[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 130 (Tuesday, October 2, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       RECOGNIZING THE LIBERTY FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEIR SPOUSES

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                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 2, 2001

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Liberty Fire 
Department and their spouses for its work and sacrifice in honor of all 
the peogle who both survived and who lost their lives in the terrorist 
attacks on September 11, 2001, their families and their friends.
  These terrorist attacks mark a solemn moment in America's history. 
American men and women, civilians and soldiers, firefighters and 
police, mothers and fathers, were slain for a cause so terrible, so 
heinous, and so despicable that we find it unimaginable and 
indescribable. United, Americans seek to find meaning and hope in a 
seemingly hopeless and meaningless act. In the days since these 
terrible terrorist attacks, America has been shoulder-to-shoulder in a 
struggle to meet the challenges of a world that is a little less safe, 
a little scarier, and far less predictable. The efforts of 
organizations like the Liberty Fire Department signify the commitment 
and concern of Americans everywhere. Our Nation's strength does not lie 
in her military might but rather in the collective compassion of its 
people.
  Since the September 11th terrorist attacks, the Liberty Fire 
Department and their spouses have participated in the ``Pass the Boot'' 
activities at Arrowhead Stadium and fundralsing at the Liberty Fall 
Festival raising thousands of dollars to assist in the rescue efforts 
including the 911 Relief Fund, the Red Cross, and to provide for the 
grieving families. The patriotism and persistence of the Liberty Fire 
Department is a lasting memorial to the thousands of victims who 
perished in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania.
  Through the days, weeks, and months ahead, all Americans must come 
together and do what they can to assist the nation's war effort. 
Whether it is giving blood, sending donations, praying for the 
thousands of grieving families, or simply saying thanks to the brave 
men and women who put their lives on the line each and every day so 
that we may be free, it Is important that the American people are 
vigilant in their efforts to overcome this evil. Though our Nation has 
witnessed unspeakable horror, America's virtues, deten-nination, and 
faith continues to shine brightly on the world.
  I am confident that the United States will seek out those that harbor 
hatred, terror, and depravity in their hearts; and we will defeat them. 
This is a war that we must, can, and will win. May God bless the 
families and children grieving across this great Nation and may God 
bless America.

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