[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 132 (Thursday, October 4, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1799]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO SARA LYNN STERLING, KRISTEN ROBINSON, AND JORDON SMITH OF 
                          LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 4, 2001

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sara Lynn 
Sterling, Kristen Robinson, and Jordan Smith of Liberty High School for 
their work in honor of all the people who both survived and who lost 
their lives in the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, their 
families and their friends.
  These terrorist attacks marks 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 young people 
like Sara Lynn Sterling, Kristen Robinson, and Jordan Smith of Liberty 
High School 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, Sara Lynn Sterling, 
Kristen Robinson, and Jordan Smith of Liberty High School have been 
decorating their fellow classmates jeans in lieu of donations for the 
grieving families and rescue workers. The patriotism and persistence of 
Sara Lynn Sterling, Kristen Robinson, and Jordan Smith of Liberty High 
School 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 simplify 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, determination, 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.




                          ____________________