[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 100 (Monday, July 22, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN SUPPORT OF THE FLIGHT 93 NATIONAL MEMORIAL ACT (H.R. 3917) AND THE 
                  TRUE AMERICAN HEROES ACT (H.R. 5138)

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 22, 2002

  Mr. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Flight 93 
National Memorial Act, H.R. 3917; and the True American Heroes Act, 
H.R. 5138. These two pieces of legislation will serve as the first 
steps toward finalizing a tribute to our nation's citizens whom, on 
September 11, 2001, represented the true American spirit through their 
heroic efforts.
  No one will ever forget the events of September 11, 2001 that 
devastated our nation. Three of the four planes hijacked that 
unforgettable morning crashed into the World Trade Center and the 
Pentagon, leaving thousands dead.
  Many believe terrorists were going to use the fourth plane as a 
weapon to crash into the United States Capitol Building. But the 
passengers and flight crew made the decision to take down the plane 
that morning in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania after learning from 
cellular phone conversations with loved ones of the fates of the three 
other hijacked aircraft. As a result, countless innocent lives were 
saved , including our own, and the fate of our nation's Capitol was 
changed.
  This was the ultimate act of bravery and sacrifice from the 
passengers and crew of United Flight 93, and those who enter our 
nation's Capitol each day should cherish their valiance.
  Several residents of California, including two of my own 
constituents--Tom Burnett and Hilda Marcin--were on United Flight 93. 
Citizens around the country have asked for the United States government 
to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of these passengers and the 
others that perished in these tragic events, by awarding a gold medal 
to a representative on their behalf.
  The Congressional Gold Medal is considered the nation's highest 
civilian award given by Congress to recognize a lifetime contribution 
or a singular achievement. I believe that everyone on United Flight 93, 
as well as police officers, emergency workers and other employees at 
the Pentagon and World Trade Center should be recognized for their 
efforts and sacrifice to save the lives of so many others. I would like 
to see all of these extraordinary individuals commemorated for such 
bravery. This medal is the least we can do in Congress to remember the 
courage of our fellow citizens.
  In the months following the horrific attacks, thousands of people 
from around the world have remembered the final moments of the heroes 
of Flight 93 at the crash site itself, in Stonycreek Township, 
Pennsylvania. Serving as a place where families and friends of the 
passengers and flight crew can grieve for their loved ones, the 
symbolism of this area will be etched in the memories of those who 
visit to pay their tributes. Like Pearl Harbor, Oklahoma City, New York 
City and Washington, this is another piece of U.S. soil that now bears 
the markings of our nation's history.
  It is time that we ensure protection of the site by placing it under 
jurisdiction of the National Park System, so that an appropriate 
memorial can be created, following the recommendations of the Flight 93 
Task Force.
  There may never be answers for all the questions that surround the 
events of September 11, 2001 or closure for all of those around the 
world who suffered the loss of loved ones in this tragedy.
  But it is in our power to make sure that we appropriately honor our 
fellow Americans, who not only saved our lives and so many others, but 
also protected our nation's symbol of democracy and freedom--our United 
States Capitol--by passing these landmark pieces of legislation. I urge 
my colleagues to support these two bills and yield back the balance of 
my time.

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