me in once again offering our deepest
sympathy and that of our entire Nation to the Solomon and Garcia
families.
This Nation had many heroes on September 11, 2001. We all know of the
supreme sacrifice made by so many firefighters, police officers and
others in their response to the attacks on the World Trade Center and
the Pentagon. We know of the heroism of those on the hijacked planes who
prevented even more calamitous attacks on our Nation's Capital. We've
learned of the heroism of people all over our country who pitched in to
give service to others.
Mr. Speaker, it is with a great sense of honor and pride that I ask my
colleagues to join me in paying tribute to all who have emerged from the
tragedies of that fateful day to embody what it means to be true
American heroes by giving so much of their time, talents and resources
to heal the wounds of September 11, 2001. There are too many
individuals, organizations and companies to name each separately, but
I'd like to honor in our Nation's Record a few examples of some of the
many people of the 14th Congressional District who rose to the occasion
in extraordinarily generous ways:
The Town of Woodside Firefighters--held a ``Fill the Boot'' fundraiser
on September 30 for the New York Fire 9/11 Relief Fund.
YWCA and the Mountain View City Human Relations Commission--held a
``Building Community, Understanding and Respect'' forum and dialog in
response to September 11.
The Menlo Park Community Chorus and the Foothill Orchestra--organized
a program of patriotic and inspirational music on December 15 which
benefited the ``victims and heroes'' of September 11.
Banks, financial institutions and credit unions including San Mateo
Credit Union and Stanford Credit Union--maintained and kept open their
financial networks for their customers despite the resulting chaos of
the attacks; and organized fundraising campaigns among their employees
and customers to benefit the families affected by September 11.
Gallery Europa in Palo Alto owners Louise Erricson and David
Himmelberger organized a special exhibit in which the sale proceeds were
donated to families of victims of September 11.
Hyland Hogan and Lane Lees of the Half Moon Bay Fire District--
following September 11, they boarded a plane and were adopted by NYFD
Ladder Company 3 where they helped the company after it lost 12 of its
members and assisted the families of lost firefighters. In May, the
district presented the New York company with a memorial handmade case
holding an ax recovered by 1 of the firefighters and pictures of the 12
who perished.
All the teachers and school administrators (like Jill Ballard and
Sherry Fulton who teach American Literature and Studies at Half Moon Bay
High School)--who changed their curricula and schedules to help students
understand and cope with the events of September 11.
Law enforcement agencies and organizations like the Santa Clara County
Sheriff's Office and the San Mateo County Deputy Sheriff's Association--
set up funds to help the families of police officers killed in the
September 11 attacks.
California Task Force 3 Urban Search and Rescue--deployed local
firefighters and other task force members to New York to assist at
Ground Zero.
Harold Schapelhouman, Menlo Park Fire District
Randall Shurson, Menlo Park Fire District
Paul Cole, Half Moon Bay Fire District
Gerald Kohlmann, San Jose Fire Department
Phil White, South San Francisco Fire Department
Troy Holt, Menlo Park Fire District
Brian Beadnell, Menlo Park Fire District
Ben Marra, Menlo Park Fire District
Carl Kustin, San Mateo Fire Department
Rexford Ianson, Menlo Park Fire District
John Preston, NASA Ames DART
Bill Trolan, Physician
Jared Strote, Physician
George Berry, Civilian--Communications Specialist
David Larton, Civilian--Communications Specialist
Martin Mijangos, Civilian--Technical Information
Specialist
Mike Bavister, Civilian--Technical Information
Specialist
Gordon Coe, Menlo Park Fire District
Hollice Stonc, Civilian--Logistics Specialist
Mark Meyers, Civilian--Logistics Officer
Paul Brown, NASA Ames DART
Joe Zsutty, Structural Engineer
Raymond Lui, Structural Engineer
Harry Jackson, San Jose Fire Department
Kelly Kasser, NASA Ames DART
Crane Rigger, San Mateo County CDF
Robert Simmons, Civilian
James Stevens, Menlo Park Fire District--Medic
Kenneth Oliver, Menlo Park Fire District--Medic
Eric Haslam, South San Francisco Fire Department--
Medic
Kevin Banks, Santa Clara Fire Department--Medic
John Wurdinger, Menlo Park Fire District--Technical
Search Specialist
Roger Miller, NASA Ames DART--Technical Search
Specialist K-9
Shirley Hammond, California OES, K-9
Jeff Place, California OES, K-9
Patricia Grant, California OES, K-9
Carol Herse, California OES, K-9
Tom Marinkovich, Menlo Park Fire District
Philip Snyder, NASA Ames DART
Don Chesney, Burlingame Fire Department
Michael Shaffer, Menlo Park Fire District
Rodney Brovelli, Menlo Park Fire District
Keith Slade, Menlo Park Fire District
Charles Sturtevant, Menlo Park Fire District
Jeff Schreiber, Menlo Park Fire District
Bill McFarland, Menlo Park Fire District
Mark Tagney, NASA Ames DART
Jeffrey Maxwell, Milpitas Fire Department
Chris De La Osa, Mountain View Fire Department
Daniel Horton, Redwood City Fire Department
Gerald Pera, Redwood City Fire Department
Steve Ehlers, Burlingame Fire Department
Bruce Barron, Burlingame Fire Department
Patrick Brown, Santa Clara Fire Department
Rod Villa, San Jose Fire Department
David Lerma, San Jose Fire Department
Greg Campbell, San Mateo Fire Department
Dave Rovetti, San Mateo Fire Department
Jesus Magallanes, South San Francisco Fire
Department
Chris Campagna, South San Francisco Fire Department
Thomas Calvert, Menlo Park Fire District
Alex Leman, Civilian--Incident Support Team
Frank Fraone, Menlo Park Fire District--Incident
Support Team
BK Cooper, Civilian--Incident Support Team
David Hammond, Civilian--Incident Support Team
John Osteraas, Civilian--Incident Support Team
The children of the Payvand Cultural School of Cupertino, an Iranian
community-based school--filmed a special video after 9/11 to spread the
message of tolerance and peace. The video is named ``Hand in Hand'' and
it was sent to President Bush.
Local media--reporters like Mark Simon and Tom Abate with the San
Francisco Chronicle, Loretta Green, Leigh Weimers and Jim Puzzanghera
with the San Jose Mercury News, Don Kazak, Palo Alto Weekly, Dave Price
with the Palo Alto Daily. Reporters from The Almanac, Half Moon Bay
Review/Pescadero Pebble, San Mateo County Times, Redwood City
Independent, Los Altos Town Crier, Mountain View Voice, Silicon Valley
Business Journal, Gentry, San Jose Magazine, Sunnyvale Sun, Cupertino
Courier all provided critical information, told our collective stories,
shared our thoughts and helped to underscore a message of hope and
tolerance.
Silicon Valley companies and businesses--Silicon Valley companies came
together with their employees immediately after 9/11 to raise millions
of dollars for charitable organizations. Many of the contributions made
by companies were matched by employees, which brought aid to the
affected families including those of firefighters and police officers.
The senior executives at Sun Microsystems raised $1 million and the
company matched dollar per dollar all employee contributions. That
effort raised an additional $500,000. Sun Microsystems, like many
Silicon Valley companies also participated in Ebay's Auction for
America, donating over 1.3 million dollar's worth of products. Hewlett-
Packard employees gave $1 million to support relief efforts. HP itself
contributed $2 million, and matched its employees' gifts with another $1
million. In addition, HP like many other Silicon Valley companies,
donated equipment to assist in the September 11 relief efforts.
Companies like National Semiconductor not only made monetary
contributions but also organized employee blood drives. Paypal through
their members helped raise $2.35 million for the National Disaster
Relief Fund of the American Red Cross. Cadence, under the leadership of
CEO Ray Bingham, raised over $1.6 million in contributions to the
American Red Cross and to the New York Firefighters' 9/11 Disaster
Relief Fund. Cadence and its employees also held a special flag raising
ceremony commemorating the tragic events of 9/11. Apple too went above
and beyond to assist the victims. In addition to financial contributions
to the Red Cross, Apple donated iBooks to the children of the rescue
workers who lost their lives in the line of duty. These are but a few
examples of the many contributions made by the employers and employees
of the 14th Congressional District.
CHUMS--Children United Morally and Spiritually--designed an interfaith
holiday card which they sold and donated the proceeds to victims of 9/
11.
VA Palo Alto National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(NCPTSD) staff including Director Fred Gusman, Gregory Leskin, Robyn
Walser, Sherry Riney, and Ken Drescher--who traveled to the Pentagon to
provide the Department of Defense guidance and assistance for the
psychological response efforts following 9/11.
The men and women of the California Highway Patrol--whose continuing
vigilance helps ensure the safety of our bridges, airports, and other
infrastructure.
The members of the Reserves and California National Guard who have
been mobilized and their families--many of these dedicated individuals
have taken deep pay cuts and will endure long separations from their
families to prosecute the war on terror.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation and Stanford University (particularly
Eric Weiss, MD and Lou Saksen)--formed a bioterrorism preparedness group
to respond immediately and appropriately to any suspected cases of
bioterrorism.
USPS--dealt with the aftermath of the anthrax attacks and continued to
provide excellent service by delivering mail and keeping their offices
open to the public.
American Red Cross Palo Alto Area Chapter--Deployed September 11
volunteers: The chapter was second in the State of California for
percentage of response based on chapter population and serves 250,000
people in Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, at
Stanford University and Moffett Federal Airfield. The following Red
Cross-trained volunteers and staff were deployed for assignments which
lasted up to 3 weeks at a time following the September 11 attacks:
Ginny Anderson, WTC New Jersey, Disaster Mental
Health
Vinnie Biberdorf, WTC New Jersey, Local Chapter
Liaison
Ruth Anderson, WTC New York, Disaster Mental Health
Judy Boore, WTC New York, Disaster Mental Health
Rita Castro-Hawkins, WTC New York, Voluntary Agency
Liaison
Don DeJongh, WTC New York, Family Services
Miriam DeJongh, WTC New York, Family Services
Ted Easley, WTC New York, Staffing for Disaster
Services
Paige Filomeo, WTC New York, Disaster Mental Health
Adriana Flores, WTC New York, Disaster Volunteers
Lynne McCreight, WTC New York, Records and Reports
Edwin Ou, WTC New York, Logistics
Laura Quilici, WTC New York, Disaster Mental Health
Peggy Rogers, WTC New York, Disaster Mental Health
Richard Wing, WTC New York, Disaster Mental Health
Ann Ziman, WTC FMA Center, Family Services
Geoff Ziman, WTC FMA Center, Family Services
Karen Duncan, WTC NHQ Support, Public Affairs
American Red Cross Palo Alto Chapter (locally): Palo Alto Area Red
Cross Chapter led by Executive Director Patricia J. Bubenik, staff
members and volunteers assisted four local families with issues related
to the September 11 disaster, including counseling the family of a
victim of the Pennsylvania air crash. Mental health disaster volunteers
went to schools, PTAs, and church groups requesting help in the
aftermath. Volunteers delivered materials to schools to assist with the
conversations with children, teachers and parents.
The chapter staff also processed a total of $1,168,737 in donations
designated for the National Red Cross (between September 11, 2001, and
June 30, 2002).
At the same time, the chapter continued to respond to an increased
interest in first aid and CPR classes and trained an increased number of
disaster service volunteers who came in response to the September 11
tragedies. They also registered and placed an unprecedented number of
volunteers who wanted to be of service within the community.
CENTRAL NEW JERSEY SHARES A POEM ON FREEDOM BY WORLD TRADE CENTER VICTIM
DAVID SCOTT SUAREZ
Hon. Rush D. Holt
of new jersey
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with you excerpts from a story that
World Trade Center victim David Scott Suarez wrote about two hiking
trips he had taken several years apart, and a poem he wrote about
climbing as a metaphor for life and for freedom. David writes about
freedom, both in terms of the struggle to attain it and the unparalleled
joy of having it. In a sense, David's story reminds us that freedom is
not free. It requires hard work and undaunting perseverance. Freedom can
only be attained when people work together with others, exerting all of
the collective strength of the unified group, to ascend its peak. One
could interpret David's story to say that freedom is not even a choice,
but rather a requirement for the realization of human potential, and
that freedom should be our example to the world that we shout from the
mountaintops.
David's parents, Ted and Carol Suarez, have so far had his poem
translated into over 90 languages, including 3 of the major languages
spoken in Afghanistan. They offer their son's story and poem in hopes
that they will show all of the people of the world how much they have in
common, so that we will always choose to communicate with each other
rather than fight, and so that their son's death and the death of so
many others on September 11 will not have been in vain. The following
are excerpts from ``Return to Freedom,'' by David Suarez.
My legs burned. My heart pounded. A bead of sweat ran down my forehead
to the tip of my nose. I wiped it off with the back of my dirty arm just
before it dripped to the ground. The air was cool and the wind grew
fiercer the higher into the atmosphere we climbed. It froze sweat to my
skin and blew my hair every which way, occasionally stinging my eyes. I
looked up past Bob, who was directly in front of me, but I could not see
our destination. The peak was covered in clouds . . . . Hail pelted my
raincoat. The trail we'd been hiking quickly turned to a swiftly flowing
stream. The sky lit up. Thunder cracked simultaneously. I began to hear
the slow cracking of, not thunder but wood. We all turned abruptly. A
tree fell across the path 50 yards behind us, its top shattered and
smoking.
Only nine miles to go, but the weather showed no signs of letting up.
At night we were going to make camp on top of Mount Philip at 11,711
feet . . . . It was thirteen miles away and a strenuous climb from where
we broke camp in the morning. Unfortunately, that day was worse than any
other had been. Like myself, the other guys in the expedition were
pretty melancholy . . . . All I could think about was the 40 pound pack
and the ice covered ground that kept me from moving forward with any
sort of speed . . . . It continued to storm.
I trudged on. Stepping one foot in front of the other . . . . If I'd
had a choice I'd have stopped, but there was no choice. Stopping meant
hypothermia, which was worse than walking. Hours later, we reached the
top. My hands were red. The tips of my fingers were almost white; they
were completely numb. The clouds were so thick I couldn't see more than
a few feet ahead. Everyone else was in the same condition, some worse .
. . . There were fourteen of us, only six were able to pitch tents . . .
. We pitched one after another. I thought each one along the way would
be my last. Finally we finished and everyone was safe. Then,
miraculously, the moment our tent was ready for sleep the clouds blew
away and the warm sun came out . . . .
That was it, I was the last man standing. I was so excited I started
to run to the peak . . . . I reached it minutes later . . . . I leaned
back against the flagpole that stood higher than everything else. A
smile of contentment crossed my face. I shut my eyes and fell asleep to
the sound of the American Flag snapping in the wind. I was free.
Three thousand miles and five years later I was feeling the same
thing. Freedom, what a strong word it is. Millions of people had died in
its name. Do people fully understand and appreciate this single word? Do
I? A month earlier I sat out on the lawn under the shade of a tall oak
attending my Asian philosophy class. After class I walked past a
preacher yelling that all of my peers (and myself) were doomed to hell.
I walked farther and saw a stand with pictures of marijuana leaves all
around, apparently fighting for its legality. I sat down and watched a
couple walk past hand in hand and smiling. It was July 3. The impact of
what was occurring before me hit me like a blow. I was living the dream
that so many had died for. I belonged to a select group of people that
could enjoy life as it should be enjoyed. In day to day life I often
didn't realize that . . . . My mind and my talents marked the limits of
where I could go. No one else dictated them.
Those thoughts reentered my mind as I climbed to the top of Sugarbush
Mountain in central Maine. Climbing became a metaphor for life. We were
almost at the top and the wind was blowing fiercely. We had entered the
clouds and couldn't see a thing. At one point I opened my jacket and
leaned into the wind. It supported my weight for awhile. Together we
reached the top. We raised our hands and screamed loudly for the world
to hear. We'd conquered this mountain. Although the steep slopes tried
to keep us down, they couldn't. Although our lives threatened to trap us
in dull routine, we escaped. We were in charge of our destinies, only
us. For a moment the clouds cleared. It seemed as if we could see the
entire world at once. In silence we watched. We were free.
H
You Are Free
(By David S. Suarez)
The air is cool, the sky is dark, your muscles
relax, while nature's breath fills your lungs
You have accomplished your tasks, felt the pain, and
endured the pressure, a pressure so immense that
you lived to escape
You have climbed to the very peak of the mountain
and now relax on a rock, high above the trees
while others sleep
You are enveloped by nature's beauty for just a
moment you abandon your incarcerated body wholly
relinquishing your ties to human nature and for
only an instant, you become part of God you are
free
THE CRANBURY LIONS CLUB MARKS SEPTEMBER 11
Hon. Rush D. Holt
of new jersey
Mr. Speaker, Wednesday, September 11, 2002, marks the 1st anniversary
of the heinous attack on the United States of America by terrorists. On
Saturday, September 14, 2002, the Cranbury Lions Club will remember the
heroic actions on September 11 of a Cranbury, NJ, resident, Mr. Todd
Beamer, with the dedication of a memorial in the township's Heritage
Park. Mr. Beamer was aboard flight 93 on September 11, 2001, when it was
hijacked by terrorists and crashed in Western Pennsylvania.
The memorial honors the uncommon service of Todd Beamer and his fellow
flight 93 passengers whose selfless acts of courage saved countless
lives and helped reunite our country. It also provides a permanent
symbol to underscore the invaluable role of all citizens in protecting
our unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The Todd Beamer Memorial contains two symbols of strength, a boulder
and an oak tree. On the boulder is a plaque that reads:
``Let's Roll''
These are the memorable words spoken by Todd Beamer, a Cranbury
resident, who was aboard United Flight 93, when it was hijacked by
terrorists on September 11, 2001, as he joined with his fellow
passengers in a final act of resistance, sacrificing their lives to save
countless others.
A man described as ordinary to the world, extraordinary to his family,
he shall forever be remembered for his uncommon act of bravery. This
memorial celebrates the faith and heroism of Todd Beamer--husband,
father, son, brother, friend, civilian--an American.
Americans have read or heard about the heroic actions of Todd Beamer,
and will always remember his simple, inspiring words: ``Let's roll.'' As
we memorialize his actions and words, it is equally important that we
reflect on the life of Todd Beamer.
A native of Illinois, Mr. Beamer was born in Glen Ellyn, the middle
child of David and Peggy Beamer, and spent his young adulthood in this
suburb of Chicago. He was raised in a caring environment where value was
placed on family, hard work, strength of character, and faith in God. In
high school, he starred in soccer, basketball and baseball, serving as a
team captain. Mr. Beamer continued to excel in athletics at Wheaton
College where he earned a degree in business in 1991. He was later
awarded an MBA from DePaul University.
In 1993, Mr. Beamer married Lisa Brosious, and they moved to Central
New Jersey, soon settling in Cranbury to start their family. His prior
success in athletics and academics was mirrored in his professional
pursuits on behalf of Oracle Corporation.
Mr. Beamer's faith and commitment to his church was always evident. He
was a member of the Princeton Alliance Church in Plainsboro. He served
as a Sunday school teacher, participated on the church softball team,
and mentored young adults.
Admired and loved by family, friends, and colleagues, the legacy of
Todd Beamer will be his unwavering commitment to serving God and his
fellow man. On behalf of all Americans, we extend our deepest gratitude
to Todd Beamer's parents, David and Peggy; his wife, Lisa; his three
children, David, Drew, and Morgan; and his two sisters, Melissa and
Michelle.
Todd Beamer was a special man who made the supreme sacrifice for his
country, and left a lasting mark on the people whom he touched. The Todd
M. Beamer Foundation will ensure that his selfless act of giving to
others in need continues in the future. He will be remembered by all.
CENTRAL NEW JERSEY SHARES THE ACCOUNT OF TRADE CENTER VICTIM FAMILY
MEMBER SARAH VAN AUKEN
Hon. Rush D. Holt
of new jersey
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with you an article written by
Sarah Van Auken, 13-year-old daughter of World Trade Center victim
Kenneth Van Auken. It was published last week in her local newspaper,
and it presents a straightforward account of how the nightmare of
September 11 unfolded before the eyes of a young person who found
herself thrust suddenly onto the front lines of a war she didn't even
know was taking place. It shows us not just how deeply painful and
terrifying it is for a child to lose a parent, but also how this young
woman's own feelings of fear, confusion and uncertainty as the day
unfolded were magnified by the fact that she saw just the same feelings
among the adults around her. Sarah Van Auken's life since that day
became a swirling tapestry of endless tears, helpless longing for her
father, and newfound celebrity born of the worst set of circumstances
she could possibly have imagined. Out of her pain, she wrote a song in
honor and memory of her father. The song paints a picture that perhaps
we all might see ourselves within. A picture of a person, standing,
quietly, waiting, listening for the faintest sound on the wind of the
guiding hand that will come back and show us show how to get through
this, the guiding hand that we can grasp so that we'll find ourselves
together again, safely, home. This has been a year of deep searching and
painful discovery for us all, and I would like to share Sarah Van
Auken's account of it with you.
This past year has been very hard for me. You see, my father, Kenneth
Van Auken, was in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. No, he
did not escape--but he did leave a message saying, ``I love you. I'm in
the World Trade Center. The building was hit by something. I don't know
if I'm going to get out but I love you very much. I--I hope I'll see you
later. Bye.'' That was the single most horrible thing I had ever heard
in my life. He was trying to stay calm for us--trying to let his last
words be ``I love you.'' Somehow, I wish I could go back in time and
erase all that happened. Maybe even stop him from going to work. I wish
I could have one last goodbye. But I guess it's too much to ask.
You're most likely wondering how I found out. Well, I was having a
regular day at school. You know, boring--yet I was with my friends.
Anyway, I was in study hall minding my own business when someone yelled
out, ``Is it true that a plane crashed into the World Trade Center?''
Knowing my dad worked there, I wrote a note to my friend next to me
saying, ``If that's true, my dad would be dead!'' I didn't believe what
he said because the teacher acted like nothing happened. Also, I
wouldn't trust that kid. So as the day went on, I felt weird. You know
like when you know that something is wrong, but you really don't think
about it? At eighth period, around 1:30 p.m., an announcement came on
saying there is a ``little accident'' in New York--and if we get home
and one of our parents is not there, we should not worry. If you get
scared, we should call 911 or talk to the police. That's when I got
scared. When I was walking down the hallway, I almost started crying,
but held back my tears. When I got in the car to go home, my neighbor
who drives me tried to get one of my classmates to stop talking about
the announcement. She was obviously trying to stay away from the
subject. Then, when we got to that boy's house, his dad started talking
about it. He didn't say what happened, but gave me a weird look. I got
home and saw my grandparents' car. I knew they weren't supposed to be
there. I saw my mom with a tear-stained face, and I ran up to her and
she didn't have to tell me. I just cried.
From that day on, nothing has been the same. Nobody has treated me the
same. Nobody wanted to talk about it--yet they couldn't help asking me
questions about what had happened, and how I was doing. When I knew for
sure, after 3 days, that my father was dead, I cried harder than I have
ever cried in my life. My father, my superman, was dead. We had a
memorial, and went on ``Oprah.'' I wouldn't eat. I couldn't sleep in my
own bed. I would cry about the smallest things. I was wearing one of his
shirts to feel close to him. I was looking at family pictures. Of course
I was still crying. I couldn't figure out what would make me stop being
so depressed and irritable. I had to get it out. I wanted to scream,
run, jump--but I couldn't. I just didn't have the strength. I cried too
much.
So, I did what I usually did to get out my feelings: I wrote a song. I
sang it to my mom and she called my godmother, who called her brother-
in-law, who told me to record myself singing and send it to him. Exactly
a month after September 11, I recorded it in a studio. The song titled
``Daddy's Little Girl'' was on a local radio station twice, once in
California and on ``Larry King Weekend.'' I always wanted publicity
because I wanted to be famous--but not this way. Today I am still crying
when nobody's around. I think about what happened constantly, but can't
really talk about it. And though I may sound selfish, somehow I think
nobody knows how I really feel. My life is turned upside down. The
things I used to do I either can't do anymore, or I've lost interest, or
they seem so much harder. I'm trying to ``move on,'' but I don't want
to. My mind has accepted that he's dead, but my heart hasn't. And
somehow, I don't think my heart will. Because I'll never stop crying,
not in a million years.
Sometimes, it will hit me that he's gone forever--that he's never
coming home. I recently had a bat mitzvah. It was very hard, just like
the 11th of every month is hard, and Father's day, my mom's birthday, my
brother's birthday, my birthday, my dad's birthday, and most of all next
week's September 11 anniversary. I know most of the teens that are
reading this might often think about what it would be like if you lost a
parent. I used to wonder too. Except now I don't wonder. I know.
Daddy's Little Girl
(By Sarah Van Auken)
Standing-daddy's little girl (just); Standing
(yeah)-daddy's little girl . . . .
I wonder, wonder through the trees, blow the wind,
blow the wind to me. Control, controlling my
fears, somewhere, behind these tears. And may,
maybe you'll appear, somehow whisper in my ear (my
ear, my ear!)
chorus
If you were just standing here, I could erase these
tears of mine! And all these words would
disappear, oh! Standing-daddy's little girl
(just); Standing (yeah)-daddy's little girl . . .
.
Can it, can it be, that the wind is guiding me!
Daddy are you there? 'cause I've, I've looked
everywhere I need, I need you! What should, what
should I do! And may, maybe you'll appear, somehow
whisper in my ear (my ear, my ear!)
chorus
If you were just standing here, I could erase these
tears of mine! And all these words would
disappear! I just want to find you, but there's
nothing I can do. Where do you roam? I just want
you home!!!!
Standing-daddy's little girl (just); Standing
(yeah)-daddy's little girl . . . .
EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF TERRORIST ATTACKS
LAUNCHED AGAINST THE UNITED STATES ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
Hon. Deborah Pryce
of ohio
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the anniversary of the day our great
Nation was forever changed when terrorists attacked and killed thousands
of Americans simply because they were American.
Today, first and foremost, our Nation pays respect to the victims and
their families. We stand united and remind them that 1 year has passed
and still, we will never forget September 11.
What happened to the United States on that infamous day brought out
the best of the American spirit.
The enemies who struck us grossly miscalculated the strength and
resolve of the American people.
They didn't know that our bonds of liberty, our bonds of freedom, and
our bonds of democracy are stronger and run deeper than any individual,
than any building, than any monument.
As President Bush said,
This country will define our times, not be defined by them. As long as
the United States of America is determined and strong, this will not be
an age of terror; this will be an age of liberty, here and across the
world.
During this unprecedented time of great challenge, there will be no
corner of the Earth where the demons of September 11 will be safe from
justice.
America will continue to fight for the security of our great Nation,
and for peace in the world.
We will never forget every firefighter, flight attendant, father and
friend that died that infamous day. May God watch over their families
and continue to bless America.
Hon. William O. Lipinski
of illinois
Mr. Speaker, December 7, 1941, is the worst day in the history of our
Republic in the 20th century, and September 11, 2001, is the worst day
in the history of our land of liberty in the 21st century. Both days
cost this Nation thousands of lives; mothers, fathers, daughters, sons,
grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts and uncles perished on these days
because they were Americans. Their families and friends left behind have
never been the same--nor will they ever be the same--and the same can be
said for our Nation.
On both occasions these victims were victims because of what America
stands for: liberty, freedom, justice, human rights, opportunity, and a
faith in a caring and loving God. But out of this criminal act
perpetrated upon the citizens of this Nation and on this fortress of
freedom that we call the United States of America, a fierce
determination arose to destroy those forces of evil that without cause
or warning attacked the United States. We brought those who attacked us
on December 7, 1941, to justice, and we are well on our way to bringing
those who attacked us a year ago to the same fate. But today, September
11, 2002, we stop to remember in a formal way the victims and their
families who perished on these very, very dark days in our Nation's
history. Today we stop to honor them, remember them, pray for them, and
rededicate ourselves to seeing to it that this never happens again in
America or anyplace else in the world.
Hon. Stephen F. Lynch
of massachusetts
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to the victims
of the tragic events of 1 year ago. Last year on September 11, Americans
awoke to a brutal attack on our country on its own soil. Throughout the
course of this one tragic day, something that at once seemed
inconceivable became a horrific reality. No one feels the pain of this
day more acutely than the families and friends of the more than 3,000
people who lost their lives at the Pentagon, the World Trade Center and
in Shanksville, PA. All of these people and their families are in our
thoughts and prayers on this somber occasion.
Although there is little that we in Congress can do to ease those
families' suffering, by adopting this resolution, we are reaffirming our
commitment to honor the memory of the people who were lost that day,
while also paying tribute to those individuals who unselfishly risked
their own lives to protect others.
