[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 136 (Thursday, October 11, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S10635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               ONE-MONTH ANNIVERSARY OF TERRORIST ATTACKS

  Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, grief has changed the face of America. 
We are a tear-stained Nation. But today, one month after the September 
11 attacks, we are one America, united as seldom before.
  Patriotism prevails throughout the country. The pins on our jackets, 
the flags taped to cars and hanging from windows, the millions of 
dollars in donations to the victims, this is the American response to 
tragedy.
  We are united in support of our troops flying dangerous missions over 
Afghanistan. This is the first step in a prolonged campaign against the 
terrorists. It is a necessary step and it is directed at the right 
targets, the Taliban government that has given safe harbor to terrorist 
organizations for far too long.
  Americans are also united in sympathy with the Afghan people. While 
our bombers are flying over Taliban strongholds, our C-17s are dropping 
food to the refugees.
  Today, our thoughts are with those who lost their lives one month 
ago, and with the families who said goodbye to their loved ones for the 
last time.
  But in the past month, we have seen the great spirit of Americans. 
The hatred and utter disregard for human life shown by the terrorists 
stands in stark contrast to the outpouring of sympathy and compassion 
by millions of Americans, in acts great and small. We gave what we 
could: Money, water, shelter, blood, and sometimes just a shoulder to 
lean on. Entertainers came together for an unprecedented benefit, 
athletes donated their salaries, and children even donated their piggy 
banks.
  Among the most inspiring stories of September 11 were the rescue 
workers. Sadly, many of the heroes of September 11 are now among the 
victims. Their valor has inspired the Nation. Their sacrifice will not 
go unnoted or their deeds unsung. If those rescue workers could muster 
the strength to do what was needed then, surely our Nation can find the 
strength to do what is needed now.
  We must prepare our military, strengthen our intelligence operations, 
and tighten our security. And we must rally behind our President.
  Let those who practice terrorism or harbor terrorists have no doubt 
about America's intent. We will find you. We will strike you 
militarily, economically, and politically. And you will pay a heavy 
price for your acts against mankind.
  We have overcome the enemies of freedom before. We conquered the evil 
of fascism in Europe and Asia, rescued democracy, and built a better 
world. We defied communism for decades powered by the certainty that 
freedom would ultimately triumph over oppression. You will not take 
these gains from us.
  Though we mourn the loss of our fellow Americans, our eyes are 
undimmed by tears. Our dreams are undiminished by fear. From the ashes 
of terrorism, we will build a new tower to freedom that will cast its 
light around the world.
  And, with God's help, we will prove again what the poet Carl Sandburg 
once said: ``We are Americans. Nothing like us ever was.''

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