[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 6 (Monday, February 4, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S258-S259]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     REMEMBERING CAPTAIN BRIAN RIZZOLI AND 1ST LT. WILLIAM SATTERLY

  Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, in talking about the important role that 
our service men and women play in protecting our nation, I would also 
like to take this opportunity to mention two brave men from Ohio's 
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base who died this weekend in an aircraft 
accident. I extend my deepfelt condolences to the families of Captain 
Brian Rizzoli, who had been living in Kettering, and 1st Lt. William 
Satterly, who had been living in Huber Heights. Their C-21 aircraft 
crashed near Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. Few details have 
been released yet about the accident. In the meantime, though, I offer 
my prayers and condolences to the friends and families of these two 
fine men.
  The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Massachusetts, Mr. 
Kennedy, is recognized for 10 minutes.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, yesterday, the New England Patriots 
pulled off a thrilling 20-17 victory over the St. Louis Rams in Super 
Bowl XXXVI. The victory is the first world championship for the 
Patriots, and it could not have come at a more poignant time for our 
country.
  Since September 11, the courageous acts of countless Americans have 
set a new standard for the Nation. Indeed, a new American spirit has 
been forged. That sprit is characterized by sacrifice, humility, and a 
refusal to quit in the face of adversity. At a time when our entire 
country is banding together and

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facing down indivualism, the Patriots set a wonderful example, showing 
us all what is possible when we work together, believe in each other, 
and sacrifice for the greater good.
  That example came from the top, and it came from the start of the 
season. Choosing to be introduced before the game as a team, not as 
individuals, the Patriots set the tone for their victory. Coach Bill 
Belichick stressed teamwork, saying that only by working together could 
the Patriots overcome their opponent, the best team in the NFL's 
regular season, the St. Louis Rams.
  The coach put his faith in second year quarterback Tom Brady, the 
youngest quarterback ever to win a Super Bowl, and the eventual MVP of 
the game. At the same time, Drew Bledsoe, team captain and the 
consummate team player, cheered him--and the entire team--from the 
sideline.
  But this was not a game won by a star quarterback alone, it was a 
team effort. No one player rose above the rest--but together, they 
excelled and defied long odds. The defense, a no-name bunch forced to 
depend on each other, stifled the high-octane Rams offense. It was this 
defense, led by Ty Law, Teddy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, and rookie Richard 
Seymour, that got the Patriots ahead early in the game.
  The second half saw a Rams comback, and a lesser team could have 
fallen under such dire circumstances. But these Patriots once again 
banded together, for one final drive. With the game tied, momentum on 
the side of the Rams, and overtime seemingly inevitable, the Patriots 
showed their true spirit, using running back Kevin Faulk, receiver Troy 
Brown, and intelligent play from Brady to drive from inside their own 
20 yard line to give kicker Adam Vinatieri a chance to win the game 
with only 7 seconds left on the clock. As his kick sailed through the 
uprights, the Patriots completed their unthinkable task: they defeated 
the Rams, and won their world championship.

  All of us in Massachusetts, and indeed all who live in New England, 
are proud of the Patriots and their extraordinary season. They finished 
the season with 9 straight victories, a feat that could only be 
accomplished by a team using all 53 players on its roster. The Patriots 
had to win two tough playoff games to make the Super Bowl. And even 
after these improbable victories over the Oakland Raiders and 
Pittsburgh Steelers, they were big underdogs to the Rams yesterday. 
Unfazed by these odds, the Patriots won again, defying their critics 
and naysayers.
  Eight years ago Bob Kraft bought the Patriots, and today he will 
bring the Lombardi trophy home to fans who have been waiting for 42 
years. Congratulations.
  The Rams also deserve credit, as they had a spectacular season and 
played a wonderful game. They are certainly an impressive team.
  The Patriots' hard work and dedication encapsulates the new spirit in 
America. I urge the Senate to approve this well-deserved resolution, 
which I will offer today.
  In Boston, April 15 is Patriots' Day--a day when we celebrate the 
brave men and women who fought for our Nation's independence. But, for 
generations of New England sports fans--from Bangor to Boston--
yesterday will always be our Patriots' Day.
  Today, the New England Patriots are the true patriots all over the 
land. Their perseverance, teamwork, and devotion represent the best of 
America, and I'm proud to call them not only my home team, but also 
world champions.
  Mr. President, I would like to speak further to the Senate and ask if 
I could extend my time for an additional 10 minutes.
  The PRESIDENT, pro tempore. Hearing no objection, the Senator is 
recognized for the additional 10 minutes.

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