Mr. Speaker, September 11 was one of the most difficult days in
American history. But in the darkness of that day, an incredible spirit
of bravery and hope emerged. Hundreds of emergency rescue personnel
descended upon the scene at both the World Trade Center and the Pentagon
with the sole purpose of assisting others. At the same time, ordinary
people demonstrated amazing courage by trying to help others escape
while putting themselves in peril and in fighting back against the
terrorists on United flight 93. It is truly remarkable how many people
gave their lives trying to protect others. The bravery and generosity of
these people is a lasting mark of September 11.
In responding to these extraordinarily trying times, the true fabric
of American society was illustrated to the world. Americans around the
world came together and generously gave of themselves in a myriad of
ways. Rescue workers spent countless hours at Ground Zero searching for
survivors and then shuffling through the debris. Construction workers,
ironworkers and other personnel tirelessly worked their way through the
wreckage in an effort to clean up the site. Their important task would
not be interrupted by exhaustion, injury or inclement weather. However,
far away from Ground Zero, and across the globe, people generously gave
their time, energy, money and caring to help support the loved ones of
the lost victims. Today, we honor these selfless contributions.
As we gather now, 1 year later, it is my hope that we never forget the
spirit that pervaded this country in the weeks and months following the
attacks. As we continue to rebuild and to heal, we will need to draw
upon that strength. The American people demonstrated amazing resolve and
resilience in the last year, and it is a resolve that we must continue
to maintain, day by day, week by week, this year and for many years,
that we will preserve our freedoms, protect our families, and work to
cleanse the world of the scourge of terrorism.
Mr. Speaker, in the wake of September 11, Congress rallied in a strong
bipartisan manner to quickly pass legislative measures to protect our
country. It was this remarkable unity of purpose that most struck me
when I was sworn into this body in October of last year. Over time, this
unity has dissipated some, but our goal should remain clear. We in
Congress owe it to the American people to do all that we can to make
sure that the necessary resources are available to protect our country.
This is a serious responsibility and not one that should be burdened by
partisan debate. In the coming months, we must act responsibly and
decisively to ensure that the people of the United States once again
feel safe in their own cities and towns. I commend the leadership of
both the Republican and Democratic parties for recognizing this
important anniversary and for introducing this thoughtful resolution.
Hon. Edolphus Towns
of new york
Mr. Speaker, we are commemorating the terrible attack on America on
September 11 last year. This was an event in which about 3,000 people
lost their lives. A year later, they are in our prayers.
Also in our prayers are the other victims--those who were subjected to
violent, unfair attacks in the aftermath of September 11. One of these
was Balbir Singh Sodhi, a gasoline station owner from Arizona. He was
murdered at his gas station by someone who apparently mistook him for a
follower of Osama bin Laden. His brother, Sukhpal Singh Sodhi, a cab
driver in the San Francisco Bay area, was recently killed in his
taxicab. I am sure that we would all like to extend our sympathies to
the Sodhi family.
No one should be killed because of his religion. Even if Mr. Sodhi had
been a Muslim and a follower of bin Laden, that would not justify
murdering him. But what makes this crime even more disturbing is that
this perception was a mistake. Mr. Sodhi was a Sikh, not a Muslim.
Sikhism is an independent, monotheistic, revealed religion that
believes in the equality of all people, including gender equality. It is
not part of either Hinduism or Islam, yet because of the turbans they
wear, which are required by their religion, Sikhs are sometimes mistaken
for Muslim followers of bin Laden.
The violence has mostly ended, but unfortunately, there are still some
unrelated violent incidents. I call for an end to all these attacks and
for full and prompt prosecution of all the people responsible.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to place the Council of Khalistan's recent
press release on the anniversary of September 11 into the Record at this
time.
In Memory of Those Killed in Last Year's Attack on United States
Sikhs Suffered the Most After the Attacks; Council of Khalistan Condemns
Attacks, Calls for End to Violence Against Minorities
Washington, D.C., September 11, 2002.--Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh,
President of the Council of Khalistan, today remembered the attacks on
America a year ago that killed almost 3,000 Americans. He also condemned
the violence against Sikh Americans and other minorities that broke out
in the wake of the September 11 attacks.
``On behalf of the 21-million strong Sikh Nation and especially on
behalf of more than 500,000 Sikh Americans, we remember with sadness and
outrage the attacks on America a year ago and offer our prayers and
sympathies on this sad anniversary to the people of the United States
for the terrible attack on the United States and for the loss of life it
entails,'' Dr. Aulakh said. ``We especially pray for the families of
those who have departed.''
``America must do what it can to eradicate terrorism from the world,''
Dr. Aulakh said. ``We support all the efforts to do so and we must do
our part as American citizens,'' he said. ``This sad anniversary reminds
us that we stand together as a nation. We must show unity on this
occasion.''
``We also condemn the violence against Sikhs and other minorities that
took place last year after the September 11 attacks,'' Dr. Aulakh said.
``Sikhs suffered the most in the post-September 11 violence,'' he said.
``The very first victim of this violence was Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh
gasoline station owner from the Phoenix area,'' he noted. ``Recently,
his brother was killed in his taxicab. All this violence must stop,''
Dr. Aulakh said.
``Nobody should be killed for his or her religion, whether Sikh,
Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, or whatever religion one may follow,''
Dr. Aulakh said. ``But it is important to note that Sikhs are not
Muslims nor followers of bin Laden. ``We condemn bin Laden,'' he said.
``Unfortunately, because of the turbans we are required to wear, many
people mistake Sikhs for bin Laden followers,'' he said. ``The Sikh
religion is an independent, monotheistic, sovereign religion that
believes in the equality of the whole human race, including gender
equality,'' he said. ``Daily we pray for the well-being of the whole
human race.''
In the wake of the September 11 attacks, a couple of young Sikhs were
attacked in Brooklyn. Sikh businesses have been stoned and cars have
been burned. A Sikh boy was even shot in New York. Many Muslims and
other minorities were also subjected to violent attacks.
``We hope that there will not be any more of these incidents in
connection with the anniversary of the attacks. ``Violence against
innocent people of any religion or ethnicity is unacceptable,'' said Dr.
Aulakh. ``It must be condemned and the violence must be ended.''
Hon. Bart Stupak
of michigan
Mr. Speaker, I wish to add my voice to the multitude of Members
honoring our Nation and its heroes on September 11, 2002.
Mr. Speaker, although I was back in my district taking part in events
commemorating the impact September 11 has had on all of us, I would have
voted ``yes'' on passage of H. Con. Res. 464. Due to a technicality, my
name was not added as a cosponsor of this worthy bill, and I wish to
state my intention here that I fully support this resolution and its
sentiments.
As a former law enforcement officer, I know too well the toll such
tragedy takes on individuals--their lives, their families, their
future--and I know too well how difficult, yet how necessary it is to
ensure like-minded individuals are prevented from carrying out further
attacks.
This resolution makes it clear that while the passage of a year has
not softened our memories, it has shown that we will not bow down to
terrorism.
We must find those responsible for the deaths of so many--including my
constituent Army Major Kip Taylor who perished in the Pentagon on that
day a year ago--and ensure they face the consequences of their actions.
September 11 brought out the worst in our enemies. Yet it also
brought out the best in our citizens. That is what we are honoring
today.
Hon. Philip M. Crane
of illinois
Mr. Speaker, Last week it was my high honor and privilege to join my
colleagues in the House and Senate for a commemorative joint session of
Congress in New York City to honor the victims and heroes of September
11.
While we Members of Congress are often engaged in abrasive
confrontation, today I look around and see total unity, total
recognition that whether Republican or Democrat, we are first and
foremost Americans, and the common values we share far outweigh those we
do not.
This is the same expression of unity demonstrated by Americans across
the country on the days following the terrorist attacks on September 11.
I find comfort in the knowledge that it represents a promise that we
will not back down from preserving our freedoms and protecting our
homeland from those who wish to destroy our way of life.
And as we revisit some of the darkest moments in our Nation's history,
we must remember that our Nation has always been one that has triumphed
over adversity. Indeed, I think it is fair to say that at times of great
despair, America has consistently risen to its greatest hours.
So in remembrance of those lives lost on September 11, I would like to
conclude with some words from President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address:
that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause
for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here
highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this
Nation shall have a new birth of freedom; and that this government of
the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the
Earth.
Hon. Betty McCollum
of minnesota
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of the events of September 11.
One year ago America suffered a horrible act of terrorism in New York,
at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania. Four planes, filled with innocent
Americans, were turned into weapons at the hands of men filled with
anger and hate, intent on bringing death and destruction to our great
country. It is a day none of us will ever forget.
As the United States moves forward, we must remember those who died on
September 11, as well as the acts of heroism, valor and courage
displayed on that day and the weeks and months that followed. I continue
to find inspiration in the efforts of all Americans who risked their
lives to save and heal their neighbors, coworkers, and strangers in
need.
Let us also not forget the men and women in our Armed Forces who today
are engaged in a campaign against terrorism, fighting to protect our
freedom and seeking justice against those who attacked us. Their valor
is a testament to the will and resolve of our great Nation.
We will continue to pray for the victims and their families as we
rebuild the communities affected by those terrible acts of violence.
Today, 1 year after this horrific act of terrorism, we, as Americans,
reaffirm our highest beliefs in freedom, democracy and justice.
Hon. Dave Camp
of michigan
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this joint resolution and in doing
so, I stand in solemn remembrance of the tragic events of a year ago and
a pride in America's response.
While the loss of life was immense, and the impact of the terrorist
attacks was felt far from New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania,
the terrorists failed. The group of men, and the larger organization
they represented, wanted to break the will of a proud and strong
country. The world stands in witness to their failure.
Instead of falling apart, our country united. Our brave first
responders worked tirelessly to help survivors; we saw ordinary citizens
involved in heroic efforts; and all across the country Americans joined
together to offer assistance.
The outpouring of support and unity could be seen in every flag that
was flown with pride across this country. The United States of America
rose to the challenge presented to it with a resolve that was felt
around the world.
Now, on our first Patriot Day, when we see our flag at half-mast, let
us not only remember the tragic events of a year ago, but also the
strength exhibited by all Americans. I urge my colleagues to join me in
supporting this resolution by expressing solidarity on this day of
remembrance.
PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Under clause 2 of rule XII, public bills and resolutions were
introduced and severally referred, as follows:
By Mr. ARMEY (for himself, Mr. Gephardt, Mr. Hastert, Mr. Barton of
Texas, Mr. Bereuter, Mr. Bilirakis, Mr. Bonilla, Mr. Boozman, Mr. Brown
of South Carolina, Mr. Buyer, Mr. Cannon, Mr. Cox, Mr. Crenshaw, Mrs.
Cubin, Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Tom Davis of Virginia, Ms. Dunn, Mr.
Fletcher, Mr. Forbes, Mr. Gibbons, Mr. Gilman, Mr. Goss, Mr. Graham, Mr.
Green of Wisconsin, Mr. Hayworth, Mr. Hilleary, Mr. Hoekstra, Mr. Horn,
Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas, Mrs. Kelly, Mr. Kerns, Mr.
Kingston, Mr. Kirk, Mr. LaHood, Mr. McHugh, Mr. McInnis, Mrs. Morella,
Mr. Ose, Mr. Pickering, Mr. Petri, Mr. Portman, Ms. Pryce of Ohio, Mr.
Putnam, Mr. Riley, Mr. Schrock, Mr. Sherwood, Mr. Simmons, Mr. Simpson,
Mr. Smith of Michigan, Mr. Taylor of North Carolina, Mr. Toomey, Mr.
Walsh, Mr. Wamp, Mr. Watkins, Mr. Watts of Oklahoma, Mr. Weller, Mr.
Wicker, Mr. Wilson of South Carolina, Mr. Wolf, Mr. Young of Florida,
Mr. Goodlatte, Mrs. Emerson, Mr. LaTourette, Mr. Ramstad, Mr.
Rohrabacher, Mr. Shays, Mr. Saxton, Mr. Rogers of Kentucky, Mr.
Fossella, Mr. Ballenger, Mr. Royce, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Walden of Oregon,
Mr. Linder, Mr. Mica, Mr. Castle, Mr. Stearns, Mr. Calvert, Mr. Thomas,
Mr. Dan Miller of Florida, Mr. Gutknecht, Mr. Blunt, Mr. Rehberg, Mr.
Nethercutt, Mr. Ehlers, Mr. Brady of Texas, Mr. Hobson, Mr. LoBiondo,
Ms. Pelosi, Mr. Frost, Mr. Menendez, Ms. DeLauro, Mr. Holden, Mr.
Cramer, Mr. Turner, Mr. Hoyer, Mr. Hastings of Florida, Mr. Thompson of
Mississippi, Ms. Harman, Mr. Holt, Mr. Wexler, Mr. Markey, Ms.
Velazquez, Mr. Green of Texas, Mr. Barcia, Ms. Norton, Mr. Wu, Mr.
McDermott, Mr. Phelps, Mr. Acevedo-Vila, Mr. Blumenauer, Mr. Tanner, Mr.
Hinojosa, Mr. Pallone, Mr. Underwood, Mr. Meeks of New York, Mr.
Crowley, Ms. Kilpatrick, Mr. Ackerman, Ms. Hooley of Oregon, Mr. Davis
of Illinois, Mrs. McCarthy of New York, Mr. Gutierrez, Mr. Borski, Mr.
Bishop, Mr. Jackson of Illinois, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Berry, Ms. McCollum,
Mr. Lynch, Mr. Ross, Mrs. Napolitano, Mr. Weiner, Mr. Blagojevich, Mr.
Lantos, Mr. Pascrell, Mr. Filner, Mr. Waxman, Mr. Peterson of Minnesota,
Mr. LaFalce, Ms. Carson of Indiana, Mr. Ford, Mr. Moran of Virginia, Mr.
Matsui, Mr. Berman, Ms. Millender-McDonald, Mr. Olver, Mr. McNulty, Mr.
Oberstar, Mrs. Maloney of New York, Ms. Watson, Mr. Lucas of Kentucky,
Ms. Rivers, Mr. Costello, Mrs. Capps, Mr. Sabo, Mr. Meehan, Mr. Capuano,
Ms. Kaptur, Mr. Boyd, Mr. Larson of Connecticut, Mr. Baca, Ms.
Schakowsky, Mr. Kanjorski, Mr. Hall of Texas, Ms. McCarthy of Missouri,
Mrs. Meek of Florida, Mr. Cummings, Mr. Pomeroy, Ms. DeGette, Mr.
Barrett, Mr. Doyle, Mr. George Miller of California, Mr. Lipinski, Ms.
Roybal-Allard, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Rangel, Mr. Shows, Mr. Wynn, Mr. Baird,
Mr. Schiff, Mr. Boucher, Mr. Murtha, Mr. Spratt, Mr. Deutsch, Mr.
Kildee, Mr. Farr of California, Mr. Luther, Mr. Tierney, Mr. Clay, Mr.
Engel, Mr. Gonzalez, Mr. Honda, Mr. Becerra, Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas,
Mr. Inslee, Ms. Slaughter, Mr. Ortiz, Mr. Serrano, Mr. Davis of Florida,
Mr. Israel, Mr. Smith of Washington, Mr. Rothman, Mr. Osborne, Mr.
Gekas, Mr. Thornberry, Mr. Hill, Mr. Stenholm, Mr. Baldacci, Mr. Rahall,
Mr. Watt of North Carolina, Mr. McIntyre, Ms. Lofgren, Mr. Hoeffel, Mr.
Maloney of Connecticut, Mrs. Jones of Ohio, Mr. Sawyer, Ms. Solis, Mr.
Dooley of California, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Nadler, Mr. Kind, Mr. Kleczka,
Mr. Sandlin, Mr. Boswell, Mr. Coyne, Mr. Udall of Colorado, Ms. Berkley,
Mr. Kennedy of Rhode Island, Mr. DeFazio, Mr. Moore, Ms. Eshoo, Mrs.
Wilson of New Mexico, Mr. Cooksey, Mr. Tancredo, Mr. Barr of Georgia,
Mr. Kolbe, Mr. Moran of Kansas, Mr. Johnson of Illinois, Mr. Ferguson,
Mr. Culberson, Mr. Baker, Mr. Ryun of Kansas, Mr. Ehrlich, Mr. Peterson
of Pennsylvania, Mr. Radanovich, Mr. Foley, Mr. Duncan, Mrs. Biggert,
Mr. Pastor, Mr. Dingell, Mr. Thompson of California, Mr. Gordon, Mr.
Cardin, Mr. Roemer, and Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas):
H. Con. Res. 464. Concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the
Congress on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks launched against
the United States on September 11, 2001; considered and agreed to.
Thursday, September 12, 2002
HONORING CONGRESSIONAL STAFF AND GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
Hon. Brian Baird
of Washington
Mr. Speaker, yesterday our Nation and this House paid a fitting
tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, to the heroic
rescuers, and to their families.
Today, I would like to take just a moment to honor another group of
people who serve this Nation in a less dramatic way, but who are heroes
in their own right and in their own quiet ways.
Last year, just 1 day after our Nation came under attack, and this
very building was among the targets, the men and women who work here in
this building, in our offices and in countless other government offices
throughout this land, came right back in to work to serve this great
Nation. When they came in to work on that September 12 morning, they
knew then and they have known each and every day since then that they
work in a potential target.
Scarcely a month later, they then faced a new challenge when anthrax
entered our buildings, and for some of our staff, entered their bodies.
The Capitol Police, the janitors and maintenance workers, the grounds
crews, the people who serve food, the secretaries, the Parliamentarians,
the clerks, the young pages, our legislative and our committee staff,
our field and caseworkers, and all the other dedicated and courageous
people who make this place and our government run all deserve our thanks
and our praise.
With tears in their eyes, with sadness and with fear in their hearts,
but with indomitable courage they came right back to work to serve this
country we all love.
A year has passed now, and the immediate danger may have been
diminished; but it remains in our awareness. Still, our staffs and the
rest of the employees come to work, and in doing so, they serve our
country.
In these times, this takes courage. So, and for that courage, I am
grateful and this country is deeply fortunate.
LESSONS LEARNED FROM SEPTEMBER 11
Hon. Mark Foley
of Florida
Mr. Speaker, as we continue our reflection on September 11, I wanted
to take a moment to enter into the Record a piece written by the
majority leader, Speaker pro tempore of the Florida House of
Representatives, Sandra Murman from Tampa, FL:
When I hear the date September 11, images immediately flood my mind. I
see the plane hit the second tower. I see the Pentagon on fire and I can
hear the sickening crunch as the towers fall while throngs of people run
to escape the thick gray cloud. I also remember the utter horror I felt
when I realized this was not simply one plane off course but rather a
planned attack. This was our generation's Pearl Harbor. But unlike Pearl
Harbor, terrorists hijacked planes full of innocent civilians and
crashed those planes into buildings filled with more innocent civilians.
On that day we saw the face and felt the hand of evil, but we also saw
extraordinary goodness through the lives of heroic Americans in
Washington, New York, and a Pennsylvania field.
As we gather here to mark the 1-year anniversary of the attack, I
would like to share my thoughts on what I have learned since last
September.
Lesson one: I have been reminded that life is short and precious. That
argument with a spouse, the concern over which car to purchase on
September 10, suddenly seemed so petty after the attacks. As I evaluated
my own life, I realized what mattered most was my relationship with God,
my family, loved ones and community. Everything I do now needs to have
meaning, purpose, and positively impact those around me.
Lesson two: Before September 11 we knew we had enemies and lived in a
dangerous world, but September 11 we discovered that organized groups of
terrorists had both the desire and the ability to create devastation
within our country. We can no longer take this security for granted.
There is our new reality.
Lesson three: On September 11 America showed that we are still a
Nation of heroes. Incredible courage was shown by the New York City
firefighters who slapped on their gear and charged into the burning
buildings to help victims escape. New York lost 343 of its finest that
day. Hundreds of workers in the World Trade Center helped one another
escape. I remembered hearing the story of one man who, instead of
escaping Tower Two, chose to remain behind with a disabled colleague who
could not make it down the stairs. They both perished that day. And, of
course, we all heard the story of flight 93, those extraordinary men and
women who said their goodbyes to their loved ones, prayed the Lord's
Prayer, and with the words of ``Let's roll,'' charged the cockpit to
save countless lives in Washington, D.C.
In an instant these ordinary Americans became legends. All the
sacrifices on September 11 have left us speechless with gratitude.
Lesson four: We have the responsibility to ensure that the lives lost
on September 11 were not lost in vain. We were attacked because of who
we are. The principles on which our country was founded, freedom,
equality and the dignity of the individual, are a threat to Islamic
extremists. They view open, democratic societies as the enemy and want
to create a society where there is no religious freedom and no civil
liberty. As defenders of liberty we stand in their way.
At this very moment our servicemen and women are defending the cause
of freedom throughout the world. Here on the home front, we, too, have a
responsibility. Our defense involves upholding the values of America. We
have a civic duty to participate in our democratic institutions. We have
a responsibility to instill in our children a love of liberty, a love of
country, the difference between right and wrong and the willingness to
make sacrifices in this ongoing struggle between freedom and tyranny.
Let me close by reading President Bush's September 20 speech to the
Nation:
``Great harm has been done to us. We have suffered great loss. And in
our grief and anger we have found our mission and our moment. Freedom
and fear are at war. The advance of human freedom, the great achievement
of our time, and the great hope of every time, now depends on us. Our
Nation, this generation, will lift the dark threat of violence from our
people and our future. We will rally the world to this cause by our
efforts, by our courage. We will not tire. We will not falter. We will
not fail.''
Thank you. May God bless you all.
HONORING MR. ERIC MORELAND JONES
Hon. Barbara Lee
of california
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend bravery and dedication
demonstrated by my constituent, Mr. Jones, who was a first responder at
the attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.
The memories of the horrific terrorist attacks will remain with us
forever. Yet, through the pain and adversity of these tragedies, heroes
were also born.
We witnessed the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City,
we learned of the terrible airline crash in the Pennsylvania
countryside, and we witnessed what was once an unfathomed attack on our
Nation's center of defense, the Pentagon.
I have known Mr. Jones' family for many years. In the footsteps of his
parents, he carries on a legacy of commitment to humanity though public
service. On September 11, Eric was driving by the Pentagon when it was
hit by American Airline flight 77. He immediately went to the Pentagon
site and quickly began to aid in evacuating injured and dying personnel
from the building; he carried and helped people to safety and medical
triage. Eric remained at his volunteer post for more than 72 hours.
On July 15, 2002, Mr. Jones was one of two people to receive the
Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal of Valor for his actions. As we
commemorate the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we also pay tribute to
thousands of first responders and volunteers like Mr. Jones who risked
their own lives to ensure that others were saved.
I am deeply moved by Eric's heroism and want to extend my sincere
appreciation to him. As we take time to reflect on the events of 9/11 on
this anniversary day, we must also resolve and recommit ourselves to
peace and security.
H. RES. 5367--TO NAME THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OUTPATIENT
CLINIC IN HORSHAM, PA, THE ``VICTOR J. SARACINI DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS OUTPATIENT CLINIC''
Hon. Joseph M. Hoeffel
of pennsylvania
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the resolution that
Representative Greenwood and I introduced yesterday, which will name the
new veterans clinic in Horsham, PA, after Victor J. Saracini, a
distinguished veteran and victim of the attacks on September 11.
Victor J. Saracini served his country with great pride as an exemplary
technical coordinator aboard S-3A fighter jets on the USS Saratoga. He
served in the Naval Reserve at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base,
Willow Grove, PA, until his honorable discharge as lieutenant in 1985.
Victor Saracini was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal,
the Navy E Ribbon, and the Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked the Los
Angeles-bound airplane that Captain Saracini was piloting, and reset
course for the South Tower of the World Trade Center, killing everyone
on board and murdering hundreds of other innocent civilians inside the
building. These innocent victims, Mr. Saracini included, represent our
Nation's first casualties in this war on terror.
To honor the life of Victor Saracini, devoted aviator, distinguished
veteran, and proud defender of America's freedom, is to honor all
victims of September 11 and their families. I urge my colleagues to
support this resolution, and I call on the House Veterans' Affairs
Committee to pass this resolution and bring it to the floor of the House
of Representatives as soon as possible.
Hon. Vito Fossella
of new york
Mr. Speaker, I am not recorded on roll call No. 384, Expressing the
Sense of the Congress on the Anniversary of the Terrorist Attacks
Launched Against the United States on September 11, 2001. I was with my
constituents of Staten Island and Brooklyn on this sad anniversary. Had
I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''
For the past year, our Nation has grieved over the loss of nearly
3,000 brave men and women who were cruelly and unfairly taken from God's
Earth much too soon. These past 365 days have been a time of immense
sadness for our Nation. We have buried too many innocent souls--too many
mothers, too many fathers, too many sons and too many daughters.
Today is officially known as Patriot Day as a result of legislation
that I introduced in Congress. I chose this name because I thought it
best described the victims of September 11--men and women who loved
their country and who died in its name. While they were not soldiers,
they certainly were patriots.
Indeed, no one among us will ever forget the indelible images of brave
firefighters, police officers and other emergency services personnel
entering the burning towers bound by honor, duty and courage. Or the
pictures of ordinary Americans leading their friends, coworkers and even
strangers out of the rubble because they were taught to help those in
need. In an age when the word heroism is bandied about much too often,
we watched true heroes in action.
And so today, we remember these patriots--recall their smile, their
laugh, their kindness. Their loss is an injustice to humanity. And while
they can never be replaced, they must be remembered and honored for
making the greatest of all sacrifices.
The American story is far from finished. Indeed, the best chapters are
yet to come. We must believe that, for I know in my heart that it is our
destiny.
We also must believe that there is a just God directing our people in
a just cause of liberty. That cause, like others before, which crushed
fascism and communism, is now to forbid the tyranny of terrorism. The
terrorists sought to destroy America by crushing brick and twisting
steel. They didn't understand that the source of America's strength is
its people, and that its people embody a spirit of optimism and hope
that can never be destroyed. Our hearts may still be heavy, but our soul
is stronger and more vibrant than ever. The values of America will
forever stand firm and resolute.
My prayers go to every family that lost a loved one on September 11.
My words cannot ease your suffering, so I simply tell you that you
remain in my thoughts. God bless you and God bless America.
I ask unanimous consent that this statement be printed in the
appropriate part of the Congressional Record.
DEDICATION OF THE SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL IN ORADELL, NJ, AND PRESENTATION
TO MRS. TRACY WOODALL
Hon. Marge Roukema
of new jersey
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call to the attention of my colleagues
the dedication of a memorial in Oradell, NJ, to honor and commemorate
those who lost their lives in the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
Let me say, Mr. Speaker, that I have been deeply moved by the
outpouring of support and dedication that we all have seen throughout
our Nation over the past year. In the days and weeks after the tragic
events of September 11, we heard and read the stories of countless
family members, neighbors, and friends who went to work on that day and
never came home.
In my own district, our Bergen County community was particularly hard
hit. We all know someone who was lost. Their stories are heart wrenching
. . . and still remain nearly unbearable in their sadness.
Over the past year, I have spoken to many families in my district in
an attempt to bring them some consolation. Even though there are no
words to relieve their anguish, I have told each family that they should
take some comfort in the knowledge that the hearts and prayers of the
entire Nation were with them.
As we dedicate this memorial in Oradell this evening to all of those
who lost their lives on that tragic day, we pause to remember each of
the men and women whose lives were so tragically cut short by a brutal
and senseless act of terrorism.
In particular, we commemorate the tragic loss of one of Oradell's own
residents, Brent Woodall.
In their deaths, the victims of the World Trade Center attack have
come to symbolize all that we love in America. The terrorists attacked
the towers because they represented America's democracy, freedom,
diversity, and economic prosperity.
Brent Woodall embodied these ideals in his work and in his life.
Whether in his work in the stock market--the nerve center of America's
economic freedom--or as a talented athlete, or simply as a man deeply
devoted to friends, family, and those whom he loved, Brent's life
exemplified the American values which have made our country great.
The loss of every life that day was tragic. The loss of Brent touches
each of us, as he and Tracy were just beginning so much of their life
together. They had just bought a home, and were beginning a family
together.
I did not know Brent personally, so I will not presume to elaborate
upon his life and times beyond that. But as I have come to know the
nearly 100 residents of my congressional district who never came home on
September 11, so I have come to know Brent Woodall.
In every way, Brent's life was a life that is easy to celebrate.
This evening we will commemorate our losses and send a message of
heartfelt sympathy and support to Brent's family and friends,
particularly his wife, Tracy, and their son, Pierce Ashley, who came
into this world on April 22, 2002, only a few short months after his
father had perished. How proud Brent would have been of his son . . .
and how proud Pierce will someday be of his father, whose good nature,
humor, and zest for life live on in him.
At tonight's memorial, I will be honored to present to Tracy Woodall
an American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in Brent's honor.
