[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 137 (Friday, October 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1885]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNITION OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND MILITARY PERSONNEL EFFORTS ON 
                              SEPTEMBER 11

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 12, 2001

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the efforts of America's public safety and military personnel whose 
heroic actions at the Pentagon, the World Trade Center and the 
Pennsylvania site saved countless lives. As the Chairman of the House 
Armed Services Procurement Subcommittee and the founder of the 
Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I know well the overwhelming 
situations our civilian and military responders faced. That they 
persevered in the face of this tragedy is a testament to the dedication 
of these public servants.
  All of these personnel, whether local, state or federal, civilian or 
military, paid or volunteer, deserve the applause of this body. To 
highlight their combined efforts I wish to recognize three individuals. 
Their efforts represent the heroic actions of the thousands who 
responded to the calls for help on September 11 and throughout the days 
following the attack.
  Volunteer firefighter/paramedic Eric Jones, Army Staff Sgt. 
Christopher Braman, and Marine Corps Major Dan Pantaleo were featured 
rescuing a Marine Corps flag from the burning Pentagon on the front 
pages of newspapers and magazines around the world. It is this image 
that will remain in our memories as a symbol of American patriotism, 
unity and strength.
  In the days following the publication of their picture, they received 
many requests for press interviews. They declined each of these 
requests, because as true public servants, they neither expect nor 
desire any recognition for their efforts. What few know is that these 
individuals, through their countless acts of bravery, not only saved 
the flag, but also many Americans. At 9:40 A.M. on September 11 all 
three were called by destiny to perform heroic feats. As fire raged 
through the Pentagon, Mr. Jones, Staff Sgt. Braman, and Major Pantaleo 
rushed inside. These three men along with all the public safety and 
military personnel at the scene were responsible for rescuing hundreds 
of men and women injured by the explosion, the building collapse and 
burning jet fuel during the first minutes following the attack. After 
the injured had been saved, they remained on the site for many days to 
recover the bodies of those who perished.
  I salute all Americans who answered the call for help on September 
11. I am especially proud to highlight Eric, Christopher and Dan as 
examples of our public safety and military personnel whose 
contributions saved thousands from succumbing to the consequences of 
these terrorist attacks.

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