[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 109 (Tuesday, July 23, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H8107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRAGEDY HIGHLIGHTS AMERICA'S STRENGTH

  (Mr. LAZIO of New York asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LAZIO of New York. Mr. Speaker, as I was leaving the memorial 
service for the families of the victims of TWA flight 800 yesterday, my 
heart was touched to see crowds of Long Islanders who could not attend 
the ceremony lining the roads with signs expressing love and support 
for those who lost loved ones in this terrible disaster.
  The signs read: ``We Are Praying for You.'' ``Our Hearts Are With 
You.''
  If there is any solace in this calamity, it is that Americans from 
all walks of life have come together to share in this loss, to offer 
support, and to care for each other.
  Coming together in times of need with a true sense of community is 
one of the great strengths of our Nation. I cannot help but think of 
the hundreds of people who went out on the dark ocean the night of the 
disaster to look for survivors and the thousands of people who have 
literally worked around the clock without much fanfare.
  All these people, rescuers, Red Cross workers, FBI agents, NTSB 
officials, airline employees, local police, Coast Guard members, 
medical examiners, grief counselors, and citizens from all over the 
country who volunteer their time and energy have worked selflessly. 
Even though they have been burdened by very heavy hearts because of the 
grim work they are doing, they keep at the job.
  I urge all Americans, Mr. Speaker, to acknowledge these continuing 
efforts on Long Island and to express pride in the spirit that makes 
our country so great.

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