Our flag has long stood as the symbol of our core values of freedom
and liberty. It now stands also as a symbol of our national resolve to
bring those responsible for this atrocity to justice, and, tonight, as a
tribute to Brent, and all of those who lost their lives in one of
America's darkest hours. Let it serve also to let Tracy, Pierce, and all
of their family know that the support of extended family, friends,
community, and the Nation, are with them now and always.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in asking that God bless
Tracy and Pierce Woodall, the rest of their family, and all those who
lost friends, family, or loved ones in this national tragedy. And, as
Brent Woodall would have wanted, we ask that God bless the United States
of America.
CONGRATULATING H. BYRON MASTERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF KENNETT, MO, ON
WINNING THE KIDS ARE AUTHORS CONTEST FOR ``SEPTEMBER 12TH . . . WE KNEW
EVERYTHING WOULD BE ALL RIGHT''
Hon. Jo Ann Emerson
of missouri
Mr. Speaker, I come to the House floor today with the memories of
September 11 forever etched on my mind. I remember thinking that the
world would never be the same again after that fateful day. I was right.
Now, 1 year later, I am touched and moved by the courage, compassion and
character that people across our Nation have shown in the days and
months since the attack on America.
I am nearly moved beyond words by the ways our children have responded
to the new challenges facing our Nation. Immediately following September
11 I visited classrooms all over the Eighth Congressional District. I
listened and spoke with students, teachers and parents and felt--for the
first time I can remember--a bond and sense of purpose that was somehow
missing in the days before.
I have never been as proud to be an American as I was when I visited
with the children at those schools in my district. To be honest, I
wasn't sure exactly how to talk about the tragic events of September 11,
because I wasn't sure how much they understood about why this tragedy
happened to us. Instead of comforting them, they comforted me. Instead
of me telling them what happened, through their patriotic songs,
intelligent questions, cheers of pride, patriotic bulletin boards, and
their hugs and tears, they shared what they had learned and seen.
One of those schools was H. Byron Masterson Elementary School in
Kennett, MO. The students shared their feelings, but they did more than
that. They took action. And this week, a year later, the results of
their actions were heard and seen in New York City. The message from the
children is one of comfort. Their story is summarized in a story
reported by the Associated Press and I would like to share it with all
of you.
Darlene Robertson says that on some days, the rut is the best place to
be. On Sept. 12th, it was the daily rut of life in Robertson's southeast
Missouri town that provided the stability her first-grade students
needed in that insecure time after the terrorist attacks. ``September 11
upset the routine of America, and these little children felt it,''
Robertson said. ``That's why the rut was so important for us that day.''
Those students, now second-graders at H. Byron Masterson Elementary
School, wrote about their experience in a book entitled, September 12th
. . . We knew Everything Would be All Right. The book, which the
children also illustrated, won the Kids Are Authors contest sponsored by
Scholastic Books. Now Scholastic is publishing the book and distributing
it nationwide.
When Robertson first heard of the contest, she began talking with her
husband about topics for a book her students could write. They knew that
a lot of children would be writing about the terrorist attacks of
September 11, so her husband suggested September 12 as a topic. So the
idea for the book was born, and in March, Robertson and her students
began to recall what September 11 and 12 were like--how they had
discussed what they saw on television, and how she assured them they
were safe inside their classroom. ``September 11 shook us all up. As a
faculty, we had to be careful not to show our true feelings about the
day. We had to do things just like we had been doing the day before. It
gave the kids security.'' The book takes readers through the day after
the attacks and how the students' daily routine was a comfort to them:
``The sun rose again, and the students traveled to school as usual. They
still had homework. And two plus two still added up to four,'' they
wrote in the book. ``On September 12, our parents still tucked us in our
warm, safe beds,'' they wrote. ``We knew we would be all right because
our parents said they loved us.''
My favorite quote from the book is one that I used recently in my
weekly column about September 11. The children wrote, ``We knew
everything would be all right because the stars and moon came out and
America went to sleep. And the next morning the sun came up again.''
The students, together with their parents, were recognized for their
achievement. They along with teacher, Darlene Robertson and her husband,
Dennis, and Masterson Principal Elsie Heller, left for New York City
early Monday morning, September 9.
The group of approximately 40 spent three days in the Big Apple
including the 1-year anniversary of September 11. The trip, sponsored by
NASDAQ, ended with the group taking part in the ceremonial opening and
ringing of the bell at the NASDAQ market on September 11. During their
stay in NYC, the group visited various sights including every child's
dream, Toys R Us, New York. They also toured the Empire State Building
and the New York Public Library. And they took a trip to the company,
Scholastic, whose contest made all of this possible.
Scholastic will be at H. Byron Masterson Elementary School on
September 12th for a banquet, where they will present the students with
medals. The school also will receive 100 copies of the book and an
autographed copy of the book will be sent to President Bush.
As their teacher Mrs. Robertson said ``We're just a little small town
of 11,000 in the Bootheel of Missouri but here we are . . . It is an
honor to be chosen.''
It is an honor for me to represent these children and their families
in Congress. Congratulations on this remarkable and special milestone in
your lives. You children have inspired me. You have shown your
compassion for others. You have displayed the true character of America.
You have shown me and other parents and adults your maturity and depth
of understanding about our great Nation. You have given us resolve. You
have given us courage. And you will help us show the world that no act
of terror will ever bring us to our knees. We will be stronger than ever
in the face of adversity. We will be one. We will be tougher. We will
prevail.
CONGRATULATIONS TO LEAH A. CUNNINGHAM
Hon. Rob Simmons
of connecticut
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Leah A. Cunningham of
Niantic, CT. Leah Cunningham was named a national winner in the 2002
Voice of Democracy Program and received the $1,500 Department of
Colorado and Auxiliary Award. Leah was sponsored by VFW Post 5849 and
its Ladies Auxiliary in East Lyme, CT.
I applaud the achievements of Leah Cunningham and ask that her award-
winning essay be submitted into the Congressional Record.
[From the 2001-2002 VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Contest]
Reaching Out to America's Future
(By Leah Cunningham)
Yiyia, what is your advice for me and my role in helping America to
have a better future?
``I came to this country at only 12 years old, alone and frightened of
the unraveling journey ahead. I emigrated from Greece, but I soon became
a loving citizen of this great land called America. I have learned that
for America to have a better future, we must trust and learn from the
issues of the past.''
And then, my Yiyia (which is Greek for grandma) would smile in her
strong oak rocking chair, gazing out the window of her apartment. Yiyia
would have faith in the youth of America and their love for a country.
She had seen the beginning stages of World War I as torpedoes were
launched at her boat; she had watched America slowly enter World War II,
and thankfully, she died before her eyes would witness the devastation
of the worst terrorist act to ever assault American soil: The
destruction of the New York trade center towers by two hijacked
airplanes.
These horrific events of September 11 have sparked a new found
interest in our past and pride. Have we perhaps become more aware of our
duty to create a peaceful life for our youth? The idea is to reach out
to America's future, enabling our children to create a better world,
providing them with knowledge, insight. Someday as a grandmother, I hope
to share with my grandchildren the knowledge with which a nation has
touched my existence. I will reach out to America's youth--empowered in
good faith to help America's future.
Our Nation has indeed suffered tragedy but at the same time, we have
been blessed by devoted American citizens striving toward a common goal:
to make America a peaceful nation. Firemen, Red Cross volunteers,
policemen, and average American citizens are diligently working in New
York City to defy evil and restore the site of utter human devastation.
We have refocused our priorities, acknowledging kindness, not only
kindness for our friends and relatives, but a rejuvenated sense of
benevolence toward strangers and fellow Americans. I see a confident
nation, converging together, providing that we will not fall, we will
not falter, we will not fail in a time of unforeseen cruelty toward our
freedom land. We are reaching out to America's future in quiet and bold
ways. I even see a rebirth of historical values and national pride.
President George Washington wrote in his 1796 farewell address: ``The
unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to
you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your
real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace
abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which
you so highly prize . . .'' Washington's words ring across more than 200
years to reach America today and in the future. The future of America
depends on our ability to secure unity and influence the well-being of
active American citizens. Simply requiring a civics or history course
for high school graduation is not enough. We should urge our youth to
become involved in the social fabric of the community. The little things
truly aid in reaching out to America's future: encouraging youth to
register for voting, involving teenagers in mock political systems,
having children understand the American flag, and ensuring appreciation
toward war veterans and their roles in providing long-standing freedom
in America.
I have come to think of it as my responsibility, my mission, to in
some way reach out to America's future. My grandparents remember where
they were when Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese. My parents
remember where they were when John F. Kennedy was assassinated. And, I
will forever remember exactly where I was on September 11, 2001, when
terrorists attacked our Nation, killing thousands. My greatest
achievement will be if a defining moment of my grandchildren's life is
not a catastrophic preempt to war, or a brutal disheartening
assassination of a loved President, or an act of horrific human
destruction. But rather, their moment of true American unity and love
for a nation will be when their grandmother reaches out to their curious
eyes and big hearts, and tells them of her experiences as an American
and what they must do to hopefully follow in her patriotic footsteps.
As Thomas Jefferson suggested in his first Inaugural Speech, our
principles for peace in the future depend on the ability to historically
look back in order to look forward. Jefferson states, ``. . . Let us
hasten to retrace our steps and to regain the road which alone leads to
peace, liberty, and safety.'' The youth of America will bloom with
bright hearts and clear visions if they are mindful of America's
pursuits and ``retrace their footsteps'' of answers.
America is living and breathing, and within this country there is
embedded a recipe for survival and for peace. Our youth need the support
and encouragement of patriotic citizens. We must trust in the goodness
of people, and work toward a humane world, with the youth of America as
leaders toward peace and justice. We must start with the seeds of
tomorrow, the children of America's future, to not only establish a
long-term remedy for terrorism, but to maintain strength, pursue unity,
and forever sustain national loyalty.
Tuesday, September 17, 2002
IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE VICTIMS OF THE KATYN FOREST MASSACRE AND THE WORLD
TRADE CENTER ATTACKS
Hon. Robert Menendez
of new jersey
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the victims of senseless and
unspeakable atrocities. The New Jersey Division of the Polish American
Congress sponsored a memorial service to remember those who lost their
lives during the tragic Katyn Forest Massacre 62 years ago, and those
killed during the attack on America, September 11, 2001. The service was
held at the Katyn Monument site in Jersey City, NJ, on September 15,
2002.
After Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union maliciously invaded Poland in
1939, the Polish citizenry fought bravely against both adversaries on
two fronts. Unfortunately, in the process of valiantly defending their
homeland, over 15,000 Polish soldiers, officers, intellectual leaders,
prisoners of war, and other Polish citizens were brutally murdered.
Perhaps one of the most unforgettable acts committed by the Soviet Union
against Poland was later uncovered with the discovery of 4,500 bodies
found in a single mass grave at the Katyn Forest, near Smolensk in the
Soviet Union. This horrendous discovery became known as the Katyn Forest
Massacre.
And in an egregious attack against humanity, over 3,000 Americans and
citizens representing more than 80 nationalities were lost at the World
Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the fields of Somerset County, PA, on
September 11, 2001. The heinous attacks on American soil reaffirmed our
commitment to democracy in defense of a free and open society,
threatened by evil, injustice, hatred, and tyranny.
Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the lives lost in
these tragedies. We shall never forget these acts of barbarism. And we
shall never forget the innocent lives lost as we strive, as a people, to
create a peaceful world.
SEPTEMBER 6, 2002: A TIME TO MOURN
Hon. Mike Pence
of indiana
Mr. Speaker, the Good Book tells us that there is a time for every
purpose under heaven. There is a time to weep and a time to mourn. On
September 6 I joined some 250 of my colleagues in this body as we
traveled to Federal Hall in New York City to do just that.
We gathered at a place in which this Congress met and even adopted the
Bill of Rights in 1789. We mourned with those who mourn and we wept with
those who weep regarding the September 11 tragedy. The last time I was
in New York City was September 21, 2001. I stood in the ashes and on the
periphery of the devastation at Ground Zero.
As we join to pray, Mr. Speaker, let us ever remember that we are also
told that there is a time for peace and there is a time for war. As we
pray for the bereaved let us also pray for wisdom for our President and
our leadership in this institution as we choose the times and the days
ahead for war.
IN MEMORY OF ADEL A. ZAKHARY
Hon. Robert Menendez
of new jersey
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Adel A. Zakhary, a friend and
neighbor to many, who lost his life in the World Trade Center tragedy on
September 11, 2001. A memorial service took place in his honor on
Saturday, September 14, 2002, at Saint George Catholic Orthodox Church
in Jersey City.
An immigrant from Egypt, Adel lived the American dream, making America
his home with his wife, Nagat, son, George, and daughter, Mariam. He was
dedicated and tireless in his work, and in providing for his family. On
September 11, he went to work on the 92d floor of tower one of the World
Trade Center, as he had for 18 years.
In one of the most unforgivable acts against humanity, over 3,000
people were lost at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the fields
of Somerset County, PA, on September 11, 2001. Adel was among those
individuals who were tragically lost. The horrific attacks have
strengthened us in our resolve to fight evil and intolerance in pursuit
of freedom, justice, and democracy.
Today I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering Adel A. Zakhary, a
loving husband and father, who will never be forgotten. Let us join
together not only to grieve this tremendous loss, but also to celebrate
the remarkable accomplishments in his life. I extend my deepest
sympathies to the family and friends of Adel.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2002: TRIBUTE TO FREEDOM
Hon. Mike Pence
of indiana
Mr. Speaker, the United States of America is founded on the
fundamental principle that all citizens have the inalienable right to
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The United States of America stands as a beacon of freedom and
opportunity for everyone regardless of race, creed or religious belief.
The strength and vitality of the United States of America is in the
diversity of its people, the diversity of its ideas, the freedom to
express those ideas and the opportunity to achieve one's potential and
direct one's destiny.
Mr. Speaker, these ideals and principles are absolute and will not be
surrendered or weakened by the cowardly acts of terrorists who fear the
sunshine of freedom and the responsibility it brings.
Let us forever remember that the date September 11 reaffirms the
principles for which the United States of America was founded and that
on this day each year freedom shall ring from every community in this
great land and the voice of America will be heard around the world.
IN MEMORY OF SEPTEMBER 11 AND ITS FORGOTTEN VICTIMS
Hon. Dan Burton
of indiana
Mr. Speaker, we are commemorating the terrible attack on America on
September 11 last year. This was an event in which about 3,000 people
lost their lives. A year later, they are in our prayers.
Also in our prayers are the other victims--those who were subjected to
violent, unfair attacks in the aftermath of September 11. One of these
was Balbir Singh Sodhi, a gasoline station owner from Arizona. He was
murdered at his gas station by someone who apparently mistook him for a
follower of Osama bin Laden. His brother, Sukhpal Singh Sodhi, a cab
driver in the San Francisco Bay area, was recently killed in his
taxicab. I am sure that we would all like to extend our sympathies to
the Sodhi family.
No one should be killed because of his religion. Even if Mr. Sodhi had
been a Muslim and a follower of bin Laden, that would not justify
murdering him. But what makes this crime even more disturbing is that
this perception was a mistake. Mr. Sodhi was a Sikh, not a Muslim.
Sikhism is an independent, monotheistic, revealed religion that
believes in the equality of all people, including gender equality. It is
not part of either Hinduism or Islam, yet because of the turbans they
wear, which are required by their religion, Sikhs are sometimes mistaken
for Muslim followers of bin Laden.
The violence has mostly ended, but unfortunately, there are still some
unrelated violent incidents. I call for an end to all these attacks and
for full and prompt prosecution of all the people responsible.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to place the Council of Khalistan's recent
press release on the anniversary of September 11 into the Record at this
time.
In Memory of Those Killed in Last Year's Attack on United States
Sikhs Suffered the Most After the Attacks; Council of Khalistan Condemns
Attacks, Calls for End to Violence Against Minorities
Washington, D.C., September 11, 2002.--Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh,
President of the Council of Khalistan, today remembered the attacks on
America a year ago that killed almost 3,000 Americans. He also condemned
the violence against Sikh Americans and other minorities that broke out
in the wake of the September 11 attacks.
``On behalf of the 21-million strong Sikh Nation and especially on
behalf of more than 500,000 Sikh Americans, we remember with sadness and
outrage the attacks on America a year ago and offer our prayers and
sympathies on this sad anniversary to the people of the United States
for the terrible attack on the United States and for the loss of life it
entails,'' Dr. Aulakh said. ``We especially pray for the families of
those who have departed.''
``America must do what it can to eradicate terrorism from the world,''
Dr. Aulakh said. ``We support all the efforts to do so and we must do
our part as American citizens,'' he said. ``This sad anniversary reminds
us that we stand together as a nation. We must show unity on this
occasion.''
``We also condemn the violence against Sikhs and other minorities that
took place last year after the September 11 attacks,'' Dr. Aulakh said.
``Sikhs suffered the most in the post-September 11 violence,'' he said.
``The very first victim of this violence was Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh
gasoline station owner from the Phoenix area,'' he noted. ``Recently,
his brother was killed in his taxicab. All this violence must stop,''
Dr. Aulakh said.
``Nobody should be killed for his or her religion, whether Sikh,
Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, or whatever religion one may follow,''
Dr. Aulakh said. ``But it is important to note that Sikhs are not
Muslims nor followers of bin Laden. ``We condemn bin Laden,'' he said.
``Unfortunately, because of the turbans we are required to wear, many
people mistake Sikhs for bin Laden followers,'' he said. ``The Sikh
religion is an independent, monotheistic, sovereign religion that
believes in the equality of the whole human race, including gender
equality,'' he said. ``Daily we pray for the well-being of the whole
human race.''
In the wake of the September 11 attacks, a couple of young Sikhs were
attacked in Brooklyn. Sikh businesses have been stoned and cars have
been burned. A Sikh boy was even shot in New York. Many Muslims and
other minorities were also subjected to violent attacks.
``We hope that there will not be any more of these incidents in
connection with the anniversary of the attacks. ``Violence against
innocent people of any religion or ethnicity is unacceptable,'' said Dr.
Aulakh. ``It must be condemned and the violence must be ended.''
FOSELLA-WATT MOTION
Hon. Carolyn B. Maloney
of new york
Mr. Speaker, as we continue our war on terrorism, we must remain
vigilant in our efforts to decimate the terrorists who are threatening
our very existence and have singled out Americans who represent freedom
and democracy, so cherished by our citizens.
I strongly support the Fossella-Watt motion, which will finally allow
American victims of international terrorism to receive compensation from
blocked assets--judgments they were already awarded.
Last week, we commemorated the anniversary of 9/11, a day that marked
the most devastating acts ever committed on U.S. soil.
There may not be another Member of Congress who lost more constituents
in the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center than I did.
I knew countless numbers of victims and their families. One year
later, the pain and hardship go on. No amount of money can bring back
our loved ones, but this motion can work to prevent future tragic acts
of terrorism.
The Fossella-Watt motion paralyzes the financial resources of those
terrorist organizations and increases our ability to go after the
sources of funding for these organizations and cells. It sends a message
to terrorists that we will not stand for the murder of innocent
Americans. And those who target Americans will be punished.
The United States must use every tool in its arsenal--military,
diplomatic, and legal--to protect Americans and other innocent parties
against these random acts of terror.
The Fossella-Watt motion is a tool to weaken the terrorist grip.
I urge my colleagues to retain this provision in the final version of
the terrorism insurance bill.
Thursday, September 19, 2002
IN MEMORY OF META FULLER WALLER
Hon. James P. Moran
of virginia
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Meta Fuller Waller, a
dear friend to many, a dedicated public servant, and athletic team
captain who tragically lost her life in the Pentagon on September 11,
2001.
Born into a family steeped in the civil rights movement, Meta Waller
learned at a very young age an appreciation for the arts and the value
of a good education. Her two famous grandparents, Meta Warrick Fuller,
an African-American sculptor and Solomon Carter Fuller, the first
African-American psychiatrist in the United States, inspired Meta to
pursue her dreams regardless of what stood in her path. These instilled
values guided Meta throughout life, especially during the sorrowful loss
of some of her closest family members.
With a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and a
master's degree from the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School of
Government in 1982, Meta worked hard to meet the many challenges she
faced as the Special Programs Manager for the Administrative Assistant
to the Secretary of the Army. In her 12 years at the Pentagon, Meta was
heavily involved in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), the annual
fundraising drive conducted by Federal employees on behalf of numerous
non-profit charities. She diligently served as the Army CFC
administrator for 14 years and helped raise in excess of $30 million to
benefit the least fortunate in our society.
An avid writer and poet, Meta charmed those fortunate enough to
witness her literary talent. Meta's active imagination made her a gifted
storyteller whose vividly refreshing tales could keep an audience
spellbound for hours. Always in search of new challenges, Meta picked up
the game of tennis much later in life than most. Despite a lack of past
exposure to the sport, she rose to become captain of her women's tennis
team, holding the position for 3 years.
Ever conscientious and adventure seeking, Meta's passions led her to
travel the world often. Her most recent trip took her to Durban, South
Africa, for the World Conference on Racism. Traveling with a group of
schoolchildren, Meta gained a first-hand knowledge of the continuing
struggle to end racism across the globe. Upon returning home, Meta told
family members that the experience had changed her life.
Mr. Speaker, Meta's life serves as a testament to us all that with
love and determination we can overcome any odds and lead inspired lives.
Everyone misses her dearly but the memory of her indomitable spirit will
never be forgotten.
TERRORIST ATTACKS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
Hon. Timothy V. Johnson
of illinois
Mr. Speaker, last Wednesday our Nation commemorated the terrorist
attacks of September 11, 2001. While these attacks were committed on the
World Trade Center and the Pentagon, they were in fact directed at our
Nation as a whole. Our freedom, our way of life, the very foundations of
our great democracy, were ruthlessly targeted by an unprecedented force
of evil. Now, 1 year later, our Nation is stronger and more unified than
ever to rid the world of terrorism in all of its forms, as well as its
root causes including poverty, injustice, and despair. It is my sincere
hope that America never forgets the terrible atrocities committed within
our borders. These acts were a direct attack upon freedom-loving people
everywhere and we have a duty to ensure that freedom and democracy
prevail in this struggle against tyranny and oppression.
RACING REMEMBERS
Hon. Ernie Fletcher
of kentucky
Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to recognize the American racing
industry for its response to the terrible tragedies our Nation suffered
a year ago. I am deeply gratified to note that the Nation's horseracing
industry, which is of such great importance to the Commonwealth of
Kentucky, shared in our Nation's ceremonies of remembrance on September
11. Yesterday, all across the country, our racetracks, owners, trainers
and jockeys all stood together to remember what happened a year ago and
to honor those who were lost and those who showed such great courage in
the aftermath of the terrorist attacks.
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association requested that all
racetracks operating on September 11 cease normal business operations to
share in a 10-minute, nationally simulcast observance at 4:10 p.m.
eastern time. All across the country, there was no racing or related
activity at any NTRA-member facilities during the brief, dignified and
patriotic service which included a flag ceremony, a moment of silence,
the singing of the national anthem and a video tribute.
The nationwide ceremony allowed racing and its fans to remember
September 11 together, even though they were at many different
locations, because the observance was broadcast via simulcast to many
different facilities from Del Mar Thoroughbred Track in California. It
was hosted by Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Dick Enberg.
This observance was the culmination of a year-long effort by the
racing industry to raise funds for individuals and families devastated
by the attacks. Over the past year, members of the international
thoroughbred horseracing community, including tracks, horse owners,
trainers, grooms, jockeys and veterinarians, have contributed more than
$12 million to assist the families of those lost on September 11.
I am proud that the American racing and breeding industry has
responded so patriotically to our Nation's ordeal and assisted so many
Americans hurt by those tragic attacks.
IN HONOR OF FRANKIE M. MENO
Hon. Robert A. Underwood
of guam
Mr. Speaker, today I share with you an open letter written to the
American public by my constituent, Frankie Michael Meno. This letter was
composed to recognize the losses of September 11, 2001, on the 1-year
anniversary of the terror attacks against America. Mr. Meno's letter was
accompanied by a CD containing a song, ``America,'' which he wrote, and
performed in the company of his stepchildren, nieces and nephews:
Jessica, Sarah, and Mason Inder, and Shay, Daverin, and Davin Diaz.
Mr. Meno, a resident of lnarajan, GU, began writing songs in 2000. He
finds the process simple as the melody and words come to him almost
automatically. His song ``America'' was inspired by the pride he felt
watching the closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake
City, UT, where people of all nationalities, languages, and colors came
together as one. Mr. Meno hopes ``America's message of peace and freedom
can be extended to all corners of the world.''
In speaking of Mr. Meno, I wish to convey to you his pride in America
and his 16 years of service with the U.S. Marines, his love of his
family and children Christelle, Joseph, Antonia, and Jessica, and his
grandchildren Isaiah and Jaythan, and his desire to use his songmaking
abilities to help the victims of the terrorist attacks and to assist
rebuilding Guam's educational system. Mr. Meno's song is one patriotic
American's expression of our Nation's feelings of loss, recognition of
our citizens' heroism, and the ultimate hope that America's freedom can
be shared with the world. These sentiments are held by all of us, and I
am glad to be able to share this letter with you today.
September 11, 2002
Dear Fellow Americans, on this day, we join you in remembering your
loved ones who left us on September 11, 2001. We would like to join with
you in recognizing and remembering the brave men and women of the New
York Fire Department, the New York Police Department, and the other
heroes who sacrificed their lives to save another's. It is these
extraordinary deeds from ordinary people that make us all proud to call
ourselves Americans; your voices and deeds will never be forgotten.
My family and the people of Guam salute and embrace the American
people and the noble ideas they stand for. I dedicate this song to the
mothers and fathers, the sons and daughters, and the men and women who
made the ultimate sacrifice to bring freedom and democracy to the island
of Guam during World War II. I would also like to dedicate it to the
American servicemen and to the people all over the world who long for
freedom and democracy. I dream of the day when all the children of the
world will be able to enjoy liberty's blessings. God bless Guam, God
bless America, and God bless the world.
Semper Fidelis,
Frankie Michael Meno.
Tuesday, September 24, 2002
HONORING HEROISM AND COURAGE DISPLAYED BY AIRLINE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS
Hon. John L. Mica
of Florida
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate
concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 110) honoring the heroism and
courage displayed by airline flight attendants on a daily basis.
The Clerk read as follows:
S. Con. Res. 110
Whereas over 100,000 men and women in the United States serve as
flight attendants;
Whereas flight attendants dedicate themselves to serving and
protecting their passengers;
Whereas flight attendants react to dangerous situations as the first
line of defense of airline passengers;
Whereas safety and security are the primary concerns of flight
attendants;
Whereas flight attendants evacuate passengers from an airplane in
emergency situations;
Whereas flight attendants defend passengers against hijackers,
terrorists, and abusive passengers;
Whereas flight attendants handle in-flight medical emergencies;
Whereas flight attendants perform routine safety and service duties on
board the aircraft;
Whereas 25 flight attendants lost their lives aboard 4 hijacked
flights on September 11, 2001;
Whereas 5 flight attendants helped to prevent United Flight 93 from
reaching its intended target on September 11, 2001;
Whereas flight attendants provided assistance to passengers across the
United States who had their flights diverted on September 11, 2001;
Whereas flight attendants on American Airlines Flight 63 helped to
subdue Richard Reid on December 22, 2001, thereby preventing him from
detonating an explosive device in his shoe intended to bring down the
airplane and kill all 185 passengers and 12 crew members on board; and
Whereas flight attendants helped to prevent Pablo Moreira, a Uruguayan
citizen, from breaking into the cockpit on February 7, 2002, during
United Flight 855 from Miami to Buenos Aires: Now therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That
Congress--
(1) expresses its profound gratitude for the faithful service provided
by flight attendants to make air travel safe;
(2) honors the courage and dedication of flight attendants;
(3) supports all the flight attendants who continue to display heroism
on a daily basis, as they had been doing before, during, and after
September 11, 2001; and
(4) shall send a copy of this resolution to a family member of each of
the flight attendants killed on September 11, 2001.
Mr. Speaker, this afternoon we take up as a body S. Con. Res. 110.
That resolution addresses a long overdue requirement of this House, and
that is to honor the heroism and also the courage displayed by our
flight attendants not only on September 11 but on a daily basis.
Mr. Speaker, on September 11, 2001, more than 3,000 innocent people
lost their lives. This devastating number includes some 25 flight
attendants who were on board the four hijacked aircraft on that day. As
a result of the tragic events of that fateful day, the vital role that
these men and women play as a very first line of defense became
painfully evident. Flight attendants react and they also provide
essential guidance to passengers during emergency situations. Flight
attendants are in fact responsible and primarily concerned with
passenger safety. Once the aircraft door is closed, they not only
provide safety for the traveling public but also become our very first
line of defense in aircraft security. They also guarantee that there are
in fact additional eyes and ears on guard for suspicious and threatening
behavior.
