[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 114 (Wednesday, September 11, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1551-E1552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               THE CRANBURY LIONS CLUB MARKS SEPTEMBER 11

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 11, 2002

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, Wednesday, September 11, 2002 marks the 1st 
anniversary of the heinous attack on the United States of America by 
terrorists. On Saturday, September 14, 2002, the Cranbury Lions Club 
will remember the heroic actions on September 11th of a Cranbury, New 
Jersey resident, Mr. Todd Beamer, with the dedication of a memorial in 
the township's Heritage Park. Mr. Beamer was aboard Flight 93 on 
September 11, 2001 when it was hijacked by terrorists and crashed in 
Western Pennsylvania.
  The memorial honors the uncommon service of Todd Beamer and his 
fellow Flight 93 passengers whose selfless act of courage saved 
countless lives and helped reunite our Country. It also provides a 
permanent symbol to underscore the invaluable role of all citizens in 
protecting our unalienable rights of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of 
Happiness.
  The Todd Beamer Memorial contains two symbols of strength, a boulder 
and an oak tree. On the boulder is a plaque that reads:

                             ``Let's Roll''

       These are the memorable words spoken by Todd Beamer, a 
     Cranbury resident, who was aboard United Flight 93, when it 
     was hijacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001, as he 
     joined with his fellow passengers in a final act of 
     resistance, sacrificing their lives to save countless others.
       A man described as ordinary to the world, extraordinary to 
     his family, he shall forever be remembered for his uncommon 
     act of bravery. This memorial celebrates the faith and 
     heroism of Todd Beamer--husband, father, son, brother, 
     friend, civilian--an American.

  Americans have read or heard about the heroic actions of Todd Beamer, 
and will always remember his simple, inspiring words: ``Let's Roll''. 
As we memorialize his actions and

[[Page E1552]]

words, it is equally important that we reflect on the life of Todd 
Beamer.
  A native of Illinois, Mr. Beamer was born in Glen Ellyn, the middle 
child of David and Peggy Beamer, and spent his young adulthood in this 
suburb of Chicago. He was raised in a caring environment where value 
was placed on family, hard work, strength of character, and faith in 
God. In high school, he starred in soccer, basketball and baseball, 
serving as a team captain. Mr. Beamer continued to excel in athletics 
at Wheaton College where he earned a degree in business in 1991. He was 
later awarded an MBA from DePaul University.
  In 1993, Mr. Beamer married Lisa Brosious, and they moved to Central 
New Jersey, soon settling in Cranbury to start their family. His prior 
success in athletics and academics was mirrored in his professional 
pursuits on behalf of Oracle Corporation.
  Mr. Beamer's faith and commitment to his church was always evident. 
He was a member of the Princeton Alliance Church in Plainsboro. He 
served as a Sunday school teacher, participated on the Church softball 
team, and mentored young adults.
  Admired and loved by family, friends, and colleagues, the legacy of 
Todd Beamer will be his unwavering commitment to serving God and his 
fellow man. On behalf of all Americans, we extend our deepest gratitude 
to Todd Beamer's parents, David and Peggy; his wife, Lisa; his three 
children, David, Drew, and Morgan; and his two sisters, Melissa and 
Michelle.
  Todd Beamer was a special man who made the supreme sacrifice for his 
country, and left a lasting mark on the people whom he touched. The 
Todd M. Beamer Foundation will ensure that his selfless act of giving 
to others in need continues in the future. He will be remembered by 
all.

                          ____________________