[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 35 (Friday, March 22, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S2322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH 2002

 Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, on the occasion of women's 
history month, I am proud to honor the long tradition of New York women 
who made history. And there is no more appropriate place to begin than 
with three women heroes who gave their lives to save others at the 
World Trade Center. Officer Kathy Mazza, Emergency Medical Technician 
Yamel Merino, and Officer Moira Smith were recently named Women of 
Distinction for their heroic acts on September 11, and for their 
history of service to the people of New York.
  Kathy Mazza served as the first female commandant of the Port 
Authority Police Training Academy. Yamel Merino was recognized as New 
York's emergency medical technician of the year last year, and Moira 
Smith previously received the Distinguished Duty Medal for rescuing 
people after a subway crash.
  On September 11 these three heroes brought the same commitment to 
their jobs that they showed every day, willing to put their lives on 
the line at a moment's notice for fellow New Yorkers who they did not 
know. We will never forget their selfless acts of courage and 
commitment to duty on that day, and how they worked side by side with 
their brothers to escort as many people as possible to safety. Our 
thoughts remain with their families who have suffered an immeasurable 
loss during this tragedy, and who are comforted by the knowledge that 
their loved ones acted with honor and bravery.
  Years from now their stories will be told alongside the stories of so 
many courageous New York women who devoted their lives to others and 
shaped history through their actions. After all, New York was the 
birthplace of one of the largest social movements of this country's 
history. In Seneca Falls in 1848, women came together to issue the 
Declaration of Sentiments that served as a launching point for the 
women's rights movement.
  So many of our foremothers whose contributions are now legendary 
called New York home. From the great abolitionist Harriet Tubman who 
provided safe passage to her sisters and brothers who sought freedom 
from slavery, to Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony who never 
gave up in the movement for women's suffrage, to the great labor leader 
Kate Mullany, New York women have always made a difference.
  When celebrating this women's history month, we pause to salute the 
accomplishments of women who gave so much of themselves to this 
country. Children generations from now will come to understand our 
great loss on September 11 by learning the stories of Kathy Mazza, 
Yamel Merino, Moira Smith and all of the firefighters, police officers 
and first responders to whom we owe so much. Today and everyday we need 
to do our part to tell their stories and to honor their lives.

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