Examples of their acts of heroism and service include the actions of
the 25 flight attendants who lost their lives on September 11 in the 4
aircraft that were hijacked that day. Mr. Speaker, we have honored
firefighters, police, pilots, and ordinary citizens. Today it is fitting
that we take some time to recognize those flight attendants who served
both the aviation industry, the public, and America so well. It is also
important to note that we also have the remarkable assistance that these
flight attendants provide every day and particularly on the day that
those flights around the Nation and around the world were diverted.
The flight attendants on American Airlines flight 63 last December
recognized the terrible threat that that aircraft faced. It was not
security guards. It was not air marshals. It was not a large force. It
was flight attendants who helped subdue the attempted and now somewhat
infamous shoe bomber, Richard Reid. They acted. They saved the lives of
countless passengers on that aircraft. We are indebted to those flight
attendants.
Also flight attendants helped prevent another tragedy on a flight.
United flight 855 in February of this year, a deranged individual
attempted to break into a cockpit. I believe that was on a flight from
South America to Miami. They also acted with heroism.
In recognition of their vital role as a first line of defense, the
House voted in July to strengthen the flight attendant training program,
and those reforms are long overdue because sometimes these flight
attendants are left at bay to fight these terrorist acts and other
disruptions on aircraft. H.R. 4635, which is primarily devoted to arming
pilots and allowing pilots to defend themselves, also requires that
flight attendants receive much needed hands-on training in self-defense
so they too can defend themselves, the passengers, the aircraft, and
again serve as a first line of defense.
As H.R. 4635 demonstrates, the House supports these brave men and
women and wants to ensure their safety and their security along with
that of the flying public.
So today we are considering S. Con. Res. 110. The House passed a
similar version of this concurrent resolution earlier this month. The
concurrent resolution recognizes the over 100,000 airline flight
attendants who have dedicated themselves to serving and protecting our
passengers, the flying public, on a daily basis. It also recognizes the
courage and heroism of those who lost their lives on September 11. It
expresses Congress' profound gratitude to airline flight attendants and
it rightfully honors their courage and dedication. For all these reasons
and many more, I encourage my colleagues in the House to pass the Senate
concurrent resolution so rightfully honoring our flight attendants.
Hon. Jim Matheson
of Utah
I want to thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica), our
subcommittee chairman. I have enjoyed serving on the Subcommittee on
Aviation under his leadership, and I appreciate his leadership on this
bill today.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. Con. Res. 110. It is such an
appropriate thing for us to be doing in terms of recognizing the service
and honor and courage of over 100,000 flight attendants that fly in the
skies above this country. It is important that we acknowledge their
service. And something that has helped us focus on this service is the
actions that took place on September 11 and actions that took place
subsequent to September 11.
As was mentioned, 25 flight attendants lost their lives that day. That
same day let us not forget that all the other planes that were up in the
sky were ordered down on the ground by the FAA and a number of flight
attendants on all those flights on that day faced some real challenges.
They faced the fear that we all felt that day, but they also faced the
job of having to work with a number of passengers on all those airplanes
that were being diverted and asked to land on emergency notice, and the
flight attendants in this country served us well that day in terms of
dealing with that difficult situation, and that applies to the days
following September 11. We had a public that was nervous, and the flight
attendants represented the face of courage. They were the first line of
defense, quite frankly, in maintaining security on those airplanes.
We know the stories about how they caught the shoe bomber, Richard
Reid. We know that the flight attendants are keeping their eyes open.
So it is appropriate that we honor them in this context, but we ought
to honor them also for all the work they have done. Let us face it. When
they get on that airplane, they are the face of the airline for which
they work. The traveling public at times experiences some frustrations
maybe through delays, maybe through the weather or what not. Sometimes
those frustrations are unfairly directed toward flight attendants
because they are the ones who are there interacting with the public, and
I think that as a profession they deal with that situation so well and
they certainly deserve our gratitude and our respect.
It is important that we do not forget the folks who lost their lives
September 11, those 25 flight attendants, and we owe them a lot. We owe
them this resolution today to honor what they have done but we owe them
more. We owe them the commitment that we are going to continue to move
forward and try to encourage as good a security situation as we can get
in our aviation industry. That is the commitment we need to make to the
flight attendants as well. They are on the front lines, and we are going
to do whatever we can do to back them up to make sure this is a secure
situation in our aviation industry.
So it is with great pleasure that I advocate support of S. Con. Res.
110.
Hon. Carolyn McCarthy
of New York
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. Con. Res. 110. The women and men
who make up America's flight attendant workforce deserve recognition for
their role as safety professionals. As the eyes and ears of the aircraft
cabin, flight attendants have historically provided detailed information
on countless safety issues.
Flight attendants are a highly trained, highly skilled workforce,
charged with the safety and security of passengers, other crewmembers,
and the aircraft itself.
On September 11, 2001, 25 flight attendants on board the 4 hijacked
flights provided the government with vital information, and with little
more than their own ingenuity and bravery, fought the armed hijackers
and performed their duties as safety professionals to the end.
Since that day, safety in the air is of paramount concern to millions.
We now understand the vulnerability that flight crews have felt for
years. But today, more than 12 months after the attacks on our Nation,
flight attendants are no more prepared to defend the flying public today
than they were on the morning of September 11, 2001.
Air Tran flight attendant Susan Cosby began developing her airline's
voluntary defense training program within days of September 11. In a
visit to my office, Cosby posed this question, ``Flight attendants have
always been expected to save lives in emergencies. Why should defending
the flying public from the threat of terrorism be any different?''
Now more than ever, it is crucial for us to recognize the importance
of flight attendants. It is my hope of America's 100,000 flight
attendants, that the Congress will quickly pass meaningful security
training legislation.
VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACKS MEMORIAL ACT
Hon. James V. Hansen
of Utah
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2982)
to authorize the establishment of a memorial within the area in the
District of Columbia referred to in the Commemorative Works Act as
``Area I'' or ``Area II'' to the victims of terrorist attacks on the
United States, to provide for the design and construction of such a
memorial, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.R. 2982
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF MEMORIAL.
(a) In General.--The Advisory Board established in section 2(a) is
authorized to establish a memorial (referred to hereafter in this Act as
the ``Memorial'') in accordance with this Act on Federal lands
administered by the National Park Service in the District of Columbia
and its environs (as defined in section 2(e) of the Commemorative Works
Act (40 U.S.C. 1002(e)) to victims who died as a result of terrorist
acts against the United States or its people, at home or abroad, except
those individuals identified by the Attorney General of the United
States as participating or conspiring in terrorist-related activities.
(b) Detail of Employees.--The Secretary of the Interior (referred to
hereafter in this Act as the ``Secretary'') shall detail to the Advisory
Board such support staff as are necessary to assist the members of the
Advisory Board in carrying out its responsibilities.
(c) Relationship to the Commemorative Works Act.--The Commemorative
Works Act (40 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) shall apply to the Memorial, with the
exception of section 3(c) of that Act which shall not apply to the
Memorial.
SEC. 2. ADVISORY BOARD.
(a) Establishment.--There is established an advisory board to be known
as the ``Victims of Terrorism Memorial Advisory Board'' (referred to
hereafter in this Act as the ``Advisory Board'').
(b) Members.--The Advisory Board shall consist of 13 members who shall
be appointed, not later than 3 months after the date of the enactment of
this Act, by the President (in consultation with the Secretary of the
Interior and the Secretary of Defense) from interested persons,
including representatives of organizations dedicated to assisting
victims of terrorism and their families.
(c) Chairperson.--The Chairperson of the Advisory Board shall be one
of its Members elected by a majority of the Members at the first meeting
of the Advisory Board.
(d) Terms; Vacancies.--Members of the Advisory Board shall serve for
the life of the Advisory Board. The President shall make appointments to
fill any vacancies that occur.
(e) Duties.--The Advisory Board shall--
(1) raise necessary funds to establish, design, construct, and
maintain the Memorial; and
(2) begin consultation under section 7 of the Commemorative Works Act
not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(f) Donations.--The Advisory Board may accept donations on behalf of
the United States for the establishment, design, construction, and
maintenance of the Memorial.
(g) Termination.--The Advisory Board shall terminate not later than
120 days after completion of the Memorial.
(h) FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall
not apply to the Advisory Board.
SEC. 3. DEPOSIT OF EXCESS FUNDS.
If, upon payment of all expenses of the establishment of the Memorial
(including the maintenance and preservation amount provided for in
section 8(b) of the Commemorative Works Act), or upon expiration of the
authority for the Memorial under section 10(b) of that Act, there
remains a balance in the funds received under section 3(f) for
maintenance of the Memorial, the Chairperson of the Advisory Board shall
transfer the amount of the balance to the Secretary of the Treasury for
deposit in the account provided for in section 8(b)(1) of that Act.
H.R. 2982, introduced by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Turner), who
has worked so tirelessly on this legislation, and sponsored by myself
and over 121 Members of the House of Representatives, would establish a
memorial to the victims who died as a result of terrorist acts against
the United States or its people.
The gentleman from Texas (Mr. Turner) went out of his way to do an
exceptionally fine job on this legislation. One of the most interesting
hearings we have had in the Committee on Resources was put on by him. It
included Lisa Beamer whose husband Todd was part of flight 93 that
crashed in Pennsylvania and coined that phrase, ``Let's roll,'' with the
President standing there in front of the Chair where he sat.
Mr. Brady Howell, whose wife, Liz, works for us in the Committee on
Resources. Brady was the all-American boy. He was an Eagle Scout. He was
a 4.0 student. He was the quarterback. He was the student body
president. He was a missionary for his church. He did everything one can
imagine and had a great sense of humor.
Mr. Joe Finley, a New York firefighter, who most of his squadron was
killed on that tragic day.
Lt. Col. Terry Andersen, who went into the Pentagon and saved many
people and worked diligently.
So many illustrations of honor.
This bill would authorize a memorial to victims who died as a result
of terrorism against the United States or its people at home or abroad,
except those individuals identified as participating or conspiring on
terrorist-related activities.
Mr. Speaker, the great memorials that dot the landscape of our
Nation's Capital reflect the course of American history and are a
constant reminder of our commitment to freedom, justice and democracy.
We see these shared values in our monuments to great leaders, and we see
them in our memorials to the soldiers who died in great wars fought in
Europe, in the Pacific, in Korea and in Vietnam.
The new war of the 21st century, this war on terrorism, will not be
marked by one geographic location. It is a global war that has been, is,
and will be fought at home and abroad. Already thousands of people have
lost their lives to terrorist attacks on the United States. These
victims of terrorist attacks deserve solemn tribute, for they died at
the hands of enemies of America simply because they were Americans.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2982 would authorize the establishment of an
advisory board to raise funds for the design, construction, and
maintenance of a living memorial, and to work with the National Capital
Memorial Commission and the Secretary of the Interior on the placement
of the memorial.
H.R. 2982 will honor those Americans whose lives have been lost to
terrorism and will symbolize the great struggle in which we are now
engaged. Someday this memorial will mark the time and the course of
history when freedom and respect for the dignity of man overcame tyranny
and hate and evil. Indeed, it will stand for the age when America faced
its greatest challenge.
I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2982, as amended.
Hon. Jim Turner
of Texas
Two weeks ago we observed the 1-year anniversary of the September 11
attacks on our Nation. It was on that date in 2001 that our Nation was
made acutely aware of the threats posed by those who seek to destroy our
way of life.
Since then we have come together as a Nation and remembered those who
lost their lives and we have pledged jointly an unwavering resolve to
win the war on terrorism no matter what the cost and no matter how long
it takes. This legislation, which was introduced by the gentleman from
Utah (Mr. Hansen) and me, would authorize the establishment of a
national memorial to all the victims of terrorism in attacks against the
United States or its people including those who died on September 11.
It has been said that the war on terrorism may be known as the first
war of the 21st century. It will not be marked by any specific
geographic location because it is global. It has been and will be fought
at home and abroad. This national memorial created by this bill will be
dedicated to the memory of those victims who lose their lives and have
lost their lives at the hands of terrorists. The memorial will reflect,
in my view, the history of the struggle in which we are engaged, and
will remind future generations of the challenges that we faced and the
challenges that we have overcome through courage and bravery of the
American people.
As the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen) mentioned, this legislation
creates a 13-member advisory board appointed by the President and
includes representatives from organizations dedicated to assisting the
victims of terrorism. The advisory board is charged with the duty of
raising the funds from private sources to establish, design, construct
and maintain this memorial. In accordance with the Commemorative Works
Act, the advisory board will consult with the appropriate commissions
already provided by existing law regarding the site selection and design
of this memorial.
When the House Committee on Resources held its hearing on this bill,
we were honored, as the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen) mentioned, to
hear from several outstanding Americans whose lives, like so many
Americans, were personally and forever changed on September 11. Their
testimony spoke eloquently of the significance of a national memorial to
the victims of terrorism.
Liz Howell, who is on the staff of the Committee on Resources, whose
husband, Brady, died at the Pentagon, said so eloquently ``I believe a
national monument to terrorism would become a hallowed place for the
people of this generation to remember and grieve. Perhaps even more
important, it will teach future generations about the heroism, the
sacrifice, and the patriotism that surrounded the deaths of people who
simply died because they were Americans.''
That quote from Liz Howell represents, I think, so very eloquently the
purposes embodied in this legislation.
We heard from Lisa Beamer, whose husband Todd was among the heroes of
flight 93. We heard from Joe Finley, a New York firefighter, who
testified on behalf of this legislation, that he lost many in his
firehouse who sacrificed their lives at the World Trade Center. Lt. Col.
Ted Anderson, who rushed into the fiery flames of the Pentagon, saving
many of his friends and colleagues there, spoke of a need for a national
memorial. They all shared their hopes that this memorial would not only
be a tribute to those who lost their lives but a constant reminder to
the American people of the importance of courage, bravery, and
patriotism.
It is my hope that at some point in the future this memorial will mark
a time in the course of our history when freedom and respect for the
dignity of man overcame hate and evil. It will stand for the period in
our history when our country stood tall, persevered and protected peace
and civility for all mankind.
Mr. Speaker, we hope that the House will join us in unanimously
supporting this legislation to create this memorial to the victims of
terrorism.
Hon. Nick J. Rahall II
of west virginia
Mr. Speaker, while the text of this legislation refers to a memorial
intended to honor anyone who has ever been the victim of a terrorist
attack on the United States, our hearings on this measure focused on the
victims of the September 11 hijackings and attacks on the World Trade
Center and the Pentagon. Those events are the catalysts for this
legislation.
While it has been said often, it cannot be said often enough: our
thoughts and prayers continue to go to those affected by the events of
that awful day. While we as a Nation have attempted to go on with our
lives, the tragedy and loss of that day are never far from our hearts or
minds.
The scope and severity of that terrible tragedy make it difficult to
know how best to memorialize those who were lost.
Mr. Turner's bill is one approach and we will support it, but there
may be others.
It is our hope that, over time, we may all gain the wisdom and
perspective to devise a memorial, or series of memorials, that will tell
the story of these attacks, the people who were lost, their families and
our resulting efforts to end the threat of terrorism, in such a way that
future generations will never forget these events.
Better yet, if we do it right, perhaps such a memorial could, in some
small way, reduce the chance that a future generation will have to
endure such a tragedy.
Hon. Eleanor Holmes Norton
of District of Columbia
Memorializing the victims of the war on terrorism is the least we can
do.
I am going to support this bill with some reservation because it
continues to violate the 25-year rule. I want to give Members some
context for that. A bill was brought forward early in this Congress to
establish a Ronald Reagan memorial on the mall. The Bush administration
did not support it because it did not want to set that precedent and it
is sufficient to say did not support violating the 25-year rule. Nobody
who remembers the tenure of Ronald Reagan both in this city and out of
the country can doubt that his legacy will withstand the 25-year rule.
The World War II memorial is going up now, more than 25 years after
World War II. No one has pressed forward an Oklahoma City memorial
though that was one of America's great tragedies of the 20th century.
The Martin Luther King memorial could not be built until 25 years after
his death.
I say all this because the House needs to understand the context and
why it is this way. We lost a number of residents in 9/11. A number of
those working in the Pentagon came right from the District of Columbia.
The most visible ones were three children and their three teachers. I
certainly want to see them memorialized on the mall. The context,
though, we have to understand is what is happening to the mall. We
literally are in danger in one generation of using up virtually all the
prime space of the mall. Yet the mall was meant for eternity. That is
why there is a 25-year rule. We must not get to where London is now.
London is having to tear down memorials in order to allow memorials to
go up. That is not the only reason that the Commemorative Works Act has
a 25-year rule that says to Congress, step back, and the reason that
Congress has stepped back in each and every occasion, the pain of a
memorial may be fresh, the reputation of a personage needs time to gel.
History needs to inform us and see in context what it is we want to do.
We know that memorials are best when there is a nationwide
competition, when people who have looked at memorials over time can
bring their expertise to bear, and that is going to happen here. We know
that we cannot sit here and say where a memorial should be built, that
we have got to trust those with whom we have delegated this
responsibility. That is gone.
I will submit for the Record the letter of Mr. Cogbill so that the
Record can be fully informed with respect to the problems that the
initial bill has.
Mr. Speaker, I want to once again express my appreciation to the
gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen) and certainly to the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Turner) for the great sensitivity they both have shown in
designing this bill. I support the bill with the reservations I have
noted.
The letter previously referred to follows:
National Capital Planning Commission
Washington, DC, March 19, 2002.
Hon. James V. Hansen, chairman,
Committee on Resources,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Re Terrorism Memorial
Dear Chairman Hansen: I am writing to express the concerns of the
National Capital Planning Commission with regard to H.R. 2982, a bill
that would authorize a memorial in Washington, DC, to victims of
terrorist attacks on the United States.
The Commission mourns the tragic loss of life resulting from terrorist
attacks on the United States, including the atrocities committed on
September 11, when terrorists orchestrated the most devastating attack
on American soil in our Nation's history. We share the desire to find
appropriate ways to remember and honor the victims, but we urge that,
consistent with the Commemorative Works Act (CWA), sufficient time be
allowed to pass so that these tragic events are put in proper historical
perspective before commencing the process of locating and designing such
an important national memorial.
As you are aware, the process for establishing memorials in the
Nation's Capital is governed by the CWA. By setting forth criteria for
the subject matter, location, and design of memorials, the CWA is
intended to preserve the integrity of the L'Enfant and McMillan Plans
for the Nation's Capital, while protecting and maintaining the limited
amount of open space available on and around the Mall.
The Commission is concerned that H.R. 2982 circumvents one of the key
provisions of the CWA--the 25-year waiting period for the authorization
of new memorials in the Nation's Capital. The purpose of this provision,
which states that a memorial ``shall not be authorized'' by Congress
until at least 25 years after the death of the individual or event, is
to ensure that enough time passes following an event for policymakers
and historians to gain an appropriate historical perspective before
establishing a permanent memorial in the Nation's Capital.
Just as with other tragedies in American history--from Gettysburg to
Pearl Harbor to Oklahoma City--a more meaningful and appropriate place
to honor victims at this time might be at the sites of the tragedies
themselves. Congress has already authorized legislation for a memorial
at the Pentagon, and permanent memorials at the World Trade Center and
at the Pennsylvania crash site are currently being considered.
Other provisions of H.R. 2982 are also inconsistent with the CWA. In
order to help preserve the limited number of sites available in area I
(sites on or near the Mall), the CWA requires passage of a separate act
of Congress, following a recommendation by the National Capital Memorial
Commission, before locating a memorial in this prominent area. Yet this
bill directly authorizes the memorial to locate in area I, overriding
the requirement for a second round of consideration by Congress. In
addition, the bill suggests that any specific location for the memorial
be ``approved by the Congress,'' again contrary to the CWA, which
delegates to the Federal land-holding and review agencies decisions as
to the specific location and design of new memorials.
The Monumental Core of our Nation's Capital has evolved over the
centuries into a powerful expression of our Nation's values,
achievements, losses, and challenges. By respecting the process
established by the CWA, we can ensure that the victims of terrorist acts
against our country are properly memorialized and, at the same time, the
historical integrity of our grand Monumental Core is preserved.
Sincerely,
John V. Cogbill, III,
Chairman.
Hon. Benjamin A. Gilman
of New York
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2982, the Victims of
Terrorist Attacks Memorial Act, which will establish a memorial in
Washington, DC, to honor those Americans whose lives were tragically
taken as a result of terrorism.
At the Murrah Building in Oklahoma, the World Trade Center, the
Pentagon, and in the fields of Pennsylvania, our Nation has witnessed
the best and the worst of humanity. These despicable and cowardly
terrorist acts were valiantly countered with the incredible heroism and
courage of not only our firefighters, law enforcement officers, and
emergency personnel but also our fellow citizens.
Accordingly, it is incumbent upon our Nation to honor those departed
heroes. Establishing a memorial in honor of those deserving men and
women will be a fitting tribute to their memory and their contribution
to our Nation's freedom. Moreover, it will act as a permanent reminder
to our Nation and the world that our Nation is engaged in an ongoing
battle in the name of those who were taken from us to rid the world of
these most heinous of crimes. Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to
support this important measure.
Hon. Steve Israel
of new york
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2982. This
legislation will authorize a memorial in Washington, DC, to commemorate
American victims of terrorist attacks. The desire to memorialize the
victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks was the driving force
behind this bill, and as an original cosponsor, I applaud my colleagues
bringing this bill to the floor today.
I have met with families in my district who lost loved ones in the
attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and I have tried to
help them with legislation that will ease their financial burden. I am
hopeful that this bill will help them in a different way. I want them to
know that the American people support them, and this memorial will show
them that their husbands, wives, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters
will never be forgotten.
This memorial, however, is not only for the victims of terrorist
attacks and their families. It is a memorial for every person in our
Nation. It will give the people of the United States a site to pay their
respects to the victims. It will serve as an area for mourning. It will
also be a place to remember. I am hopeful that the memorial will also be
a space where people can see the American spirit, which cannot be
defeated, to take comfort in America's resolve and the inevitable
triumph of freedom.
The September 11, 2001, attacks changed every American life. It was
the saddest and most enraging day in many of our lives. It is
appropriate that we build this memorial to commemorate not the attacks,
not response, not the war, but the victims of the attacks.
WAGING THE PEACE
Hon. Major R. Owens
of new york
One letter I submit for the Record is not so simple, but it is written
by one of my constituents, and obviously she has given a great deal of
thought to this letter, and I appreciate the thinking here. I want my
colleagues to hear the connection here with September 11 and how she
weaves all of this together and understands very clearly the mood of
America. The mood of America is anger; the mood of America is hurt; the
mood of America is fear. But we should not let the mood of anger, hurt,
and fear drive us into reckless actions that will make matters worse.
Brooklyn, NY,
August 9, 2002.
Rep. Major Owens,
House of Representatives,
Brooklyn, NY.
Dear Rep. Owens: I am writing to you, because I feel so helpless to
stop what seems to be inevitable--War with Iraq.
Like you and every New Yorker, I tasted war on September 11. It wasn't
pleasant and I'm not eager to experience it again. For hours I couldn't
find my husband who worked across the street from 1 World Trade Center.
Fortunately he returned home safely after witnessing unspeakable
carnage, but many of our friends and neighbors weren't so lucky. That
evening, I walked down 7th Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn, to get a
handle on the losses. The stench from burning buildings, computers, and
bodies was pervasive and the smoke cast an eerie haze over our little
community. Everywhere I went I learned of more losses--12 firemen from
Squad 1 on my block, loved ones of students and a teacher at the Park
Slope Dance Studio, parents with kids at 321, Berkeley Carroll, and St.
Ann's, members from church, a former colleague, and many of our
neighbors were all among the missing. At 7 p.m. that day, we foolishly
held out hope that some would be found in area hospitals, but
unfortunately they weren't.
Weeks later I attended the memorial service for my friend, Jeff Hardy,
who was killed because he happened to be working on the 101st floor of
Tower 1. Hours after I attended Jeff's service, a woman at 7th Avenue
and Carroll approached me and asked me to sign a petition opposing the
war in Afghanistan. I refused. I supported the war in Afghanistan and
have been grateful that our allies have worked with us to round up
terrorists worldwide.
However, I have seen absolutely no evidence that Iraq had anything to
do with this attack. The rumor that Mohamed Atta met with an Iraqi
intelligence agent has been denied by the Czech government. I am not
aware of one Iraqi who fought with the Taliban, although I know the
citizens of many of our allies fought with the Taliban, are members of
Al Qaeda, were on those planes September 11, and continue to threaten
Americans and other foreigners every day, particularly in Pakistan.
My hope is to destroy Al Qaeda and stop the spread of Islamic
religious fundamentalism and hatred for the United States, Christians,
and Jews. To fight the Islamists, we need the cooperation of all of our
allies and all countries in the Middle East. I am afraid that this
fragile alliance will dissolve if we attack Iraq without provocation and
we may not get the help we need. Invading Iraq will only inflame anti-
American rhetoric and could even jeopardize our allies in the Middle
East. I'm deeply worried about the welfare of President Musharraf and
concerned that if anything happens to him, religious fanatics could take
control of Pakistan, which we know has both nuclear weapons and Al Qaeda
members. Musharraf is already under attack in his country because of his
support of the U.S. and the New Yorker reported this week that a recent
car bomb that killed 12 people was intended for him. I truly think
declaring war on Iraq will put more U.S. citizens in harm's way than
containment.
To me this administration's warmongering is further evidence of the
``Kremlinization'' of Washington under Bush. This administration thrives
on secrecy. In the beginning of the term we saw cronyism and secret
agreements among the elites in government and business. Now there is
lavish Federal spending in Florida where the President's brother happens
to be running for reelection. According to a recent New Republic
article, even questionable SBA loans are being made in Florida at a time
when several businesses with which I have worked that were located at or
near Ground Zero have been denied SBA assistance.
After September 11, we had secret arrests and detentions of more than
1,000 individuals. Even Reagan-appointed, Federal judges have been
appalled by this. We have seen civil rights being applied arbitrarily
with some American citizens who happen to be poor and of color like Jose
Padilla being denied the right to legal counsel and the American justice
system, while prosperous Americans like John Walker Lindh, who actually
fought American soldiers, received them. No investigation has been
allowed into the intelligence failures before September 11. Time
magazine this week has a scathing article about how this administration
ignored terrorist threats prior to the attacks, but we can't examine
this. Free speech has been chilled because any elected official who
dares criticize or stand in the way of the administration has been
called unpatriotic and obstructionist and in some cases compared to
Saddam Hussein in newspaper ads. The government is asking ordinary
citizens to spy on one another, reminiscent of something out of a
Solzhenitsyn novel. The attorney general has ignored the Supreme Court's
1939 opinion on the Second Amendment and has decided to apply his own,
wildly different interpretation and also won't allow gun checks on
suspected terrorists. I won't even get into what started all of this,
the election of 2000 and how the voter registration lists were
``scrubbed'' and the failure of the Supreme Court to honor a
Presidential candidate's request to count votes as allowed under Florida
law. Now this administration is invading countries without adequate
discussion or support.
Following the tragedies of September 11, we were a city in mourning.
We spent months going to funerals and neighborhoods completely shut down
when funerals for firefighters were held. The physical and emotional
damage contributed to economic downturn here. I run a small, but
successful public relations firm and I booked 93 percent of my revenues
in 2001 on projects completed before September 11 and only 7 percent
after September 11. My situation was not unusual. Small businesses--
graphic designers, contractors, beauticians, photographers, etc.--
everywhere in the metropolitan area suffered the same fate. Large
companies like my husband's were evacuated from lower Manhattan never to
return. His company had to rebuild complete systems within days to be
able to compete when the markets opened the following Monday and use AOL
or other carriers to communicate by e-mail because the company's servers
were destroyed. We all limped along. Our woeful city tax revenues are
enduring evidence of the economic damage we experienced.
This country and especially this city have not yet digested the
economic and emotional fallout from September 11. New York City is still
struggling to get back on its feet and continues to get hammered by low
tax revenues, the recession, stock market volatility, and corporate
scandals. The economy can't take another shock like a war with Iraq and
its unknown consequences.
We have so much unfinished international business that to go forward
with a war with Iraq right now would be irresponsible. I share the same
concerns that King Abdullah of Jordan has that invading Iraq could lead
to a further destabilization of the Middle East, including possibly a
civil war, at a time when we need to be rebuilding Afghanistan and
seeking a solution to the Israeli/Palestinian War. Even the Kurds are
begging us not to invade. We still haven't found Osama bin Laden and
Mullah Omar yet, how are we going to round up Saddam Hussein and his
secret weapons, particularly without the support of our allies? It's
suicidal. I'm reminded of our many unsuccessful attempts to oust Fidel
Castro. Besides the economic and diplomatic problems of a war with Iraq,
I have a serious moral problem with killing innocent people in the
country. I know what it feels like when innocent lives are lost. Even
Rep. Dick Armey was quoted today in the Times as saying that an
unprovoked attack would violate international law. However, this
administration will not listen to its allies and is only fueling anti-
Americanism worldwide.
I am a conservative Democrat and was highly supportive of President
Clinton and particularly his economic policies because he gave everyone
a seat at the table of opportunity, cut budget deficits, and supported
free trade. (Unlike Bush who has caved to special political interests on
steel, the farm bill, tax cuts, energy, the environment, etc.) I don't
trust these people in the White House now. Unfortunately, they seem to
be unstoppable. Please help stop them.
Sincerely,
Gail Donovan.
REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11, 2002
Hon. Ralph M. Hall
of texas
Mr. Speaker, as we reflect on the tragic attacks on America on
September 11, 2001, and the remarkable heroism of those who responded
selflessly to those attacks, the weapon we need now more than any time
in the history of the Republic is prayer.
We need prayer for our brave men and women in the military who are
fighting the war on terrorism and for those who will go, prayer for our
President and our leaders as they chart our Nation's course, prayer for
the families and friends of the more than 3,000 citizens who lost their
lives in New York City, on the place that crashed in Pennsylvania and at
the Pentagon, and prayer for the safety and security of our Nation.
We need prayer as well for the selfless and hard-working members of
our police, firefighter and emergency response teams. The harsh reality
of the danger of their jobs came crashing down on America on September
11 when 343 firefighters, 23 police officers and 37 port authority
officers in New York City lost their lives at the World Trade Center.
With a year to ponder the terrible losses suffered that day and the
threat of terrorism and evil still looming over our Nation, we realize
now more than ever the debt of gratitude that we owe to those who place
themselves in harm's way to protect our Nation and our citizens.
September 11 unified America and reawakened a spirit of determination
and patriotism not seen since World War II. On that day we were reminded
that freedom is not free--that there is a price that must be extracted
to defeat tyranny and terrorism and to preserve the precious freedoms
for which previous generations of heroes have fought so valiantly.
The war on terrorism will be a long war--but it is a war that we can
and will win. So as we remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice
for their country and those still on the front lines in the battle for
freedom, we are filled with renewed resolve that those who perpetrated
these terrible acts will be brought to justice and that such a tragedy
will never happen again in America.
May God bless the families of the victims of September 11, and may God
continue to bless America.
H.R. 2982
Hon. Jerry F. Costello
of illinois
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2982 authorizes the establishment of a memorial
within the District of Columbia to the victims of terrorist attacks on
the United States.
Words are generally inadequate to give voice to the loss we suffered
on September 11, 2001. Today, we will try to leave a more worthy token.
The enormity of what happened last year is still difficult to grasp,
especially to those of us in the communities most directly affected. The
scope of the casualty list is particularly overwhelming when considering
each individual that was taken from us. Each had a name, a face, a
family, a personality, a legacy that they have left behind.
Susan Conlon said goodbye to her 6-year-old daughter, Kimberly, before
going to work that day in the World Trade Center, in an office she had
occupied for less than 3 months. Robert Curatolo was a newlywed who
charged into danger as one of all too many firemen who never returned
that day. Vassill Haramis was a hero of the 1993 WTC bombing, an
engineer who loved working there as he had since the 1970s, not long
after coming to this country.
These stories, times a thousand and more, can only begin to trace the
outline of the victims of the 9/11 attacks. I offer them as examples
from my own district of heartbreaking losses.
I believe what we are proposing today will be an eloquent testament to
the memory of the victims. By acting today, while the memory of that
terrible day has not yet faded, we can be sure future generations will
have a better understanding of the victims and heroes of September 11,
and their legacies will never be forgotten.
Wednesday, September 25, 2002
WE ARE ``GREAT BECAUSE WE ARE GOOD''
Hon. Zach Wamp
of tennessee
Mr. Speaker, as we observe the remembrance of September 11, it is my
hope that the citizens of the United States will honor the legacy of
those who lost their lives and pay tribute to their survivors in time-
honored American ways . . . like helping others in need, saying a kind
word to a stranger, volunteering at a homeless shelter or sending relief
to people around the world who we may never even meet. After all, our
country is not great because of our military strength, our free
enterprise system or even our right to vote (as awesome as these
qualities are!). America is great as we give more than we take and as we
are willing to serve and sacrifice for others.
We now know countless stories of heroism and remarkable bravery--
passengers on flight 93 that had the courage to stand up to terrorists
giving their lives to protect hundreds of others, a lieutenant colonel
who died trying to get his coworkers to safety or a firefighter who ran
up the stairs of a building that was coming down on top of him. Although
they didn't sign up to fight in the trenches of the war on terrorism,
firefighters, EMTs, law enforcement officers, medical professionals and
even airline passengers were willing to lay down their lives for people
they had never even met.
The sacrifice and courage of our first responders on September 11
caused a swell of pride in all Americans of every generation. What we
witnessed when America came under attack was comparable to the noble
actions of the ``greatest generation''; veterans on D-day when they
stormed the beaches of Normandy or in the lonely courage of American
heroes in the jungles of Vietnam.
The United States of America is at her best not when the Dow Jones
average is above 10,000 points, or when we land on the Moon, but when
our citizens are willing to sacrifice themselves so that others might be
secure.
I participated in a historic joint session of Congress at Federal Hall
in New York City, laid a wreath at Ground Zero and spoke at a memorial
service in a Brooklyn church. On Wednesday, September 11, I attended the
National Memorial Service at the Pentagon with President George W. Bush
and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. That evening I listened with the
rest of the world to President Bush speak about this past year and
America's security in an unstable world.
As we bow our heads in respect, let us all be committed to honoring
our country and those who have gone before us by giving of ourselves to
help others. After all, every day of life is a gift from God and none of
us know which might be our last. Let us stay united and make the most of
every day!
REMARKS DELIVERED ON THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2002
Hon. Steven R. Rothman
of new jersey
Mr. Speaker, we come here today, as one community, to reflect on the
events of September 11, 2001. On that terrible day, a group of evil men
murdered more than 3,000 innocent American men, women, and children--
here on American soil--as their coconspirators attempted to kill
thousands more.
Today, we still mourn the loss of our fellow citizens: those trying to
reach safety and those who deliberately placed themselves in harm's way,
who saved literally tens of thousands of their fellow Americans in the
process. We will also never forget those who were injured and who are
still suffering from the wounds, physical and emotional, that were
inflicted upon them. We will never forget the heroism and sacrifice of
those--many of whom are with us today--who responded immediately and
selflessly, who prevented a terrible ordeal from being even worse.
While we will always continue to remember what happened, we must also
continue our Nation's effort to bring to justice and punish those who
perpetrated these terrible acts and those who are planning new ones.
Government's first priority is, after all, to protect the people, and as
your Representative in Congress, I assure you that Congress is working
to see that our government meets our country's needs for our homeland
security and for our national defense: from strengthening our borders,
to improving law enforcement and intelligence capabilities, to ensuring
that our military is fighting with superior forces and weapons. We never
forget that we Americans depend on our government to protect us.
We are forever grateful to the men and women in law enforcement and in
our Armed Forces, here and around the world, who put their lives at risk
so that we may keep our country and her people safe and free.
Is America a perfect nation? Are we as individuals perfect people? No,
America is not perfect, and none of us has ever met a perfect person.
But what we have in America is the greatest nation the world has ever
known--a country committed to freedom, democracy, and equal justice
under the law. We are an imperfect country, but one whose principles of
freedom of speech and expression allow us and even demand us to
continually seek to make our Nation more perfect in its realization of
our founding principles. We are still the shining beacon of hope and
liberty for every nation in the world and every man, woman, and child on
this planet.
Finally, we must always remember that in our 226-year history, America
has prevailed over many more powerful enemies than the ones we face
today. It took the lives and sacrifices of countless numbers of
Americans. It took money. It took time. It took patience. And it took
perseverance. But we prevailed. Make no mistake about it, my fellow
Americans, America will prevail again today.
God bless you, my friends, and God bless the United States of America.
COMMEMORATION OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
Hon. Nick J. Rahall II
of west virginia
Mr. Speaker, ``We must consider that we shall be as a city upon a
hill,'' the Puritan preacher John Winthrop proclaimed, as he and his
followers sailed for America and freedom. ``The eyes of all people are
upon us.'' And so they have remained for nearly four centuries. Many
have looked to us in awe, inspired by a Nation rooted in liberty. Others
have hated the ideal we embody, and wished us ill. But none can remove
us from their gaze.
Today America's economic prosperity, military power, and technological
advancement are without peer. Our daily comforts and conveniences exceed
those available to most of the six billion people who inhabit the Earth.
But the ease of our lives does not render us soft, or reluctant to
retaliate when attacked. A year ago, all the world watched in horror as
a small gang of wicked men took 3,000 innocent lives in New York,
Washington, and Pennsylvania.
Since the moment the first airplane struck the first tower, Americans
have shown, both on the battlefield and at home, the strength of our
spirit, the mettle of our souls, and the force of our arms. From the
firefighters climbing to their deaths, to the airline passengers who
battled back, to the precious West Virginia sons and daughters who gave
their lives in Afghanistan, the world has witnessed acts of American
selflessness and bravery that rival the most revered in the annals of
human history.
Just as Winthrop defined America's place in the world, he described
how we must live to maintain it. ``We must delight in each other,'' he
instructed. ``Make others' conditions our own; rejoice together; mourn
together; labor and suffer together.'' Our whole Nation suffered the
same grievous wound on September 11. Those who delivered the blow hoped
it would inaugurate our destruction. Instead, they inspired America's
return to the community values and mutual commitment upon which our
country was built.
The attacks, the ongoing war, and the continuing threats spur us to
embrace again our founding ideas: that all men and women are created
equal; that America's destiny is the world's destiny--to secure life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that we cannot allow the
centuries-old, worldwide fight for freedom to falter. This recollection
of our original rights and responsibilities is a fitting tribute, is an
apt memorial, to the lives that were lost and devastated on that sad
September day.
Hon. Henry E. Brown, Jr.
of south carolina
Mr. Speaker, I will never forget the tragic events of September 11,
2001. Although this unprovoked attack on our Nation by faceless cowards
sought to damage American will, there can be no doubt that we are more
determined than ever to fight for our freedom and preserve our way of
life. We have sent our sons and daughters into battle in Central Asia
and throughout this world to bring the perpetrators to justice and to
eradicate the scourge of terrorism from the face of the Earth. I know
that we will succeed.
During the past year, we have pulled together as Americans with a
renewed sense of patriotism and pride in all of our institutions. Each
of us has made a tremendous difference in so many ways like donating
blood or food to relief efforts and flying the American flag outside our
homes as a sign of solidarity. In the Congress, members of both parties
worked together in a bipartisan fashion like never before to demonstrate
our resolve to the world community and to care for the victims and their
families. When we sang ``God Bless America'' on the Capitol steps that
same night, it was an incredibly emotional moment that truly touched my
soul.
It was a true honor to be in New York City at the special joint
session of Congress. A couple of weeks after the attacks, I went to
Ground Zero with other Members to witness first-hand the devastation
that had been wrought. The heroic determination of the firefighters,
police officers and rescue workers will be etched into my mind for the
rest of my life. When I returned to New York City, I was amazed at the
progress that the people of this great city have made in the area where
the Twin Towers once stood. It is truly a testament to the strength and
heart of the citizens of New York and all Americans. It makes me proud
to serve in the Congress.
Like so many other Members of Congress, constituents from the First
District of South Carolina and their families were among the victims on
that tragic day. They will be sorely missed, but we will never forget
them. As we commemorate the unity of this great Nation on the first
anniversary of these terrorist attacks, I pray for these families and
for all Americans. The foundation of this great land is strong, and we
will never waiver from our cause. God bless America.
SEPTEMBER 11
Hon. John F. Tierney
of massachusetts
Mr. Speaker, On this somber anniversary of the terrible attacks on our
country last September, we pause in remembrance of all those who died,
and we stand in solidarity with the many families here in our
communities and elsewhere who continue to live every day with the grief
and pain of their unspeakable loss. Their lives and ours will never be
the same, but we come together today in communities large and small
across our Nation not only to comfort one another and remember but to
proclaim anew our values as Americans--values that we as a Nation have
rediscovered in ourselves and each other since last September 11; values
that challenge us to live better, nurture our relationships, and serve
our community; values that command us to respond to tragedy as all of
these brave families have--with courage and resolve, undaunted by acts
of cowardice and hatred.
This gathering today is yet another step that we as a community,
indeed we as a nation, are taking together to win this battle against
the assault on innocent civilians living in a free society. While we
continue to experience competing emotions of sorrow, anger and
frustration, we refuse to allow these acts to rob us of our values and
our spirit.
My colleagues and I will continue to work together with the President
to bring about the end of terrorism. We have the ability and the
wherewithal to confront this challenge as we have met so many others in
the past so that when future generations pause in remembrance of this
day in our history, they will do so in the shelter of a just and free
and united country.
Hon. John E. Peterson
of pennsylvania
Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago, our Nation was attacked by terrorists who
believed that by taking innocent life, they could destroy our spirit and
tear down the principles, values, and freedoms that we hold dear.
Despite our initial shock and horror on that fateful September morning,
Americans from all walks of life proved the terrorists wrong by
immediately joining hands to search for survivors, comfort those who
lost loved ones, and bring about healing and renewal. There has never
been a time when the world witnessed greater heroism, compassion and
unity.
Under the leadership of President Bush, our Nation has made great
strides to bring justice to those who perpetrated this evil and improve
our Nation's defenses against future terrorist attacks. Our men and
women in uniform responded valiantly, toppling the Taliban regime and
bringing freedom to a Nation that had served for many years as a haven
for terrorism and oppression. The effort to protect our Nation from
terrorism is ongoing, and patience will be necessary as we work to
establish a permanent Department of Homeland Security and thwart the
continued efforts of those who seek to kill innocent Americans in order
to advance their political agenda.
Looking back over the past year, it is clear that the events of
September 11 have strengthened our Nation and given us a greater
appreciation for freedom. Americans have demonstrated that we are
committed to working together to preserve our freedom so that we will
continue to be a beacon of hope to freedom-loving people around the
world.
Thursday, September 26, 2002
IN MEMORY OF THE TRAGEDY OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
Hon. Deborah Pryce
of ohio
Mr. Speaker, I rise today, just over 1 year after the tragic events
that touched the life of every American, to give solemn remembrance to
that darkest of days.
As do all Americans, my heart continues to ache when I think about the
countless victims and families struck by the sad and shocking attacks of
September 11, 2001. But there is also pride in my heart for our great
Nation and the men and women who have responded so resolutely and
valiantly to this challenge to our very way of life.
The stories of tragedy, and the compelling stories of heroism that
emerged from the smoke and shattered buildings will forever be a part of
our memory that day.
When I rose to the House floor 1 year ago filled with so many deep and
powerful emotions, I pledged that we would not let the days that
followed be remembered just for our sadness and anger, but for our
national resolve. As a nation, we have pulled together in so many ways
to overcome the vicious attempt to break our national spirit.
We are living in historic times, and I have been so proud of the
American people. New York City has been the personification of American
strength and resiliency.
I have also been proud of our work here in Congress to put aside
politics to provide our Armed Forces and law enforcement officers with
the resources and tools they need to fight the war on terrorism, and to
make this Nation safer than it was on September 10, 2001. This war is
not an issue of politics, it is an issue of patriotism.
Those responsible for last year's horrific events seriously
miscalculated the strength and resolve of Americans. Our sense of
security may have been temporarily unsteadied, but our unity is
unwavering. Our bonds of liberty, our bonds of freedom, our bonds of
democracy are stronger and run deeper than any individual, than any
building, than any monument. No act of violence, no sharpened razor, can
sever them.
America has been committed through this last year to the difficult
realities of living in the shadows of war. We have gone on living our
lives because to do otherwise would be giving in to the evil behind
September 11. But there should be no doubt that we will remain committed
until those responsible learn the steep cost of taking innocent lives--
innocent American lives--on American soil. We will never stop working to
make America safe and secure.
The flame of liberty remains bright and will continue to shine upon
the world, casting deep into the dark shadows of violence, intolerance,
and extremism. This is a time of remembrance. But it is also a time to
renew our dedication to fighting until America is free from the threat
of terrorism.
Hon. John Elias Baldacci
of maine
Mr. Speaker, like every American, I will always remember September 11.
Today we gather to mourn our Nation's losses and to demonstrate our
resolve that America will not be slowed or diminished by terrorist
attacks.
September 11 was an unsettling day for each of us, wherever we were.
Nearly 3,000 Americans lost their lives that day. All of us lost the
sense of security that we as Americans had long taken for granted.
The victims came from all across the country and every walk of life.
They had one thing in common--they were simply going about their
business. It was a crisp, clear, sunny morning. I will never forget the
contrast between the beautiful weather and the acrid smoke, dust and
rubble at each of the impact sites.
Each of us shares the grief of families who lost loved ones. Each of
us mourns the loss of innocence that resulted from the attacks.
Even in those darkest hours, however, America's light shined through.
Millions of us joined together to donate blood and money to help the
victims and their families. I visited the Pentagon to encourage rescue
workers, and worked with the FAA to ensure that medical supplies would
continue to arrive at Maine hospitals during the shutdown of airline
service. Maine businesses and individuals donated food and supplies for
workers and for displaced families.
The great irony of September 11 is that the terrorists sought to drive
America apart, but instead brought us together as a nation. Our people
have once again shown an incredible resilience and an ability to come
together in times of need. America is, indeed, one Nation, under God,
indivisible.
The acts of terrorism perpetrated against our country have reminded us
of the precarious nature of life and of the lives of those around us. We
will always carry in our hearts the memories of those who were lost on
September 11. May we also always remember the patriotism and unity that
we have experienced in its aftermath.
We stand together today as Americans, united in mourning and also in
our resolve to triumph over factions that would tear us apart. Together,
we will ensure that hope, freedom and justice will prevail.
THE WILL OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
Hon. Cliff Stearns
of florida
Mr. Speaker, recently I came across an e-mail that had been circulated
last year shortly after the September 11 attacks. It was sent by a
former military professor in which he stated that the will of the
American people is the fulcrum of this Nation's war on terrorism. He
stated that the terrorists who attacked on 9/11 counted on a ``soft and
spoiled'' America, who would eventually quit if retaliation did not
result in immediate success.
What the author of the e-mail discovered was an outpouring of ``what
can I do'' to help in response. And I believe this amply illustrates
what we continue to see across the United States. What the terrorists
actually demonstrated with their attacks on 9/11 was their profound
ignorance of the American people and of history.
Military theorist Clausewitz terms war a ``remarkable trinity composed
of the primordial passions of the people, the rational policies of the
state, and the combination of incidents in battle.''
The ``passions of the people'' were awakened after Pearl Harbor and
again were awakened after 9/11. One year later, the passions are still
high. Americans are aware that what we are facing is that which America
has never seen up close. We were attacked on our own soil by an
organization of individuals bent--not on removing our presence from
certain parts of the world--but on our utter destruction.
We are facing an enemy who despises our very existence. They are
consumed by hatred for the United States, that despite its faults, is
open to all people regardless of race or religion. We operate under
principles of freedom, the ability to pursue life, liberty and
happiness. As such, our country is fighting with hope against terror and
freedom against oppression. Our enemies will never know freedom, because
they are imprisoned by hate; and for that they have already lost.
Former U.S. Defense Secretary, Caspar Weinberger, stated ``The will of
the American people once aroused . . . is capable of accomplishing all
the things that have to be done.'' As long as we continue to maintain a
moral high ground in this campaign against terrorism and its supporters
and take the appropriate and precise responsive measures, the will of
the people of this county will know no bounds.
TRIBUTE TO THE VICTIMS AND HEROES OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
Hon. Ken Calvert
of california
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the victims and
heroes of September 11, 2001. Over the past year, this country has tried
to come to terms with the tragedy we experienced on September 11.
Although I have written or spoken about that day many times, I have
found that words often fail to describe the magnitude of that day. There
are the haunting stories of loss and grief as well as stories of heroism
and triumph. We learned about ourselves and our country that day and
while we grieved for those we lost; we also cultivated a new sense of
unity and patriotism. As a Nation we renewed our belief in the American
spirit and in the bravery of fellow Americans who would willingly risk
their lives for a stranger. The stories of what ordinary men and women
did under extraordinary circumstances continue to amaze me.
As we remember September 11, 2001, let us remember all the brave men
and women who not only saved lives but saved our sense of brotherhood.
Let us extend our prayers to all our brave men and women in the Armed
Forces who right now are protecting our way of life and let us extend
our deepest gratitude to our fire and police forces who have redefined
the word ``sacrifice.''
Hon. Dennis R. Rehberg
of montana
Mr. Speaker, Americans should be proud of how they've handled the past
12 months. Yes, September 11 changed America forever, but not in the way
the terrorists anticipated.
Those who committed this horrible act of war were intent on destroying
America and our way of life--but they failed miserably. They tried to
make us question our dedication to democracy but they only increased our
resolve in preserving the greatest form of government the world has ever
known. They tried to destroy our economy--but the whole world knows
America is still open for business, for farming, for travel. And they
tried to extinguish the flame of liberty and hope in our country, but
they only made it burn brighter. Yes, America has changed--we're
stronger than ever.
Hon. Sam Graves
of missouri
Mr. Speaker, on September 11, 2001, America awoke to the worst
terrorist attack in history. As we went to work and school, we left with
a feeling of security that we have long since forgotten. By the time we
returned to our families, our lives and our Nation had forever changed.
It had been many years since America felt so insecure, so vulnerable. On
that morning, the American people's resolve was put to the ultimate
test. Everything appeared to be so uncertain that day. Who would do such
a thing? Why would they do it? Is there more to come? How can I protect
my family?
But there was much that was certain that day. America made a promise
to the victims and their families, to future generations of Americans,
and to the world. The American people promised that this action would
not go unanswered. We promised that this action would only strengthen
and unite us, not divide us. We would respond forcefully to those who
were responsible while tending to our neighbors, our fellow countrymen.
Together, you and people across Northwest Missouri and our Nation
donated blood for the victims, and donated money for their families.
Together, we prayed for those who lost so much that day. We prayed for
our soldiers who stood ready--preparing to defend our freedom.
As we stop to remember that terrible day, some of the pain and fear
has subsided. But our determination to defeat those who seek to
terrorize us must never fall victim to the passage of time. In the
coming months, the American people will face a choice: Live up to our
responsibility by making tough choices and sacrifices to continue our
assault on terrorism, or quit now and hope that they choose to stop
planning future attacks. The American people should never have to endure
such a tragedy again. As we have learned over the past year, we can do
something about it. We must never mislead ourselves that we have to wait
to be attacked again to continue our defense from terrorism. The more
than 3,000 lives lost is all the justification we need to have to defend
against a certain threat of terrorism. The United States must remain
vigilant and prepared, so that we remain forever free.
Hon. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr.
of wisconsin
Mr. Speaker, since September 11 last year, life has taken on new
meaning. For some, that day's devastation has caused them to become more
cynical, changed by the events of a few hours. For others, each day
since then has taken on more significance as they realize what it means
when people say that you can't take life for granted. But for all of us
the memories of that day will live on as we not only think about the
people trapped in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the hijacked
planes, but also remember their loved ones who were helpless to prevent
the tragedies. As the President said in his proclamation earlier this
month, ``Those whom we lost last September 11 will forever hold a
cherished place in our hearts and in the history of our Nation. As we
mark the first anniversary of that tragic day, we remember their
sacrifice; and we commit ourselves to honoring their memory by pursuing
peace and justice in the world and security at home.''
Life after September 11 took on new meaning for Members of Congress
too. We reacted by changing our priorities, and began work on
legislation to respond to that day's horrific events. One of the first
things we did was pass legislation authorizing the use of U.S. Armed
Forces against those responsible for the attacks. Since then, Congress
passed numerous bills dealing with the issues that are widely believed
to have allowed the events of September 11 to occur. They include:
strengthening airline security and our Nation's borders, restructuring
the Immigration and Naturalization Service to make it a more efficient
agency, and passing the Patriot Act to improve information sharing
between law enforcement and intelligence communities. More recently, the
House passed legislation to create a new Department of Homeland Security
in response to the President's request for a flexible, effective
department, with the singular mission of protecting our Nation.
Financially, we have also passed legislation to provide the Department
of Defense with the resources it will need to address the new challenges
that now face the Nation.
Many individuals have changed their priorities too. Spurred by our war
against terrorism and the words of the administration and various law
enforcement agencies, Americans have begun to pay more attention to
their surroundings and take better note of anything that appears out of
the ordinary, particularly in airports. Gone are the days when one can
easily dismiss peoples' errant behavior as harmless without making sure
that that is indeed the case. As we learned, the price to pay for not
checking can be awfully steep.
After the events of that Tuesday, life in Washington, DC, returned to
some semblance of normalcy. Yet, a year later, although life appears the
same as always, there is a difference. Certainly, Congress is in the
middle of its appropriations debates as it almost always is this time of
year and Republicans and Democrats are embroiled in many of the same
arguments that typically take place around now. However, there is now an
underlying sense of wariness in our Nation that didn't exist before--but
this is good, as it shows that we have learned from last year's events.
It demonstrates that as a nation, we have grown. September 11, 2001,
wasn't that long ago, but America has lived a lifetime in the year since
that fateful day.
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF CONGRESS IN NEW YORK ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2002
Hon. James H. Maloney
of connecticut
Mr. Speaker, it was a historic experience to join with my colleagues
in the special joint meeting of Congress held in New York City. I have
visited New York many times since the terrorist attacks on September 11,
2001. It is a city that has recovered from, but not forgotten, the
events of that tragic day.
The families and friends of those who perished have endured a year of
unbearable loss. They have my deepest sympathy. Rarely have we felt vile
acts of terrorism perpetrated on our shores, and never on the scale of
September 11, 2001. Our response has shown the strength of character of
the American people. The sadness that we all felt that day, and in the
days since, has hardened into a resolve to honor the memories of those
who perished, to heal our wounds so that our Nation is even stronger
than before, and to bring righteous justice to those who perpetrated the
attacks.
The congressional session in New York was a fitting salute to that
great metropolis, and a dramatic affirmation that all Americans stand
united with the people of New York as we move forward to root out
terrorism and build a free and secure world community.
Hon. Nita M. Lowey
of new york
Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of the 1-year anniversary of
the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
Last September, the lives of all Americans were forever changed. Loved
ones have been lost, and the grief we feel is as sharp now as it was 1
year ago. There is an emptiness in families, in offices, in communities,
where sons and daughters, husbands and wives, parents, siblings and
friends once were.
Our country has changed. We have focused intently on the task of
ensuring our homeland security--a term seldom heard before this past
year. We have invested billions of dollars in securing our ports and
borders, water and food, and airways. We have enhanced the strength of
our military and intelligence capacities, undertaking an unprecedented
campaign to end the threat of international terrorism. We have a new
appreciation for the hard work of our men and women in uniform--whether
they are soldiers, police officers, emergency medical technicians, or
firefighters.
We joined together with the President, the Governor, and former Mayor
Giuliani in passing an emergency spending bill which provided $21
billion to fund the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade
Center site and cleanup in lower Manhattan. This funding has also helped
alleviate some of the economic ramifications of the terrorist attacks,
provide counseling to New York schoolchildren affected by 9/11, and it
is now being used to modernize the transportation systems that were
devastated by the towers' collapse. The wounds remain, but our community
has shown extraordinary courage in dealing with the challenges before
us. We will never forget, but we will recover.
Shattering as this ordeal has been, the fundamental character of
America has remained the same. And for this we should all be proud. We
are still a strong and diverse nation, focused on the pleasures and
challenges of everyday life, caught up in the struggle to provide good
homes for our children, achieve meaning in our lives, and leave this
world a better place after we've gone. We still believe in the
importance of our democratic ideals--the foundation on which our country
was built, and continues to thrive.
As a Nation, we have joined together to provide support for our
neighbors, friends, coworkers and fellow Americans. As I have traveled
around New York, I have seen remarkable displays of the resilience of
the American spirit as we have worked in the recovery effort, giving
from both our hearts and our wallets. The tragedy of September 11 was
once unimaginable as were the courage and empathy that were displayed
that terrible day. Now, it is this strength and this concern for our
fellow citizens that redefine us as Americans.
This is what gives us hope. And this is what gives us confidence that,
despite the dangers of the world and the challenges our country faces,
we will prevail in perpetuating the values we hold dear. I am humbled
and honored to stand before you today in remembrance of the tragedy of
September 11 and the heroism and patriotism of New Yorkers and all
Americans over the past year.
Hon. Bernard Sanders
of vermont
Mr. Speaker, our Nation was forever changed on the morning of
September 11. The goal of Osama bin Laden was to demoralize us, create
fear, uncertainty and instability in our country--he failed. Last week
Congress met in New York to pay tribute to those who were killed, and I
was reminded how strong and resilient our country truly is. Last
September 11 we saw amazing displays of heroism and bravery. I will
never forget the sight of firemen entering the World Trade Center
risking their lives to save others.
We have also learned a great deal since September 11. We've learned
that we are a vulnerable nation, and that we must lead an international
coalition against bigoted, religious fanatics who believe they have the
right to kill in order to impose their reactionary ideology on others.
Many of us also have learned that in order to be true to American
values, we must not undermine the fundamental principles and
constitutional rights that our country was founded on.
As an American and a Vermonter, I was enormously proud of how our
people responded to this crisis in terms of blood donations, financial
contributions and coming together as a community to support the victims
and each other. It is my hope that we will continue to show that same
sense of community that we demonstrated in the aftermath of the
September 11 attacks.
Hon. Michael R. McNulty
of new york
Mr. Speaker, on Friday, September 6, of this year, a special joint
session of the U.S. Congress convened in New York City to reflect on the
terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. This most rare and somber
session served as a necessary reminder of the human loss and heroism
that the City and State of New York, our Nation, and our world
experienced on that fateful day. I am proud and blessed--as an American,
and as a New Yorker--to have been able to take part.
We met at Federal Hall, the very same site where the First Congress
met over two centuries ago. We met just blocks from where the World
Trade Center towers once pierced the city's majestic skyline.
Mr. Speaker, most important, we remembered the almost 3,000 innocent
civilians who died and their families. We prayed then--and we should
pray now--for all of the victims of this most heinous terrorist act.
Though a year has passed, the loss of every single person who perished
that day is still felt by all those who loved them. The sons and
daughters, the brothers and sisters, the mothers and fathers lost that
day will never be replaced. We simply hope that the pain will subside,
and that the memories will remain strong and vibrant.
Mr. Speaker, we also expressed our deepest gratitude to the
firefighters, police officers and emergency personnel who served on that
fateful day and in the weeks and months that followed. These brave men
and women, and their peers across the country, put their lives on the
line--day in and day out--to ensure the safety and well-being of the
citizens of our communities. Recognition of the heroism and service of
our first responders is overdue and well deserved. We must continue to
acknowledge their bravery and sacrifice. And we in Congress must resolve
to provide them with the support they need to continue to excel in their
chosen duty--to save lives.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, we reaffirmed our commitment, as a Congress and
as a Nation, to eradicate the ability of terrorists to ever again carry
out such a horrific and offensive act--against us or against other
innocent people around the world. We reaffirmed our promise to bring
these cowards to justice. A terrorist is, by definition, a coward. It is
a person who cannot get what he wants by the power of persuasion, and
therefore resorts to the killing of innocent men, women and children.
Mr. Speaker, the American men and women in our Armed Forces are now
dispersed throughout the world, seeking out these cowards and
introducing them to the might of a Nation that finds its heart bruised
but its strength renewed. Freedom is not free. We have paid a tremendous
price for it. We must not forget those before us who gave their lives,
or those who put their lives on the line today, to allow us the
privilege of living in the freest and most open democracy on the face of
the Earth. Our patriots fight for the cause of freedom, and we shall
support them every step of the way.
The events of September 11, 2001, were basic violations of the
fundamental principle that life is to give--not to take. I am proud that
this Congress gathered on September 6, in the shadow of Ground Zero, to
remember and honor both the victims and the heroes--and to remind the
world that the forces of evil shall never prevail.
Monday, September 30, 2002
SEPTEMBER 11 ANNIVERSARY
Hon. David Vitter
of louisiana
Mr. Speaker, on September 11, 2001, our people, our democracy, and our
values were attacked in a cowardly and reprehensible way. I visited the
Pentagon 2 days after the attacks, and the sheer devastation viewed in
person was beyond the imagination.
When I made it back home to Louisiana, I hugged my wife and kids and
could not help but think of the people who never returned home on
September 11. That fateful day introduced us to hundreds of heroes. And
it reintroduced us to the wonderful spirit of our Nation.
I visited Ground Zero for the commemorative joint meeting of Congress
1 year later and visited the Pentagon on the anniversary of the attacks.
These sites--along with the Pennsylvania crash site--stand as reminders
of the devastation our country suffered, but they also remind us that
America is not devastated.
We are unified in the knowledge that democracy and freedom will
prevail. People across the country have, over the last year,
demonstrated to the world that terrorism can never destroy our way of
life. And I am proud of our country, proud of my fellow citizens for the
patriotism, spirit, and strength they have shown over the last year.
It is a great honor to serve in Congress at this time, and I take very
seriously my pledge to protect and defend the United States of America.
May God bless us all, and may He continue to bless our great Nation.
Tuesday, October 1, 2002
EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR GOALS AND IDEAS OF DAY OF TRIBUTE TO ALL
FIREFIGHTERS
Hon. Nick Smith
of Michigan
In 1992, Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
to lead a nationwide effort to remember our fallen heroes of these first
responders. The Foundation has successfully met this challenge,
providing a variety of supporting activities to surviving family
members, including emotional support, awards, scholarships for surviving
spouses and children, and the establishment of the national park in
Emmitsburg, MD, to memorialize the fallen firefighters.
Madam Speaker, this Sunday the Foundation will honor 446 firefighters
who lost their lives in the line of duty at an annual ceremony usually
held in Emmitsburg, but this year will be held here in Washington. The
Foundation is expecting over 20,000 people to attend this year's
memorial weekend, a record number. Many of these people will be spouses
and children of the 343 firefighters that perished September 11.
On that warm September morning in 2001, the firefighters of the New
York City Fire Department reported to work as they did every day, ready
to respond to whatever emergency situation might occur. But that morning
was different. The 110-story World Trade Centers that were both
literally and symbolically the center of world commerce were hit by two
hijacked 747s.
The firefighters of the New York Fire Department received the most
terrifying and overwhelming emergency call that this Nation has ever
known. Still, they responded with true bravery, rushing into that
burning building without hesitation. They helped evacuate 25,000 people,
the largest evacuation in the history of the world, and certainly they
struggled until the last possible moments to free those who were
trapped. Three hundred forty-three of them lost their lives in doing so.
It was on that September day that the American firefighter became the
symbol of American freedom and American bravery to not only those of us
in the United States, but certainly to millions around the world.
In addition to the heroism displayed on 9/11, we know that first
responders all over the country display similar heroism every day, not
just when major disaster strikes, but every day, as full-timers and
volunteers often risk their lives to protect the lives and property of
people around the country.
Fire and emergency service personnel respond to over 16 million calls
annually. In addition to the 343 heroes who gave their lives in New York
City on 9/11, last year we lost another 99 volunteers and full-time
firefighters working in the line of duty to save property and lives.
I think we all agree that it is our job as Americans and as Members of
Congress to never forget the sacrifices of those who protect us, and I
commend the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation for its exceptional
efforts in leading this charge. I offer my strongest support to this
resolution, and certainly invite my colleagues to attend this Sunday's
tribute.
Hon. Curt Weldon
of Pennsylvania
Madam Speaker, As my colleagues know, I would not be in public life
were it not for the fire service, having grown up in a fire service
family. The earliest recollections of spending time with my father was
at the firehouse with him and with my six older brothers. It was only
natural that when I became 18 I joined the department and eventually
worked up to becoming president and chief. I then went back to school
while teaching during the day to get a degree in fire protection. So all
of my life has been devoted to these outstanding men and women who
protect us in 32,000 departments and consist of 1.2 million men and
women.
Madam Speaker, this resolution as has been outlined by my colleagues
recognizes America's domestic defenders. These are the people who
protect our country every day of the year and have been doing so for 350
years, longer than the country has been a country. Because when Ben
Franklin started the first fire department in Philadelphia, it was an
all-volunteer group, and it was in fact started before America became a
Nation. They have been our domestic defenders ever since. In fact, I
call them our first responders. Much like our military protects us
against threats from outside of our country, our domestic defenders
protect us from those threats within America. And in fact they are being
asked to do more and more as we face the threats of terrorism on our
soil.
Madam Speaker, each year we have in fact acknowledged those who have
lost their lives. We average about 100 deaths a year at Emmitsburg, the
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. I have made that trip at least
three times since I have been in Congress, and I can tell you there is
no more memorable event than to spend time with those families of brave
Americans who pay the ultimate price.
Madam Speaker, as founder and original chairman of the Congressional
Fire and EMS Caucus, which now has 340 members of the House and Senate,
I have traveled to every disaster we have had in the country in the past
16 years. From the wild lands fires in the western part of the country,
in California, in the north, in Yellowstone Park, to the hurricanes down
in the South, Andrew and Hugo, the Murrah Building bombing down in
Oklahoma City, the Northridge and Loma Prieta earthquake. I was up at
the World Trade Center in 1993 and back 2 days after September 11.
Madam Speaker, when I went up to the Trade Center in 1993, I was
escorted through that building, that bombed-out parking garage, by a
rising young emerging chief of the New York City Fire Department. He and
I became good friends, and we traveled around the country over the past
9 years talking about the need to understand the first responders and
provide support for them.
At 2 o'clock on September 11, I got a frantic phone call on my cell
phone from my friends in New York that my good friend who had taken me
through the Trade Center in 1993 was killed when the buildings
collapsed.
Ray Downing was the chief of all rescue operations for New York City
on September 11. He was the guy who was overseeing the bulk of the 343
New York City firefighters who were going up in the buildings when the
buildings were coming down. Ray Downing left behind a wife and five kids
and grandkids. In fact, 1 month after September 11, I brought them all
down to my district. We had a parade with 40,000 people to honor Ray
Downing as an American hero.
Perhaps one of the most emotional days I have had during my tenure in
Congress was when I went to Ground Zero and spent 12 hours there 2 days
after it occurred with my friends of the New York City Fire Department.
We went around the back of what used to be one of the huge towers, which
is now a seven-story pile of rubble; and I saw two firefighters in their
turnout gear among thousands who were collecting rubble. And I looked on
the back of their turnout gear and on the bottom were the names Downing
and Downing, because Ray Downing's two sons are officers in the New York
City Fire Department. One is a captain; one is a lieutenant.
They were looking for the remains of their dad. We did not find the
remains of Ray Downing until 3 months ago. It went through DNA sampling.
We were able to determine that Ray in fact had been accounted for.
Madam Speaker, this coming Sunday we will honor these brave
firefighters, the 343 from New York and the others that combined for a
total of 442 brave Americans. Anytime this country has gone to war and
lost 442 of our sons and daughters, we have mourned as a Nation. Well,
this past year we have lost 442 brave Americans. They were not soldiers
on the battlefield overseas. They were our defenders here at home. And
it is certainly fitting and proper that we set aside a day to honor
them, that we have turnout, as I will be in attendance on Sunday, to pay
our respects at the MCI Center here in Washington.
It is my fervent hope that all Americans pause as we begin to
celebrate the national week of recognition for the fire service, always
the first week in October, and pay tribute to our true American heroes.
As I have said time and time around the country, the firefighter is
more than just a person who puts out the fires. It is the person you
call upon to handle the hazmat incidents, the fires, and the
conflagrations, the floods, the tornados, the earthquakes, the terrorist
bombings. They are the people you call when the cat is in the tree, when
the cellar has been flooded. They are the first group you call to
organize a search party to find your lost child.
In many of our small towns, the firehouse is where you vote on
election day. It is the organization that hosts the July 4 and Memorial
Day parades. It is the organization where the Boy Scout troops and Girl
Scout troops meet. It is the organization that makes our towns what they
are. It really is, in my opinion, the heart and soul of America. I can
think of no better group that represents what America is all about.
Amazingly, 85 percent of these people are volunteers. What other group
in America has their volunteers killed each year in protecting the
community while going out and raising the money to buy those fire trucks
which cost from $400,000 to $600,000, by having chicken dinners and tag
days? Imagine having our police departments or trash departments out
raising the money to buy the trash trucks and the police cars.
In every fire department in America, in all of our districts, there
are volunteers out there just doing that. In fact, this past Labor Day
at Jerry Lewis' annual telethon, as has been the case every year, the
IAFF Fire Fighters Union was the largest contributor to the fight
against muscular dystrophy, the number one group in the country in
reaching out to help other people.
These truly are the heroes of our country. They are the people who
time and again have allowed us to understand what America is all about,
by offering selfless service to help others. And as our friend, the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Smith), said, we lost 343 at the Trade
Center; but the real story is the success they had in rescuing tens of
thousands of people that are today united with their families.
So I ask all of my colleagues to join with us in supporting this
resolution and paying tribute to America's heroes.
Hon. Felix J. Grucci, Jr.
of new york
Madam Speaker, I would first like to thank my colleague Congressman
Weldon for his tireless efforts on behalf of America's firefighters, and
for bringing this measure to the floor today.
Few images throughout history more clearly illustrate heroism better
than the images of brave firefighters entering the World Trade Center--
knowing they very well may never return--with one selfless goal in mind:
to save lives.
On that tragic day--September 11, 2001--347 firefighters died in the
line of duty, several from my own district on Long Island.
While the heroic efforts of these brave men and women may be more
clear on that day there isn't a day that passes when firefighters do not
risk their own lives to save others.
Last year alone, 442 firefighters sacrificed their lives in order to
save the lives of innocent victims of fire and other emergencies.
Later this week, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will
honor these firefighters and their families for the sacrifices made over
the last year. We will remember the impact these brave firefighters have
made in towns and communities throughout America and the heroism that
has saved countless lives.
On behalf of the First Congressional District of New York--home to
several fallen firefighters--I join my colleagues in support of H. Con.
Res. 476.
Hon. George W. Gekas
of pennsylvania
Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 476 and
urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation as
well.
Our firefighters protect us every day and sometimes give up their own
lives to protect and serve their communities and their fellow man. This
was never more evident than on September 11, 2001. On that day, as
frightened and wounded civilians ran from the World Trade Center, brave
firefighters rushed in, in a determined effort to save others. These
brave individuals risked everything in an effort to render aid and
evacuate the people trapped in the towers. This effort cost many
firefighters their lives. The September 11, 2001, attacks highlighted
the spirit and courage of firefighters across the Nation. Mostly
volunteers, these men and women protect our lives and property, and
while they never boast of their heroic deeds, they are truly heroes.
H. Con. Res. 476 reaffirms that Congress supports the goals and ideas
of a day of tribute to all firefighters who have died in the line of
duty and recognizes the important mission of the National Fallen
Firefighters Foundation in assisting family members to overcome the loss
of their fallen heroes. I am thankful to be able to rise today and
proclaim support of H. Con. Res. 476 on behalf of every firefighter in
Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District.
Madam Speaker, this is the very least we can do. I salute Congressman
Weldon for sponsoring this resolution and would like to thank him for
his leadership on the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, of which I am
a member. The firefighters of the United States should know that the
Congressional Fire Services Caucus is continually striving to respond to
their needs and to deliver to them the equipment and resources they need
to do their job in a safe and effective manner.
Firefighting will never be a safe endeavor but we in Congress must do
all we can to help our firefighters. No matter what we provide to our
firefighters we will never equal the sacrifices they make for us.
Collectively, we in Congress thank you and the passage of H. Con. Res.
476 is just a small token of appreciation. We will never be able to
thank you enough.
Madam Speaker, I reaffirm my support of H. Con. Res. 476 and of the
firefighters of Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District.
Hon. Sherwood L. Boehlert
of new york
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 476, recognizing
the goals and ideas of a day of tribute for fallen firefighters, and
supporting the important mission of the National Fallen Firefighters
Foundation.
Congress created this non-profit foundation 10 years ago to lead a
national effort to honor firefighters who have died in the line of duty
and to assist surviving firefighters and family members in rebuilding
their lives.
The Foundation has been steadily expanding its activities. In addition
to providing emotional support services to survivors and scholarship
awards for surviving spouses and children, the Foundation is now
creating the first National Park to memorialize fallen firefighters in
Emmitsburg, MD. And this Sunday, October 6th, the Foundation will
sponsor a memorial weekend to honor the commitment, bravery and
sacrifice of the 446 firefighters who died in the line of duty in the
past year, 343 whose lives were taken on September 11, 2001.
No one could have anticipated the magnitude of destruction and loss of
life that occurred last September. In the wake of those tragic events,
the value and contributions of the National Fallen Firefighters
Foundation became unmistakably clear.
At the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation sent support staff to Ground
Zero within days of the attacks, working around the clock to coordinate
chaplain support services, survivor support services, as well as
logistical and administrative support association with the loss of the
firefighters.
The Foundation's efforts in New York City during its time of greatest
need were truly invaluable, and I proudly support its cause, as well as
this resolution recognizing its importance.
RECOGNITION OF ``TOWERS OF LIGHT'' BY DOROTHY DIEMER HENDRY
Hon. Robert E. (Bud) Cramer, Jr.
of alabama
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with the House of Representatives a
poem written by one of my constituents, Dorothy Diemer Hendry of
Huntsville, AL. The poem, ``Towers of Light,'' was written at the time
of the 1-year anniversary of September 11 and provides us with hope and
encouragement that we can become towers of light in this world. I am
pleased to share this poem with you today.
Towers of Light
(By Dorothy Diemer Hendry)
Two shafts of light
stream down through clouds
to bedrock of a crater
cleared of rubble and bones.
We look up, up, up
these twin towers of light
until we must shield our eyes
from their source, more luminous
than sun and moon and stars.
What is the source?
Not firestorm of planes
commandeered and exploded
in misbegotten piety and hate.
Not savage burning of
``heathen''; temples or churches,
mosques or synagogues.
Not merciless holocaust
of ``enemy''; fields and forests,
schools and homes and people.
The source of light may
go by different names in
your religion and mine,
yet somehow the twin towers
remind us of two neighbors filled
with the radiance of the Golden Rule.
Neighbor from anywhere,
let us not quarrel about
holy names and ancient cruelties.
Let us fill the crater with loam
and plant a new garden on Earth.
In honor of heroes and loved ones,
let us summon the courage, wisdom,
and kindness to dwell in mutual peace.
Can we not become towers of light?
RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF THE AMERICAN CANINE ASSOCIATION'S SEARCH AND
RESCUE TEAMS AT GROUND ZERO IN NEW YORK
Hon. Joseph R. Pitts
of pennsylvania
Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to
the Search and Rescue Teams of the American Canine Association, ACA,
who, for 8 weeks following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001,
tirelessly and selflessly served at Ground Zero in New York City.
Following the devastating attacks on our country and our very way of
life, handlers Robert Yarnall, Jr., Susan Yarnall, Heather Nothstein,
Michael Glass, Avi Thol, Travis Hayden, Sean Hayden, and Amy Dinardi,
along with canines Gus, Nela, Nala, Samson, and Duchess, came to the aid
of a grieving Nation and endured tremendous personal difficulty to
assist in finding survivors of the Twin Towers.
In the year since September 11, we have come to a new appreciation of
the heroes who live among us, those who volunteer their time, ability,
and talent, without thought of recognition. The actions of these
handlers and canines represent the true values of America--generosity,
compassion, and service to community--that have made us great. I am
proud to have had these extraordinary people and canines represent
Chester County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The ACA deserves
our thanks and our commendation for a job well done.
COMMEMORATING SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, AND ON THE OCCASION OF THE SPECIAL
JOINT MEETING OF CONGRESSS IN NEW YORK ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2002
Hon. Bob Goodlatte
of virginia
Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago, Americans looked on in horror as the events
of September 11 unfolded. At the end of the day the skyline of one of
our greatest cities was forever changed, the Pentagon, a symbol of
America's military might was still smoldering, and a previously
indistinguishable field in Western Pennsylvania had suddenly and
terribly become an unmarked grave for America's newest heroes.
In the aftermath of the Challenger space disaster, when seeking to
comfort a shocked and hurting country, President Reagan told us that
``The future doesn't belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the
brave.'' Overwhelmed by grief, and reeling from a devastating attack,
some nations would have been crippled to the point of inaction. Our
enemies perceived us as weak, soft, unwilling or unable to respond. It
is obviously an understatement to say they miscalculated.
In a tribute to the excellence of our Armed Forces and to the
leadership of President Bush, we succeeded in swiftly toppling the
Taliban, thereby liberating the people of Afghanistan. In this volatile
region of the world, America's national security is directly at stake,
for when regimes that tolerate terror and disrespect human life are left
to their own devices, they export hatred and murder.
On the home front we moved swiftly to protect against future attacks.
Congress gave law enforcement new tools, restructured the beleaguered
INS, and took steps to establish a Department of Homeland Security.
Recently, I traveled to New York City for a commemorative joint
meeting of the U.S. Congress, which was held at Federal Hall, just
blocks from where the Twin Towers once stood. Federal Hall also served
as the site of George Washington's swearing in, the location where the
Bill of Rights was drafted and the setting of the first meeting of the
U.S. Congress. In an era when historical significance is often missed
and sentimentality is at times scoffed at, the symbolism of this meeting
must not be overlooked.
Democracy is alive and flourishing and despite the best efforts of
those who would seek to destroy us, we remain the ``shining city on a
hill''--envisioned by our Founders--as can be attested to by the
resilience, courage and selfless sacrifice, which has characterized our
national response.
On the anniversary of this day, which has been eternally seared into
our national conscience, our thoughts and prayers go to those Americans
whose lives have been forever changed by the loss of a loved one.
Winston Churchill once said, ``The price of greatness is
responsibility.'' This September as we mourn the loss and commemorate
the lives of our fallen countrymen, we must not forget the raw emotions
that marked that day, for they underscore our responsibility and will
give us the impetus to continue in the unfinished task before us.
SEPTEMBER 11--FIRST ANNIVERSARY
Hon. Joel Hefley
of colorado
Mr. Speaker, America will never be the same as a result of September
11, 2001. The horrific events of that day dramatically changed the
landscape of not only New York City and Washington, DC, but also the
entire civilized world. The images of commercial airliners plunging into
symbols of American enterprise, economy and security will forever be
seared on our individual and national memories. But also vivid are the
images of Americans' spirit of community, gratitude and generosity that
have been demonstrated these past 12 months.
Through our heartache and sorrow, Americans joined together this year
in an unprecedented show of strength and unity. The outpouring of
patriotism and pride across the country is displaying itself in every
conceivable way. The American flag is flying: large and small; cloth and
paper; store-bought and handmade; the red, white and blue is everywhere.
Americans opened their homes and wallets to care for the victims. Goods
and services were donated to the victims and rescue workers at an almost
unmanageable pace. Restaurants in New York and Washington opened their
doors to feed the rescuers, people stood on street corners and handed
food to passing firemen and companies donated pillows and blankets for
weary workers.
The morning after the attack, a column appeared in the Miami Herald
that spread across the Internet because it captured the thoughts and
feelings of our Nation so aptly. In it, the columnist described the
``vast and quarrelsome'' American family, one ``rent by racial, social,
political and class division, but a family nonetheless.'' If the tragedy
proved anything, it is that the American family is one that reaches out
its hand to help another in need.
The tragedy also redefined the American hero and turned ordinary
people into extraordinary Americans. After the first assault on the
World Trade Center, New York City firefighters and policemen rushed into
the building and began saving lives--even as the buildings were
collapsing. Yes, it was the job of firefighters to go into the
buildings, but they could have reasoned that the buildings were going to
collapse anyway, so why try. When the victims rushed out, they rushed
in, and became heroes in the process--343 firefighters sacrificed their
lives to save more than 25,000.
Our Nation has had a resurgence of faith and spirituality. The tragedy
caused people to reevaluate their core values and cling to their
traditions. In one day, everything that we thought was meaningful and
important slid to the wayside and we rediscovered fundamental beliefs
about faith, family and freedom. If the terrorists had hoped to break
the American spirit, they failed spectacularly.
We are now engaged in a war on terrorism and it is a war we will win.
This is a struggle that concerns the whole of the democratic and
civilized and free world. We will bring to account those responsible,
and we will dismantle the apparatus of terror and eradicate the evil of
mass terrorism in our world.
The cause that we are fighting is just and it is decent. No citizen,
in any country, should live in fear of senseless terrorist attacks. On
September 11, 2002, thousands of American civilians gave their lives for
a cause they did not know. An attack against civilian targets of women
and children, mothers and fathers, peaceful and without prejudice, is
beyond comprehension in our modern, civilized world.
America responded to this crisis and emerged from the tragedy stronger
and more determined. The course and duration of the conflict is unknown,
but its outcome is not. America will prevail and remain the greatest
Nation in the world.
EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR GOALS AND IDEAS OF DAY OF TRIBUTE TO ALL
FIREFIGHTERS
Hon. Christopher H. Smith
of new jersey
Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 476 and all of
America's firefighters, especially those who have died in the line of
duty.
As a proud Member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I think
it is fitting and appropriate that we set aside time to pay tribute to
our Nation's firefighters, men and women who have dedicated their lives
so that the rest of us can sleep in peace. The threat of fire and the
calamity an actual fire often creates is a day-to-day concern for all
our communities, not to mention the added threats of terrorism now
confronting us.
In 1992, on behalf of the more than 1 million firefighters in over
32,000 fire departments nationally, Congress rightly created the
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to
remember our Nation's fallen firefighters and their families. Since its
creation, this foundation has assisted many family members, helping them
overcome the loss of their fallen champions. Within hours of the
September 11 tragedy, the foundation established a process that used
resources from across the country to provide the critical support that
members of the Fire Department of New York City and their families
needed.
This weekend the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will honor
the 442 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their
communities last year, including those lost in the World Trade Center's
disaster. Also to be honored are five firefighters from my State of New
Jersey who served with pride and honor and who dedicated their lives to
protect others in their communities. Willie Barns, George ``June''
Danielson, Jr., James T. Heenan, Alberto Tirado, and Lawrence James Webb
are New Jersey's fallen heroes. They will be honored for their ultimate
acts of valor this weekend. My prayers and the prayers of New Jerseyans
everywhere will be with them and their families.
Madam Speaker, our firefighters and emergency personnel who stand at
the ready to protect and help us around the clock deserve our support
and dedication.
Thursday, October 3, 2002
HONORING AIR FORCE MAJOR JAMES G. CUSIC III
Hon. Jerry F. Costello
of illinois
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in
recognizing Air Force Maj. James G. Cusic III, a constituent of mine
from Fairview Heights, IL.
Major Cusic is receiving a Certificate of Merit from the American Red
Cross for his actions on September 11, 2001. This is the highest award
the organization gives for someone who saves or sustains a life with
skills that were learned in an American Red Cross safety course.
The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September
11, 2001, made this perhaps the most tragic day in our Nation's history.
However, the day could have been even more catastrophic if it were not
for the efforts of men and women such as Major Cusic.
On the morning of September 11, Major Cusic saw the news of the
attacks on the World Trade Center from his Pentagon office. As he
watched, he began to feel the floor shake below him, and the television
reported that a third plane had been used as a weapon. This time, the
target was the Pentagon. A voice came on the Pentagon intercom with a
message to evacuate the building.
As the news came that a second hijacked plane might be headed toward
Washington, Major Cusic cleared all the rooms in his area of the
building to make sure everyone had exited. Next, he assisted five of the
approximately 65 patients who were being treated at the Air Force
Pararescue triage site.
Major Cusic volunteered to reenter the building as 1 of 5 leaders of a
20-person team to provide medical treatment for survivors in the
building. He was responsible for providing treatment for life-
threatening injuries. Major Cusic aided one man who had a severe scalp
laceration and a spinal injury. He assisted another man who suffered
from severe burns on his face and neck and was experiencing difficulty
breathing.
Later in the evening, Major Cusic's heroic actions were needed once
again. A firefighter who had entered the building as part of the rescue
effort collapsed from heat exhaustion and an erratic pulse. Once again,
Major Cusic provided the treatment necessary under extreme
circumstances.
Major Cusic maintained clarity of mind throughout the day on September
11 and should be commended for his actions in the face of adversity. At
the end of the day, he was directly involved in saving three lives and
in caring for two more people with severe injuries. In addition, he
provided invaluable encouragement to other survivors and those involved
with the rescue effort.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Major Cusic
and to wish him all the best in the future for him and his family.
Monday, October 7, 2002
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR PRIME MINISTER OF GREAT BRITAIN FOR HIS
LOYAL SUPPORT AND LEADERSHIP IN WAR ON TERRORISM AND REAFFIRMING STRONG
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PEOPLE OF UNITED STATES AND GREAT BRITAIN
Hon. Benjamin A. Gilman
of New York
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution
(H. Res. 549) expressing appreciation for the Prime Minister of Great
Britain for his loyal support and leadership in the war on terrorism and
reaffirming the strong relationship between the people of the United
States and Great Britain.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 549
Whereas the people of the United States and Great Britain have a
history of shared values and mutual respect for one another;
Whereas the Governments of the United States and Great Britain are
close allies and share a deep and abiding friendship based on a shared
commitment to democratic values;
Whereas the United States and Great Britain understand the commitment
to defend freedom and democracy regardless of the costs involved;
Whereas British Prime Minister Tony Blair has displayed exceptional
leadership in the war on terrorism; and
Whereas the United States and Great Britain have been provoked into a
war on terrorism that threatens the security of both nations: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) expresses sincere appreciation for Prime Minister Tony Blair for
his leadership in the war on terrorism;
(2) expresses its deepest sympathy to British victims of terrorism and
their families, including the 67 British citizens who were victims of
the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001;
(3) commends the efforts of British intelligence and defense agencies
for their continued efforts in the war on terrorism; and
(4) reaffirms the strong and special relationship between the people
of the United States and Great Britain.
Hon. Eliot L. Engel
of New York
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. I would like
to commend my colleague, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves), for
introducing such a timely resolution.
Mr. Speaker, a Nation discovers its true friends in times of crisis.
Since the tragedy of September 11, America has found that it has many
friends around the globe. Mr. Speaker, we have seen that the United
States has a tremendous friend and ally in the war on terrorism in Great
Britain. No head of state has been more supportive of the United States
in this battle than British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Since September 11, British troops fought alongside U.S. forces to
liberate Afghanistan and to root out terrorists. Britain acted as the
lead Nation for the international security assistance force in
Afghanistan until the mission was turned over to Turkey. Humanitarian
aid has flowed from Britain to Afghanistan, and the British Government
has enacted new counterterrorism legislation.
In short, Mr. Speaker, the United Kingdom has stood shoulder to
shoulder with the United States in the war on terrorism. In the
horrendous terrorist attacks of September 11, Britain lost 67 of its
citizens. The United States has expressed its sympathies to the families
of these British victims.
Mr. Speaker, British Prime Minister Tony Blair has shown extraordinary
leadership in the war on terrorism. This resolution recognizes his
leadership and expresses the appreciation of the Congress and the
American people. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Tuesday, October 8, 2002
HONORING MARILYN A. NGUYEN
Hon. Jerry Weller
of illinois
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marilyn A. Nguyen of Bourbonnais,
IL. Marilyn was one of over 85,000 secondary school students who
participated in a contest through the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States and its Ladies Auxiliary (VFW). Each year the VFW conducts
a Voice of Democracy audioessay competition designed to give high school
students the opportunity to voice their opinion on their responsibility
to our county. The contest theme was ``Reaching Out to America's
Future.'' Marilyn A. Nguyen was chosen as the 2002 Voice of Democracy
broadcast scriptwriting winner this year. Following is Marilyn's winning
script.
Reaching Out to America's Future
(By Marilyn A. Nguyen)
The harmony of an industrious city is disrupted by a deafeningly
explosive crash. There is confusion. There are wailing sirens. In
another city, the same confusion spreads like wildfire. Lives are
forever changed as events unfold and buildings collapse. The horror is
almost too much to bear. On September 11, 2001, the gruesome hand of
terrorism attempted to reach out and grasp America's future.
Fortunately, its grip was too slippery to conquer the heart and soul
that is the United States of America.
Over two centuries ago the Founding Fathers of this country left
England envisioning better lives for themselves and their posterity.
They reached out mentally and physically to find America's future full
of promise and patriotism. As this country continues to blossom and
mature we must accept the task of reaching out to America's future no
matter the cost or hardship.
America is a union for all nationalities. It reaches out to immigrants
of all lands. My parents were among these immigrants. As their daughter
I especially feel a unique bond to America. I feel that it is my duty to
reach out to America's future with my own actions.
But, what does it mean to reach out to America's future? Already, it
may seem to some that our future is uncertain because of the terrorist
attacks. But, these tragedies only remind us that the time to reach out
to America's future is now. We need to rise to the challenge as we have
never done before to stand firm as a nation and as human beings to reach
forward into the future.
The task at hand is not an easy one. Reaching out to America's future
must begin with the individual who believes that America's future is not
an abstract idea: it is comprised of neighbors, friends, mothers and
fathers, brothers and sisters and especially individuals. America's
future depends on what happens today in the lives of ordinary Americans
living ordinary lives. It calls for the erasure of color, race and
religion. It begins when one person extends respect and acceptance to
another person regardless of their background.
Reaching out to America's future as a teenager is not much different
from extending a hand as an adult. As a teen, perhaps it may be a
difficult step but one which lays the foundations for adulthood. At a
time when personal opinions are being formed, it can be easy to declare
``it's not my job'' to reach out but that is where we are wrong. I am
the future of America. It starts with me. I am the voice of influence
over my friends and the younger members of my community. Using that
influence to promote understanding and cooperation among my peers,
family, and community are what I, as a teen individual, can do to reach
out to America's future.
It is important to begin with our everyday routines because this is
where the impact will be most felt. I must encourage others to talk with
friends and family about what it means to be a contribution to America's
future. Teach younger children in middle school, neighbors, or even
peers in high school that it is wrong to hate and discriminate. I have a
responsibility to open my mind to the differences that make us unique
and vital components of the future instead of searching for ways to
divide. The example I put forth into the world should be one of love and
acceptance.
The teenager's job in reaching out to America's future lies in the
education of himself and his surroundings. His call to help build
America's future is still strong. This Nation has no future without the
work of those who believe in its potential for goodness.
Reaching out to America's future can seem like a faraway goal. But, in
reality, the future is at our fingertips. We as people of this majestic
empire must adopt the task set before us over 200 years ago. Reaching
out to the future begins with the person who hears these words. It is he
who must first take action. The perfect example of reaching out to
America's future is the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. She is the
example for one and all. Her extended arm holding the torch as a guiding
light beckons us to follow her into the future. With her unfailing
devotion to the preservation of this land, she reminds us that the
future's brightness depends solely on those willing to bear the torch.
Mr. Speaker, I urge this body to identify and recognize others in
their own districts whose actions have so greatly benefited and
strengthened America's communities.
REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11
Hon. Steve Israel
of new york
Mr. Speaker, on September 11 I joined with the students, teachers,
administrators and parents of the Idle Hour Elementary School in Oakdale
for a profound commemoration of those lost in the attacks on America. I
know that our colleagues will be as moved as I was to hear the essays of
three sixth graders: Emily Pertz, Justin Rigas and April LaValle. I am
honored to share them with the entire Congress today:
September 11
(By Emily Pertz)
September 11 was a painful and tragic event. It changed the lives of
millions forever.
I don't know anybody who died in my family because of the attack, but
knowing that a lot of kids became parentless that day is enough to make
my family and I upset. Whenever we go over the bridge I see many
buildings and then a big gap where the towers once stood. To me it is
very upsetting to see. My family is more cautious than ever.
I think the attacks have changed both our country and our world. The
United States became more united. The world together is fighting
terrorism. But on the other hand, many people lost loved ones, and the
world's tallest towers were destroyed. Many people are still mourning
and are still heartbroken.
Our school has done many great things to remember the victims. We
raised a lot of money to plant a memorial garden to honor the lives lost
from our neighborhood. We made red, white and blue chains that connected
every classroom to show we are united. Each student colored in two
flags, one to take home and one to hang up in school. The day after the
attack our school had a moment of silence. It really made me think and
made me a little depressed.
The United States went through a lot, but no matter what we will
always be united.
H
America Changes
(By Justin Rigas)
The terrorist attack made by Osama bin Laden and the Taliban on the
Twin Towers, landmarks of our New York City skyline, was a great
tragedy. Thousands of innocent people died terribly as the buildings
melted and crumbled to the ground. Children are left without their
mothers and fathers, families without sisters, brothers, dear friends.
Families are left without jobs, without their income, possibly unable to
pay their bills and keep their house.
But America has stood together strong. In this moment of sadness and
tragedy millions have come together with help and support. People all
over our country, not just New York, have sent donations of food, money
and clothing to help those families that have lost those dear to them.
The events of September 11, 2001, have changed the attitudes of my
family as well as millions of Americans. We all miss those we know and
loved that are gone. The Americans' innocence may never again be the
same, not able to totally trust the safety we've somehow always felt.
Many people hesitate to travel on airplanes which means less people are
visiting places where the people there count on them to spend their
money. It could hurt business in hotels, restaurants and stores.
We always need to be on guard that something terrible could happen
again. Our government cannot sleep, it must always be searching for the
next thing to happen.
During the months following September 11, my school painted pictures
of the Twin Towers and memories of that day. We made a tree of buttons
representing the people that died that day on the wall in our hallway.
Collections of food and money were presented to the Red Cross and a
garden in the form of our flag was planted at school.
At Dowling College, a memorial garden was planted to be kept forever
funded by a dinner our school held.
People everywhere still fly their American flags at their homes and,
in their cars.
In the meantime we will rebuild our city and the towers that will
again stand, this time as a huge memoriam of 9/11 and those lost. The
day that changed America.
H
September 11, 2001
(By April Lavalle)
9/11 was a day of mixed emotions, sadness, anger and determination.
Even though many innocent people were killed, never will the people of
America stop the deeds, kind donations and prayers for all who have
passed away. Some people were lucky not to know anyone who was in the
Twin Towers. But I knew my personal life would never be the same. I took
so many things for granted.
I now think about the desperate families of the innocent people who
have died. Even though people try to do all they can to make families
who lost loved ones feel better, nothing can serve as compensation for
those who left us on September 11. America now has to prove to the world
that we are a strong Nation and will fight for what we need. The world
is no longer a peaceful place for us and no longer united. A gray sky
will stay in our minds until we find peace and our sun will again shine
through.
Our community hung flags, made donations and I bet you that everyone
prayed. We are a proud and patriotic nation. Don't think 9/11 made us a
weaker country; it made us a stronger America.
Wednesday, October 9, 2002
EXPRESSING SUPPORT OF OFFICIAL RECOGNITION FOR THE HEROES OF UNITED
AIRLINES FLIGHT 93
Hon. Mac Collins
of georgia
Mr. Speaker, I call to your attention a letter I received from David
and Gretchen Nagy and Donald Evans, Jr., of Burke, VA. The letter,
addressed to President George W. Bush, urges our government to
officially recognize the heroic men and women of United Airlines flight
93 for their actions on the morning of September 11, 2001. These
ordinary people aboard flight 93 were thrown into an extraordinary and
tragic situation. When their plane was highjacked by Al Qaeda
terrorists, these brave souls made a choice to fight back against
terror. The citizens on flight 93 became soldiers, and in so doing
denied the terrorists of their chosen target, perhaps saving our
cherished Capitol from the same fate as the World Trade Center. Mr.
Speaker, in support of this letter, I submit it for the Record. It reads
as follows:
President George W. Bush,
The White House,
Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. President: We write as ordinary citizens to ask that you lead
our Nation in bestowing some measure of official honor upon a tiny band
of extraordinary citizens--the ones who stood up and charged the
hijackers of UAL flight 93 over Pennsylvania on 9/11.
There seems little doubt that these heroes spared America another
devastating blow with their magnificent stand, possibly even a blow to
the Capitol or the White House itself. Thanks to you and others,
everyone now knows their rallying cry, ``Let's roll!'' Surely, everyone
with a heart shivered when they heard it, and the story behind it.
And now, Mr. President, how many even remember their names?
According to press reports, they were Todd Beamer, Jeremy Glick, Mark
Bingham and Lou Nacke--ordinary yet rare men with the guts to act when
most would be paralyzed by fear. Perhaps investigators have identified
others who joined their uprising. If so, they remain anonymous and
unacknowledged. All the sadder.
In a sense, sir, weren't these men the first combat casualties in our
new war against terrorism? The first to go hand-to-hand--and unarmed--
against our attackers? They knew they were doomed. (``I'm not going to
get out of this,'' Beamer told a cell phone operator.) They could have
curled up and gone passively. But they also knew they could thwart evil
and spare many on the ground if they went down fighting.
We respectfully suggest, Mr. President, that valor of this sort is in
the grandest traditions of American heroism--something very special, on
the order of that which gains our military heroes the Medal of Honor.
Yet if anyone has proposed that this Nation extend these men some
tangible form of gratitude, something solid their loved ones could touch
and treasure, we haven't heard of it. So we are asking you, sir, to
consider bestowing such an honor at a fitting, proper ceremony. Perhaps
the Presidential Medal of Freedom would be appropriate, perhaps some
other award for ultimate service and valor.
We still hope we are merely adding our letter to a growing stack.
God bless you, Mr. President.
David and Gretchen Nagy,
Donald C. Evans, Jr.
Thursday, October 10, 2002
IN HONOR OF TED MALIARIS
Hon. Jim Davis
of florida
Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Ted Maliaris, a devoted American who
is following his heart and sharing his love for our Nation through his
passionate music. Through his ``A Tribute to America Tour,'' Ted is
lifting the spirits of Americans across the Nation while teaching
children the importance of American values.
Ted was born in South Florida, and thanks to the encouragement of his
grandparents, who were both musicians, Ted soon discovered his true love
for music. During his years working on the family farm, Ted honed his
musical talents and soon decided to follow his dream of sharing his
music with others. He recently recorded his first album with the London
Symphony Orchestra, where he honored the immigrant farm laborers who
worked alongside him during his career on the farm.
After the tragic events of September 11, Ted's mother, Ann S. Miller
composed ``A Tribute to America--A 21st Century Anthem'' to honor the
men and women in the Armed Forces. The song inspired Ted to organize the
``Tribute to America Tour,'' which features his performance of his
mother's song and performances by various children's groups around the
country. Hoping to show children the patriotism and pride that lies in
our country, America's Life Line Association is planning a special
recording of 50,000 children singing the anthem together.
On behalf of the people of Tampa Bay, I would like to extend my
gratitude to Ted for his dedication to our country and this important
cause.
IN RECOGNITION OF REV. C.C. CAMPBELL GILLON
Hon. Ken Bentsen
of texas
Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Rev. C.C. Campbell Gillon, on the
occasion of his retirement from his pastoral duties at the Presbyterian
Congregation in Georgetown located in Washington, DC, where he has
faithfully served his congregation for more than 23 years. His
retirement comes at the end of 50 years in the ministry.
The Presbyterian Congregation in Georgetown has over 200 years of
distinguished history, beginning in 1780, under the eminent Stephen
Bloomer Balch, pupil of religious leader John Witherspoon and soldier of
the Revolution. The church serves as the first Presbyterian Church in
what was to become modern-day Washington, DC, and the oldest church of
any denomination with an unbroken ministry. A rare charter, still in
effect, was granted in 1806 to ``the Presbyterian Congregation in George
Town'' by an act of Congress signed by President Thomas Jefferson. The
Presbyterian Congregation in Georgetown, pioneered in both the religious
and cultural life of the community, has served as a cornerstone of faith
in our Nation's Capital, attracting a wide variety of worshipers from
political leaders to those seeking spiritual direction.
Rev. Campbell Gillon was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, into a family
immersed in the Christian spirit. Both his father and uncles preceded
him as ministers of the Church of Scotland. After 3 years of Army
service at the end of World War II, he graduated with a master of arts
degree from the University of Glasgow before studying theology at
Trinity College, Glasgow, under the tutelage of Professor William
Barclay, the noted Scottish New Testament scholar. In 1952, Reverend
Gillon began an exceptional career that has spanned 50 years, with his
first appointment to the historic Buittle Parish in southwest Scotland.
The rest of his 27-year ministry in the Church of Scotland was spent in
Glasgow, where he presided over the Milton Saint Stephen's Church. Under
his extraordinary leadership, Reverend Gillon's beloved church was
united with the noted Renfield Church Center, and was expanded to
include a public restaurant, concert hall, and other community oriented
facilities. In 1978, Reverend Gillon and his wife Audrey visited the
Presbyterian Congregation in Georgetown on a 6-week work exchange, not
knowing how their lives would forever be changed. Soon after his short
stay, he returned to his 800-year-old parish, the prestigious Cathcart
Old Parish, only to receive a call from the Presbyterian Congregation in
Georgetown with an offer to join their church family as the senior
minister.
Reverend Gillon has earned a reputation of being one of the most
thoughtful and provocative interpreters of Christian experience, and has
shared his insight and experiences with those who seek knowledge and
guidance. He has published Words of Trust, a book of sermons produced in
both the United States and the United Kingdom. As a testament to his
leadership and wisdom, excerpts from Reverend Gillon's sermons have been
featured in newspapers, magazines, and Christian publications around the
world.
While Reverend Gillon's religious and spiritual obligations to his
growing congregation have always been paramount, as a community leader
he has shared his faith and free time as chaplain of the Saint Andrew's
Society of Washington, DC, a charitable and social organization of men
of Scottish birth or ancestry.
Mr. Speaker, at a time when our Nation and many across the world were
seeking explanations and direction following the horrific attacks of
September 11, terrorism, and war, Reverend Gillon provided comfort after
the storm with his prayer before the House of Representatives and a
moving sermon before his congregation. He reminded us that suffering is
only temporary, and God's love is forever. Deeply rooted in the
traditions of Scotland and the Scottish preachers that preceded him,
Reverend Gillon has dedicated himself to the principles of the
Presbyterian faith, his congregation and his family.
In his own words, Reverend Gillon captured the sentiments of the
entire congregation, ``never does the heart wish a good relationship to
end.'' I want to thank Campbell for his leadership, spiritual guidance
and devotion to the Presbyterian Congregation in Georgetown, the
Washington, DC, community, and the many lives he and his wife Audrey
have touched throughout his career. He leaves a legacy of good work and
grace that will be missed.
TRIBUTE TO CHARLES ROONEY MILLER
Hon. James E. Clyburn
of south carolina
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a fellow South Carolinian
and college classmate, Charles Rooney Miller, a good friend, a master
teacher, and a survivor of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Mr. Miller was born on August 11, 1939, in Clover, SC, in York County.
He was the first of two children born to Andrew Charles Miller and Emily
Lee (Allison) Miller. After his parents separated, he lived with his
grandmother, aunts, uncles and other relatives--he was truly a
community-raised child in a Christian environment. From a young age, he
attended Clover Chapel Methodist Church Sunday Bible School and later
joined Flat Rock Baptist Church where he was baptized. At the age of 11,
he became the Sunday School teacher for his age group.
Mr. Miller was an excellent student throughout grammar school and high
school. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in May 1956, as
valedictorian of his class. From there he went to South Carolina State
College (now University), where I had the pleasure of meeting him and
beginning a lifelong friendship. We were both active in the civil rights
activities on campus and participated in a number of marches and other
activities. Rooney graduated from South Carolina State in 1962 and moved
to Stamford, CT, where he was later joined by his wife and children.
In Connecticut, Mr. Miller worked two jobs to support his family; at
Chemtross, a film developing business, and at Stamford Chemicals, a dry
cleaning production business, where his work is associated with the
invention of a number of products that are still used in today's dry
cleaning industry. Mr. Miller later became a teacher and worked for a
short time in South Carolina, Stamford, and in the Norwalk, CT, public
school systems.
In 1968, Mr. Miller began a career with the New York City Department
of Social Services and worked there until 1994 when he retired as a
supervisor with the Bureau of Social Services for Children. His
retirement was not long and he returned to work in 1997 as a consultant
with PSI International in Fairfax, VA, and was assigned as a conversion
specialist for his old office, the New York City Department of Social
Services. He worked there until September 11, 2001.
On the morning of September 11, Mr. Miller arrived at work early and
spoke to several colleagues on his floor. He thought about how much he
enjoyed his post-retirement work as a consultant and his ability to set
his own schedule. In the midst of his musings, he heard a loud noise but
first thought the sound came from normal truck traffic outside. But this
window-rattling occurrence was different. He was astonished when he went
to the window and saw the World Trade Center tower on fire and a trail
of fluid pouring down the side of the building with fire leaping behind
it. He heard other loud explosions and coworkers on his floor began to
scream, cry and pray. The radios began broadcasting reports of the fire
but no one was sure what was happening. As Mr. Miller and his coworkers
continued to watch the building burn he saw people jumping from the
windows, some holding hands. They watched as the second plane crashed
into the other tower. They knew then they were in the midst of a planned
attack, and pandemonium broke out. Finally, they received instructions
to leave their building and head down to the South Street Seaport where
they thought it would be safer by the water. They were given surgical
masks to cover their noses and mouths and instructed to put a moist
towel under the mask to help prevent inhalation of smoke, chemicals and
other foreign particles. They left the darkened building with smoke and
objects flying through the air.
As people were screaming and running out of the building, Miller was
knocked to the ground and run over by several people before he could get
back to his feet. He thought he would be okay once he caught his breath.
He was eventually assisted by a worker from a nearby polling place and
taken to a triage location. The medics realized that Miller was
suffering from a heart attack and he was then rushed by ambulance to New
York Hospital's downtown emergency room. He was hospitalized for 5 days
and unable to contact his family. After subsequent angioplasty surgery
and treatments for the back injury he received, he is now mending well.
He's still active in his church, Cathedral Baptist, where he serves as
chairman of the deacon's board, chairman of the men's department, vice
president of the board of directors, a teacher in the Bible Institute
and the Adult Sunday School class. He is also a member of South Carolina
State University Alumni Chapter of New York.
Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in honoring
Charles Rooney Miller, a man whose contributions to his community, his
friends, and his family will leave lasting impressions on the numerous
lives he has touched. As the homecoming celebrations begin at our alma
mater, South Carolina State University, I wish him continued success and
Godspeed.
SPECIAL JOINT SESSION OF THE U.S. CONGRESS
Hon. Sue Wilkins Myrick
of new york
Mr. Speaker, on Friday, September 6 of this year, a special joint
session of the U.S. Congress gathered in New York City to remember the
terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. This special session reminded
us of the lives that were lost and the heroes that were found all across
this country on that terrible day. I am honored to have taken part in
this unique session.
We convened at Federal Hall, where the First Congress met over two
centuries ago, and a few blocks from where the World Trade Center towers
once stood proud and tall.
Mr. Speaker, we met to remember the thousands of lives that ended so
abruptly that day. We prayed for the families of those that were lost.
We prayed for the families who had to say goodbye before they were
ready. The wound that America suffered on that day will always be
remembered.
We also expressed our most sincere thanks to the firefighters, police
officers, emergency personnel, and all others who risked and gave their
lives on that day. These brave men and women, along with their peers
across the country, risk their lives every day to protect those around
them. Expressing our thanks to them is a long overdue action.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, we recommit ourselves to eradicating terrorism
from the world and to making sure that those responsible for this
horrible attack on America are brought to justice. American soldiers are
now stationed across the globe, helping to create a world where those
who live in freedom can also live free of the fear of terrorism. America
and the world owe these soldiers a debt of gratitude.
I am proud to have joined Congress on September 6, to remember the
lives that were lost and to show those who would harm America that we
will not forget, but we will overcome.
Disposing of Various Legislative Measures
H. Res. 571, honoring the life of David O. ``Doc'' Cooke, the ``Mayor of
the Pentagon''
H. Res. 571
Whereas for 44 years, David O. ``Doc'' Cooke's tireless dedication,
skill, and involvement in Department of Defense management issues earned
him the respect of his colleagues and distinction as a Pentagon
institution;
Whereas as the quintessential civil servant, Doc Cooke rose to become
the highest ranking career civil servant within the Department of
Defense;
Whereas in his jobs as the Director of Administration and Management
for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Director of Washington
Headquarters Services, Doc Cooke was responsible for maintenance,
operation, and security of buildings of the Department of Defense in the
Washington, D.C. area, including the Pentagon Reservation;
Whereas because of his propensity to make things happen, Doc Cooke was
respectfully known as the ``Mayor of the Pentagon'';
Whereas Doc Cooke was born in 1920 in Buffalo, New York, and went on
to earn a bachelor's degree in education from the State Teachers College
at Buffalo in 1941, a master's degree in political science from the New
York State College for Teachers in 1942, and a law degree in 1950 from
George Washington University, where he was a member of the Law Review;
Whereas Doc Cooke served in the Navy during World War II as an officer
on the USS Pennsylvania; returned to active duty during the Korean war,
during which time he served as an instructor in the School of Naval
Justice; and retired in 1968 as a Navy captain;
Whereas Doc Cooke served on Defense Secretary Neil McElroy's task
force on Department of Defense reorganization in 1958; worked for
Defense Secretary Robert McNamara, as Director of the Office of
Organizational and Management Planning, implementing changes in
Department of Defense organization; and worked for every other Secretary
of Defense since then;
Whereas during the late 1980s and early 1990s, Doc Cooke was a strong
advocate for renovation of the Pentagon;
Whereas many of the construction specifications supported by Doc Cooke
helped to save lives during the terrorist attack on the Pentagon on
September 11, 2001;
Whereas Doc Cooke could be seen assisting in the response to the
terrorist attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001;
Whereas throughout the Department of Defense, Doc Cooke was noted for
his strong support of equal employment opportunity for minorities,
women, and individuals with disabilities;
Whereas Doc Cooke was instrumental in establishing a Public Service
Academy at Anacostia High School in the District of Columbia, which has
helped to increase the graduation rate of students;
Whereas Doc Cooke served as a member of the seven-member Governance
Committee of United Way of the National Capital Area's September 11
Fund, deciding how to distribute disaster relief funds collected after
September 11;
Whereas Doc Cooke has been recognized for his extraordinary
performance through numerous awards, including the Department of Defense
Medal for Distinguished Civilian Service (the Department's highest
department career award) seven times; the Department of Defense Medal
for Outstanding Public Service; the Department of Defense Medal for
Distinguished Public Service twice; the Roger W. Jones Award for
Executive Leadership from American University (1983); the NAACP Benjamin
L. Hooks Distinguished Service Award (1994); the Presidential
Meritorious Rank Award (1994); the Government Executive Leadership Award
(1995); a Presidential Distinguished Rank Award (1995); a National
Public Service Award (1997); the President's Award for Distinguished
Federal Civilian Service (1998), the highest Government service award;
the John O. Marsh Public Service Award (2000); the Senior Executives
Association Board of Directors Award (2001); the Nelson A. Rockefeller
College of Public Affairs and Policy Distinguished Alumnus Award (2001);
an award from the University at Albany Alumni Association for
``Recognition for Outstanding Service'' (2001); and the American Society
of Public Administration Elmer B. Staats Lifetime Achievement Award for
Distinguished Service (2002); and
Whereas on June 22, 2002, Doc Cooke died as the result of injuries
sustained in an automobile accident, after a long and distinguished
career in government, in which he became the model for civil servants:
Now, therefore, be it:
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes David O. ``Doc'' Cooke's legendary professionalism as a
model civil servant;
(2) honors Doc Cooke's life; and
(3) extends its condolences to the Cooke family and the Department of
Defense community on the death of an extraordinary human being.
discharged from the committee on house administration, amended, and
agreed to
H. Con. Res. 487, authorizing the printing as a House document of a
volume consisting of the transcripts of the ceremonial meeting of the
House of Representatives and Senate in New York City on September 6,
2002, and a collection of statements by Members of the House of
Representatives and Senate from the Congressional Record on the
terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
H. Con. Res. 487
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),
SECTION 1. AUTHORIZING PRINTING OF VOLUME OF
TRANSCRIPTS OF NEW YORK CITY MEETING AND
STATEMENTS OF TERRORIST ATTACKS OF SEPTEMBER 11.
(a) In General.--A volume consisting of the transcripts of the
ceremonial meeting of the House of Representatives and Senate in New
York City on September 6, 2002, and a collection of statements by
Members of the House of Representatives and Senators on the terrorist
attacks of September 11, 2001, shall be printed as a House document
under the direction of the Joint Committee on Printing, with suitable
binding.
(b) Statements To Be Included in Volume.--A statement by a Member of
the House of Representatives or a Senator on the terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001, shall be included in the volume printed under
subsection (a) if the statement--
(1) was printed in the Congressional Record prior to the most recent
date on which the House of Representatives adjourned prior to the date
of the regularly scheduled general election in November 2002; and
(2) is approved for inclusion in the volume by the Committee on House
Administration of the House of Representatives (in the case of a
statement by a Member of the House), or the Committee on Rules and
Administration of the Senate (in the case of a statement by a Senator).
SEC. 2. NUMBER OF COPIES.
The number of copies of the document printed under section 1 shall be
15,000 casebound copies, of which--
(1) 15 shall be provided to each Member of the House of
Representatives;
(2) 25 shall be provided to each Senator; and
(3) the balance shall be distributed by the Joint Committee on
Printing to Members of the House of Representatives and Senators, based
on requests submitted to the Joint Committee by Members and Senators.
SEC. 3. MEMBER DEFINED.
In this concurrent resolution, the term ``Member of the House of
Representatives'' includes a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to the
Congress.
amended by committee amendment and passed
Wednesday, October 16, 2002
TRIBUTE TO CPT. KATHY MAZZA OF PORT AUTHORITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Hon. Peter T. King
of new york
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to pay tribute to Cpt. Kathy
Mazza of the Port Authority Police Department who died heroically at the
World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
This past Monday, October 14, 2002, I was privileged to take part in a
very moving ceremony which designated North Suffolk Avenue in North
Massapequa as Cpt. Kathy Mazza Way. The ceremony, which was held
directly across from the home where Captain Mazza grew up, was attended
by her husband, Chris Delosh, who is a member of the New York City
Police Department; her parents, Rose and John Mazza; her three brothers;
and many of her countless friends. The ceremony was conducted by Hon.
John Venditto, the supervisor of the town of Oyster Bay.
There were many heroes on September 11 but no one was more heroic than
Kathy Mazza. On the morning of September 11, Captain Mazza was in New
Jersey, serving as the commanding officer of the Port Authority Police
Academy. Immediately upon learning of the attack on the Twin Towers,
however, Captain Mazza raced to the World Trade Center in lower
Manhattan and entered the North Tower where she proceeded to take a
leadership role in the rescue effort--at one point reaching the 22d
floor.
What set Captain Mazza apart from all others is that she was
personally responsible for evacuating hundreds of people. She did this
by having the presence of mind to use her service revolver to shoot out
floor-to-ceiling glass walls on the mezzanine level of tower one
enabling so many trapped people to escape. Shortly after, at 10:29 a.m.,
Captain Mazza was killed when tower one collapsed.
This extraordinary heroism and dedication to duty characterized Kathy
Mazza's entire life. Prior to becoming a police officer she had been a
cardiothoracic operating nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn, NY. As
a police officer she was instrumental in launching the port authority's
portable heart defibrillator program at the metropolitan airports. And
as commanding officer of the Police Academy she achieved a record of
unsurpassed excellence and achievement.
September 11, 2001, was a day of brutality, horror and terror. But it
was also a day when brave Americans such as Cpt. Kathy Mazza
demonstrated a bravery and courage which will be remembered throughout
the history of our Nation. For that and for so much more, we will always
be in her debt.
May she rest in peace.
REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11
Hon. Robert Menendez
of new jersey
Mr. Speaker, September 11, 2001, hit our New Jersey community hard. We
lost neighbors and friends, mothers and fathers and children, sisters
and brothers--people who left their homes that fateful day, and crossed
the Hudson River, never to return.
The Twin Towers that were once visible from our waterfront stand no
more. The skyline has forever changed.
But the people who were lost that day, while leaving an unspeakable
void in our lives, still live on in our hearts and our minds. They are
our heroes: everyday heroes who were providing for their families,
contributing to their communities; everyday heroes who lost their lives
in their dedication to protect others. Everyday heroes. The most
incredible kind of heroes. American heroes. They may not be here, but
they do live on, and they will never be forgotten.
We honor them by showing our patriotism; by flying our flag; by
fighting terrorism wherever we find its scourge growing; by coming
together as one great people and one great Nation; and even by finding
the faith and the strength to carry on with our lives, raising our
children, building our communities, and moving forward with this
wonderful creation of democracy and freedom called America.
Yes, September 11 hit our New Jersey community and indeed our Nation
hard. But we remember. We persevere. We move forward. And we are
stronger and more united than ever before. God Bless America.
HONORING RON JAMES, MARINE VETERAN AND OUR INTREPID DEFENDER OF THE
AMERICAN FLAG
Hon. Benjamin A. Gilman
of new york
Mr. Speaker, as the 107th Congress draws to a close, I would like to
take this opportunity to recognize a great friend of the American
people, a Marine veteran, and our Nation's intrepid defender of the
American flag, Mr. Ron James.
Mr. James, who we also know as Mr. Ronald M. Sorenson, a Marine
veteran of the Korean war era, and a great friend is a true American
patriot. Ron has dedicated his life to preserving the core values of
what our great Nation stands for and for more than two decades has
educated our Nation on flag etiquette, while paving the way and leading
our Nation in seeking a constitutional amendment prohibiting the
desecration of our flag, the symbol of our great Nation.
Ron is a familiar face in the Halls of Congress where he regularly
visits our offices to seek our support for his noble endeavors. In
addition to fighting for our flag, Ron also fights for the rights of our
veterans and is active in numerous veterans organizations and assists
patients in our VA hospitals. Over the past 20 years, Ron has walked
thousands and thousands of miles carrying our flag, to garner support
for not only a constitutional amendment protecting it from desecration,
but also to raise awareness of its importance to our Nation's youth.
Following the horrific events of barbarity perpetrated against our
Nation by forces of true evil on September 11, 2001, Ron met with me to
discuss legislation that would benefit the families of our everyday
American heroes. On March 14, 2002, I sponsored H.R. 3968, the Fallen
Heroes Flag Act of 2002, which provides a flag flown over the U.S.
Capitol to the immediate family of our Nation's brave firefighters, law
enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians (EMT) and to other
relief and rescue workers whose lives are lost in the line of duty. This
important legislation ensures that our future generations of public
servants who may pay the ultimate price for their service to our Nation
and to our communities are accorded the respect and honor that they
deserve.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ron's hard
work and dedication that enabled us to turn an idea into a reality with
our ``Fallen Heroes Flag Act of 2002.'' This is yet another selfless act
of patriotism by Ron James, a true friend and a great American who lives
his life to serve our Nation, our veterans, and our flag.
RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF THE STUDENTS AT VETERANS MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL IN BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ
Hon. Christopher H. Smith
of new jersey
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the hard work and community service
exhibited during the past school year by the students of Veterans
Memorial Elementary School in Brick Township, NJ. It is my honor and
privilege of representing these students, and their parents and teachers
in Congress.
During this past year, the students invested many hours of service in
projects to help make life better for their school and greater
community. For example, in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist
attacks, the students honored local firefighters who participated in
rescue and recovery operations at Ground Zero. They also sent thank you
notes to New York City police and firefighters, and wrote letters to a
local serviceman stationed overseas.
It is important to note, Mr. Speaker, that the students' community
service did not just begin, nor will it end, with their outstanding
efforts related to September 11.
To highlight the importance of a clean and safe environment, the
students commemorated Earth Day by decorating grocery bags with
environment-friendly messages. These bags were then used by patrons of a
local supermarket so they could take home the students'messages about
how we must protect for our environment.
They also implemented a schoolwide paper recycling program, and worked
to beautify the school's grounds.
To enhance their own understanding of the challenges that older
Americans face, the students visit with senior citizens in their
community, exchanging ideas, and striking up new friendships. They make
special holiday gifts for the seniors and also put on concerts,
including one full of patriotic songs. It's the students' way of
thanking America's ``greatest generation''; a generation that risked all
to secure freedom at home and abroad. As chairman of the House Committee
on Veterans' Affairs, I am especially grateful for the outreach our
students have initiated with seniors and veterans--the namesakes of
their school.
When a peer's house tragically burned to the ground, the students of
Veterans Memorial Elementary School responded by holding an emergency
fundraiser. They also collected warm winter coats for students in need
and helped their school buy new books and playground equipment.
While this is only a small sampling of community service activities
performed by the students of Veterans Elementary, it is clear that these
children, while learning the subjects and skills they need to succeed in
academia, are also learning the generosity, compassion, and service
needed to be outstanding members of their community.
I am proud to congratulate the students of Veterans Elementary School.
Their leader and my friend, Principal Joe Vicari also deserves our
thanks for his many years of hard work and generosity and the dedicated
teachers and support staff at Veterans Elementary School also deserve
high praise and recognition. I wish them all the very best of success
for another year of outstanding community service, and I look forward to
working with them in their endeavors in the years to come.
Thursday, October 17, 2002
A TRIBUTE TO MR. IAN GRAY
Hon. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
of Maryland
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to a
humanitarian, Mr. Ian Gray, who tragically passed away on September 11,
2001.
Ian Gray worked for Baltimore Medical System (BMS) as part of his
personal mission to ensure quality health care access for the
underserved in the Baltimore area. He helped to build a health care
system which serves over 30,000 patients throughout Maryland. He touched
many lives in unseen ways through his commitment to BMS.
Mr. Gray died during the tragic events of September 11, 2001, as he
was a passenger on flight 77, which crashed into the Pentagon. His death
serves as a reminder to all of us to continue the work he began. While
his life was cut short, I know that his many coworkers, friends, and
family members continue the noble mission of helping those in need by
providing high quality health care.
In recognition of the 1-year anniversary of the attacks on our Nation
last month, BMS launched a capital fund drive, named for Ian Gray, to
raise money for the health care needs of Baltimore's residents.
Ian Gray's dream of improving health care is something we all share.
His work was noble and improved the lives of countless Marylanders. I
would like to take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to Ian's
wife, Ana, and their children and family members. Ian's commitment to
the health care of Marylanders lives on through the dedication of a fund
to assist Baltimore Medical System to help those in need.
Over 1 year after the tragic attacks on our Nation, we remember and
celebrate the life of Ian Gray and continue his important work.
Wednesday, November 13, 2002
PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Under clause 2 of rule XII, public bills and resolutions were
introduced and severally referred, as follows:
By Mr. NADLER:
H.R. 5725. A bill to authorize a national memorial at, or proximate
to, the World Trade Center site to commemorate the tragic events of
September 11, 2001, to establish the World Trade Center Memorial
Advisory Board, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Resources.
RECOGNIZING DAVE L. McDONALD
Hon. George Radanovich
of California
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dave McDonald upon his
receipt of Central Valley Muscular Dystrophy Association's Humanitarian
of the Year Award in Fresno, CA, on November 7, 2002. Mr. McDonald is
being recognized for his leadership, humanitarian efforts, and
dedication to the community.
Mr. McDonald is the president and CEO of PELCO, the world's largest
producer of video security systems, as well as Central California's
largest manufacturing employer. PELCO produces 3,500 different products
which are sold through 5,000 authorized dealers in the United States and
abroad. Since its beginning, the company has grown 30-fold under Mr.
McDonald's supervision.
Following the disastrous events of September 11, 2001, Mr. McDonald
and PELCO assisted the NYPD in its recovery efforts at the World Trade
Center site by donating specialized camera equipment and personnel.
Additionally, the company's warehouse in Orangeburg, NY, was converted
into a distribution center for relief supplies. In November 2001, PELCO
created the California Memorial in Clovis as a permanent tribute to the
victims and fallen heroes from September 11. The memorial contains
hundreds of items donated by the City of New York in remembrance of the
events of September 11.
In March 2002, Mr. McDonald was honored by the New York City Fire
Department as the Grand Marshall for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. In
May 2002, Mr. McDonald also received the Excellence in Business Award
from the Fresno Hall of Fame in recognition of his dedication to local
businesses and his community.
Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Dave McDonald for his
contributions to the many people in need, not only locally but
nationally. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Dave McDonald
many more years of continued success.
TRIBUTE TO COMANCHE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF SHAWNEE MISSION, KS
Hon. Dennis Moore
of Kansas
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to recognize and commend
the students of Marilyn Tieszen, a kindergarten teacher at Comanche
Elementary School of Shawnee Mission, KS, which is located in the Third
Congressional District of Kansas.
Following the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Ms.
Tieszen had her students create an American flag, using a white sheet,
and dipping their hands in red and blue paint to make the stripes and
the blue background for the stars. The flag was presented to U.S. Army
Capt. John Townsend, who has two children who are students at the
school. Captain Townsend is the executive officer of the School of
Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth's U.S. Army Command and
General Staff College.
After receiving the flag, Captain Townsend hung it in Eisenhower Hall
at Fort Leavenworth, KS, for a few weeks, where, in his words, ``it got
rave reviews and many people commented that it was unfortunate that all
service members would not be able to appreciate it.'' As a result of the
very positive reception it received at the fort, the flag was then
mailed to an Army infantry unit conducting a peacekeeping mission in
Kosovo. It arrived a few days before Christmas and hung at several of
their sites through the new year. From there, it was taken to an
airborne unit that ``jumped'' it into Tunisia, North Africa. Next it was
displayed on the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis, which was
supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in the Persian Gulf.
Following the display on the USS Stennis, the Comanche Elementary
School flag was flown to an Army explosive ordnance unit in Afghanistan
which had just lost two soldiers, one being from Kansas. After that, the
flag went to the Pentagon where it hung for 3 weeks in the reconstructed
part of the building that had been attacked on September 11. As Captain
Townsend told me, ``few people could pass it without stopping and
appreciating the spirit and patriotism it displayed.'' The flag then was
displayed at the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Capitol, before being
returned home to Comanche Elementary School, where it is now being
displayed.
Mr. Speaker, a book that logged its travels accompanied the flag
everywhere it went. At each stop the unit took pictures of its visit and
then sent them on with the flag so its travels are well documented. In
most cases the unit sent a letter or e-mail praising the students'
patriotism. At Comanche Elementary School the students and faculty have
created a large display in the foyer just inside the front door so that
everyone who comes into the building can see it: a large map with the
visited areas highlighted, including pictures from those locations.
As Captain Townsend told me, ``I receive e-mails almost daily from
soldiers and civilians around the world that have seen this flag and
were thankful that they got to see it. In most cases it brought tears to
their eyes. In some cases it brought a ray of hope to people that were
down from losing friends and comrades and for others it was a sign of
support from a community half way around the world.''
I am very proud of the patriotism and creativity of Marilyn Tieszen's
kindergarten class at Comanche Elementary School, who worked together to
create a wonderful symbol of America during our ongoing time of great
challenge. Mr. Speaker, I hope that you and all Members of this House
will join with me in commending their spirit and thanking them for the
inspirational symbol they created for display around the world.
HOMELAND SECURITY ACT OF 2002
Hon. Rob Portman
of Ohio
Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time. His
passion and his persistence are the reason that we are here tonight to
do this important work, and I appreciate the role he played in moving
this legislation through the system as chair of the Select Committee on
Homeland Security.
Mr. Speaker, there is an old saying that goes ``Times change and we
change with them too.'' Times have changed and it is imperative to the
security of our country, security of our families that our government
change as well.
On September 11, 2001, the terrorists who struck our homeland killed
more civilians than all our foreign enemies combined. We all woke up to
the fact that the threats we face now are very different from the ones
we faced in the past. During the cold war, we adapted our government
structure to better utilize the resources we had to fight then a
superpower. Today we face a more unpredictable and a more agile enemy
and a very deadly enemy, and today we must reorganize our government
again so we can stop that enemy before it strikes again, and we are not
ready. There are over 100 departments and agencies with some involvement
in homeland security, and when every one is in charge, no one is in
charge. There is no accountability in the current system.
Last summer President Bush presented to the Congress a very ambitious
and visionary plan to merge and consolidate responsibilities in a new
Department of Homeland Security, similar to what Senator Lieberman had
proposed and what various commissions had proposed. He laid out three
strategic objectives: First, prevention of attacks; second, minimizing
our vulnerabilities; and third, minimizing the damage and maximizing
recovery should an attack occur. These three pillars provided us with a
clear framework to align our resources, people and capital, and to align
responsibility and accountability. This single unified structure will
make us more efficient and effective in the fight against terrorism. It
will not make us immune, but it will make us safer.
I strongly believe in what we are doing tonight, not because we are
creating a new department but because we are doing it the right way. We
are giving this President and future Presidents the flexibility they
will need to make it work. That is budget flexibility; it is
organizational flexibility; and, yes, it is personnel flexibility to be
sure the right people are in the right place at the right time to
protect us. The 21st century threats that we now meet head on cannot be
handled by early 20th century civil service rules and bureaucracy. So,
yes, the President and the new Secretary of Homeland Security will have
the flexibility to design a new human resources management system, but
it is one that will preserve fundamental civil service and worker
protections while at the same time building a team atmosphere that is
absolutely crucial by rewarding and promoting excellence and ensuring
that we can do all we can to recruit the best people to this task.
We have before us, Mr. Speaker, a bill that will both protect the
homeland and protect workers' rights. It is the right balance.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to
strongly support this legislation before us tonight. It represents an
agreement between the House and the Senate and the White House, and by
joining together we will send a strong message to the American people
and to the other body that we are committed to doing all we can to
protect our families and our country.
Hon. Deborah Pryce
of Ohio
Mr. Speaker, it has been nearly 5 months since the President called
upon Congress to create a new Department of Homeland Security, and
nearly 4 months since the House first took up that task. This
legislation has been through a long journey, full of procedural and
partisan roadblocks, weighed down by special interests, and slowed by a
storm of misdirection.
I could not be more pleased that we are here today with this
compromise legislation that will finally allow us to move the bill to
the President's desk. This is a historic achievement.
In recent days, Members of the House and Senate have been through a
thoughtful, thorough, and cooperative process. Every effort was made to
address each concern while maintaining a basic framework that creates an
effective department.
This legislation will give the new Department of Homeland Security the
tools it needs to succeed in its mission. And this, in my mind, is the
key, because the new department's most basic and core mission will be to
secure America from terrorist attack.
On September 11, 2001, the streets of New York and Northern Virginia
were turned to ash, while a grassy field in Pennsylvania played quiet
witness to the final act of a heroic group of Americans. Creation of the
Department of Homeland Security is the bold and necessary next step we
must a take to ensure that this dark day is never repeated.
We are not creating new government, we are creating better government.
We are not legislating new bureaucracy, we are streamlining to face a
new threat. We are making government smarter, more flexible, and
ultimately, better able to secure America.
The perpetrators of terrorism are shadowy and agile, and they target
us like predators without distinction between military target and
ordinary citizen. They are a 21st century enemy with an agelessly
corrupt goal--destruction of life, elimination of liberty, and
restriction of human freedom.
Our enemy has recognized that our greatest strength--the open society
in which we live--also makes us vulnerable to their attacks. We fight
this enemy not just on battlefields abroad, but in our very cities and
towns. We must be able to respond at home in a strong, coordinated and
agile way.
The new Cabinet-level department is only one part of our national
response, but it is an essential part. The new department will
consolidate the vital preparedness, intelligence analysis, law
enforcement, and emergency response functions that are currently
dangerously dispersed among numerous Federal departments and agencies.
And in the process, the legislation balances the need to protect America
with the need to preserve the American way of life that we are
protecting.
Thus far, the government has shown immense resolve and dedication,
going to extraordinary lengths to respond to the terrorist threat. We
are safer than we were on September 10, 1 year ago. But as the
government's efforts reach the limits of their bureaucracies, we must
rethink our government structure so that our Nation can be even
stronger, smarter, and better prepared.
One of our revolutionary forefathers, George Mason, once said,
``Government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common benefit,
protection and security of the people, nation or community.''
Make no mistake--our work today undertakes this very core function of
government to secure the American people. I urge all of my colleagues to
take measure of the task before us, and to support this fair rule and
the underlying bill.
It has been a long journey, but this legislation, and the American
people, are all the better for it.
Hon. Marge Roukema
of New Jersey
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5710, the Homeland
Security Act of 2002.
At last, Members of both parties and the administration have put their
differences aside and agreed on a strong bill that will make America
safer by creating a Cabinet-level Department of Homeland Security to
unite essential agencies in our fight against terrorism here at home and
abroad.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, a new enemy brought war to our
shores. An enemy that considers any innocent man, woman, or child that
cherishes freedom a target. An enemy that does not necessarily call any
nation home. And an enemy that can hide for years in plain sight and in
our own neighborhoods.
This new kind of war, that makes where we live and work a potential
battleground, calls for a new response. The United States is a nation at
risk of terrorist attacks and it will remain so for the foreseeable
future. We need to strengthen our efforts to protect America, and the
current governmental structure limits our ability to do so.
When President Bush established the Office of Homeland Security in
October 2001, its fundamental mission would be to prevent terrorist
attacks within the United States, reduce America's vulnerability to
terrorism, and minimize the damage and recovery from attacks that do
occur. Mr. Speaker, I believe this new bill will achieve this mission.
The new department will combine 170,000 workers from 22 agencies,
including the ATF, Border Patrol, Coast Guard and Customs Service, into
a Department of Homeland Security with a $37 billion budget. It balances
concerns of Federal workers with the need of the President to make
personnel decisions in the interest of national security. It brings all
immigration responsibilities under the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Immigration services will be kept separate from enforcement functions
within the department. This will provide the INS the leadership,
direction, and focus that I have been advocating for years.
Now all the necessary functions of government to keep our Nation safe
at home will fall under one department--where they should be. And that
department will be part of the President's Cabinet--and that is where it
should be.
Let me add, Mr. Speaker, that leading a massive new Federal department
that is charged with protecting the homeland during such dangerous times
is a herculean task. There is no one in the Nation more capable and
prepared to provide that leadership than our former colleague Tom Ridge.
Governor Ridge was called on by the President shortly after the tragic
attacks on our Nation and stepped into the breach to provide leadership
on homeland security. This is not the first time he has answered his
Nation's call in time of war.
His leadership over the past year has prepared our Nation and our
government for the task ahead. Governor Ridge will succeed and I wish
him well.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, passage of this bill is the last of the profound
accomplishments that this Congress has achieved since September 11,
2001. I am proud of the wise and prudent decisions we have made. Even
though many on both sides have disagreed over details and those details
have taken longer to work out than I would have liked, we have never
disagreed on the goal of our actions. That goal is to protect and defend
our Nation in this new and awful era of war.
We may suffer another dastardly attack on our shores--given the
diabolic treachery in which our enemy deals, it is probably certain they
will attempt to attack us again. But we will endure, care for our own,
and stand taller than before. As always, we did not ask for this war,
especially one that attacks us at home. But we will fight it. And with
the help of this legislation--we will win it.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation. God bless
America.
Thursday, November 14, 2002
FURTHER MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE
A further message from the Senate by Mr. Monahan, one of its clerks,
announced that the Senate has passed without amendment bills and
concurrent resolutions of the House of the following titles:
H. Con. Res. 487. Concurrent resolution authorizing the printing as a
House document of a volume consisting of the transcripts of the
ceremonial meeting of the House of Representatives and Senate in New
York City on September 6, 2002, and a collection of statements by
Members of the House of Representatives and Senate from the
Congressional Record on the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
MEMORIALS
Under clause 3 of rule XII, memorials were presented and referred as
follows:
422. The SPEAKER presented a memorial of the House of Representatives
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, relative to House Resolution No.
685 memorializing the Congress of the United States to declare September
11 as ``National Day of Life Appreciation and Freedom''; to the
Committee on Government Reform.
429. Also, a memorial of the Legislature of the State of California,
relative to Assembly Joint Resolution No. 52 memorializing the Congress
and President of the United States to enact H.R. 3917 to designate a
National Memorial at the crash site of Flight 93 in Somerset County,
Pennsylvania to pay tribute to and honor the true heroes of this nation;
to the Committee on Resources.
IN PRAISE OF THE LUTHERAN FELLOWSHIP ASSOCIATION OF THE SAGINAW VALLEY
Hon. James A. Barcia
of Michigan
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Lutheran Fellowship Association
of the Saginaw Valley as it celebrates 45 years of dedicated service.
Over the years, members have made numerous and significant contributions
to Lutheran families and to the citizens of many communities in Bay
County and elsewhere. They deserve our gratitude and praise.
In Bay County, the Lutheran Fellowship Association began when a
handful of faithful Lutherans with a vision of creating a gathering
place for families and friends joined together to open a fellowship
hall. Since then, the group has grown to include more than 250 members
and their families, serving the needs of thousands of Lutherans and
others.
The LFA Hall has been a center of Lutheran life in our community for
generations. Under the guidance of President Earl Wegener and other
leaders past and present, it has continued to fulfill its mission as a
venue for individuals, families, groups and organizations to enjoy
fraternal, social, educational, recreational and family events of all
kinds at a reasonable cost.
It is not a stretch to say that a large percentage of mid-Michigan's
Lutheran community has likely attended one or more events at the hall
during their lifetime, including wedding receptions, confirmation
celebrations, anniversaries and a host of other activities. Many
marriages have gotten off to a beautiful start with a reception at the
LFA Hall and years later an untold number of couples have returned to
the hall to commemorate their anniversary with family and friends.
In addition, LFA members have always put a high premium on charitable
donations. Last year, they pooled financial resources to make a
contribution to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack
in New York City. In other years, they have provided assistance to
disadvantaged children or those afflicted with serious illnesses.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in praising the
members of the Lutheran Fellowship Association for all that they do to
meet the needs of the Lutheran community. Fellowship is an integral
element in the Lutheran faith and the LFA has served a useful and vital
role in fulfilling that need in Bay County. I am confident the LFA will
continue to serve its members, their families, our community and our
Lord well into the future.
IN CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL BIBLE WEEK
Hon. Bob Etheridge
of North Carolina
Mr. Speaker, I am honored and pleased to serve as congressional
cochair for National Bible Week, November 24 to December 1, 2002.
National Bible Week has been an annual observance in this country since
1941 when the Nation turned to the Holy Bible for strength, comfort, and
guidance. On September 11, 2001, when terrorists destroyed the World
Trade Center towers in New York and attacked the Pentagon, another ``day
of infamy'' took place in our Nation's history. President Bush
immediately called Americans to prayer, saying, ``Our purpose as a
Nation is firm, yet our wounds as a people are recent and unhealed and
lead us to pray. . . . We ask almighty God to watch over our Nation.'' I
strongly believe that one contribution every American can make in these
troubling times is to pray for our Nation, its leaders, and its people.
National Bible Week is celebrated every year from Sunday to Sunday
during the week of Thanksgiving. It is a time of prayer, a time to
confirm our values and a time to strengthen national resolve. As we
gather at our dinner tables in remembrance, let us be thankful to be
living in a country where our Constitution guarantees freedom of
worship. I commend the National Bible Association for its leadership in
promoting this worthy endeavor.
NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS
Hon. Gil Gutknecht
of Minnesota
Mr. Speaker, on September 11, 2001, our generation met its challenge.
The attacks against innocent Americans were acts of war. We are still
fighting that war. Carl von Clausewitz said that the goal of any
military encounter is to destroy the enemy's will to fight. We still
have work to do.
But at home we have come far. We have buried our dead. We have
comforted our wounded. We have rebuilt the Pentagon. New York is being
rebuilt. We have gained a resolve and determination to go on. We will
continue to be the shining beacon of liberty. We are willing to bear the
price of defending the principles of freedom, justice and honor. We are
Americans, and proud to be so.
Generations of Americans have followed the wisdom of President
Theodore Roosevelt when he said, ``In any moment of decision, the best
thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is
nothing.''
From the Barbary Coast to the streets of Kabul, Americans have always
sought to do what is right. We have never given way to despots and
madmen in the name of artificial peace. More than 48 million men and
women have served in our Armed Forces to do the right thing.
The sacrifice of Americans who left their homes and lives for the
cause of justice across the globe is a testament to what is good and
right about our great Nation. Because of Americans, Europe was liberated
from a madman. Because of Americans, communism is left to the ash heap
of history. Because of Americans, little girls are going to school in
Afghanistan.
Today I honor those Americans who stepped in to secure our domestic
defenses during a time of great uncertainty. The brave men and women of
the National Guard. As active duty troops were deployed, the men and
women of the National Guard dropped what they were doing and answered
their call to duty. Careers were put on hold, families parted with loved
ones, sacrifices were made to secure our Nation.
Guard members from Minnesota have served in every major conflict since
its inception more than 360 years ago. More than 150 Minnesota National
Guard soldiers were called to duty following the September 11 attacks.
I am especially grateful to the National Guard soldiers of Company B,
Second Battalion of the 135th Infantry. These soldiers performed special
duties at the Rochester International Airport. During a time of crisis,
they stepped up to join that long grey line. That line that has never
failed us.
Thank you First Sergeant Thomas L. Butterfield, Sergeant Samuel M.
Adjei, Sergeant First Class Jason R. Schweitzer, Specialist Jason A.
Cox, Specialist Benjamin R. Jech, Specialist Jacob R. King, Staff
Sergeant Troy D. Landsverk, Sergeant William M. Olson, Sergeant Timothy
A. Patterson, Sergeant Daniel J. Prescher, Specialist Brandon L. Riggs,
Sergeant Scott J. Saltou, Sergeant Matthew Swiger, and Specialist
Benjamin W. Teed.
These soldiers deserve our respect and our gratitude.
As William Jennings Bryan said, ``Destiny is not a matter of chance,
it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a
thing to be achieved.'' Americans have a history of choosing their
destiny. We will continue to do so, because that is who we are.
We must, and we will, continue to achieve this victory for the people
of the United States and for all civilized, peace-loving people around
the world. There will be a price. The blood and treasure of our Nation
will be invested. The leadership, resources and unwavering courage of
the United States are critical in this struggle. We shall not falter, we
will rise to the challenges. And, in the end, we will leave to future
generations a safer planet because we never failed to defend the freedom
we cherish. We will continue to practice what we preach.
God Bless America.