[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 114 (Wednesday, September 11, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H6174-H6208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1215
   EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF TERRORIST 
    ATTACKS LAUNCHED AGAINST THE UNITED STATES ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

  Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for the immediate 
consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 464) 
expressing the sense of the Congress on the anniversary of the 
terrorist attacks launched against the United States on September 11, 
2001.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson). Is there objection to the 
request of the gentleman from Texas?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the concurrent resolution, as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 464

       Whereas on September 11, 2001, while Americans were 
     attending to their daily routines, terrorists hijacked and 
     destroyed four civilian aircraft, crashing two of them into 
     the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, and a 
     third into the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C.;
       Whereas the valor of the passengers and crew on the fourth 
     aircraft prevented it from also being used as a weapon 
     against America;
       Whereas thousands of innocent Americans were killed and 
     injured as a result of these attacks, including the 
     passengers and crew of the four aircraft, workers in the 
     World Trade Center and in the Pentagon, rescue workers, and 
     bystanders, making these attacks the deadliest terrorist 
     attacks ever launched against the United States;
       Whereas when the gravest moments came, many regular 
     Americans, relying on courage, instinct, and grace, rushed 
     toward the flaming buildings in order to rescue or toward 
     terrorist-controlled cockpits in order to resist;
       Whereas by targeting symbols of American strength and 
     success, these attacks clearly were intended to assail the 
     principles, values, and freedoms of the United States and the 
     American people, intimidate the Nation, and weaken the 
     national resolve;
       Whereas while the States of New York, Virginia, and 
     Pennsylvania bore the brunt of the terrorist attacks, every 
     State and Territory and all Americans were affected and 
     mourned these tragic losses;
       Whereas Americans reached out to help strangers who had 
     lost loved ones, colleagues, and their businesses;
       Whereas local, State, and Federal leaders set aside 
     differences and worked together to provide for those who were 
     attacked and to protect those who remained;
       Whereas Americans continue to repair damage to buildings 
     and the economy, while relishing the freedoms they enjoy as 
     Americans;
       Whereas on September 14, 2001, in Public Law 107-40, 
     Congress authorized the use of ``all necessary and 
     appropriate force'' against those responsible for the 
     terrorist attacks;
       Whereas the United States Armed Forces subsequently moved 
     swiftly against Al Qaeda and the Taliban regime in 
     Afghanistan, whom the President and Congress had identified 
     as enemies of America;
       Whereas, in so doing, brave servicemen and women left 
     family and friends in order to defend the Nation;
       Whereas a year later, many servicemen and women remain 
     abroad, shielding the Nation from further terrorist attacks;
       Whereas, while the passage of a year has not softened the 
     memory of the American people, resolved their grief, or 
     restored lost loved ones, it has shown that Americans will 
     not bow to terrorists;
       Whereas the Congress has passed, and the President has 
     signed, numerous laws providing additional resources for the 
     overseas effort against terrorism, as well as additional 
     tools for Federal, State, and local law enforcement and 
     judicial systems to protect Americans at home; and
       Whereas the Government reexamined the need for domestic 
     security and the Congress is currently considering 
     legislation to create a Department of Homeland Security with 
     the specific mission of preventing further attacks: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress--

[[Page H6175]]

       (1) recognizes September 11 as both a day to remember those 
     taken from their families, loved ones, and fellow citizens 
     and a day for Americans to recommit to the Nation, to their 
     freedoms, and to each other;
       (2) extends its deepest sympathies to the countless 
     innocent victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist 
     attacks, their families, friends, and loved ones;
       (3) honors the heroic actions of first responders, law 
     enforcement personnel, State and local officials, volunteers, 
     and others who aided the innocent victims and, in so doing, 
     bravely risked their own lives and long-term health;
       (4) stands in great debt with the American people to the 
     members of the Armed Forces serving both at home and abroad;
       (5) praises the people of the United States for their 
     patriotism, compassion, prayers, and generosity in donating 
     time and money to support the innocent victims of the 
     September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, their families, 
     friends, and loved ones;
       (6) expresses thanks and gratitude to the foreign leaders 
     and citizens of all nations who have assisted and continue to 
     stand in solidarity with the United States against terrorism 
     in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist 
     attacks;
       (7) discourages, in the strongest possible terms, any 
     effort to confuse the war on terrorism with a war on any 
     people or any faith;
       (8) commends the President and the brave servicemen and 
     women of the United States Armed Forces in the successful 
     effort to oust the Taliban from power;
       (9) remains resolved to pursue all those responsible for 
     the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and their 
     sponsors until they are discovered and punished; and
       (10) reaffirms that Congress will honor the memory of those 
     who lost their lives as a result of the September 11, 2001, 
     terrorist attacks and will defend bravely the citizens of the 
     United States in the face of all future challenges.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey) is 
recognized for 1 hour.
  Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the 
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt), the Democrat leader and 
cosponsor of the resolution, pending which I yield myself such time as 
I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, a year ago today the east coast of this great land woke 
up to the first rays of morning sunshine. We woke up as a Nation, full 
of optimism, full of gratification, aware of our freedoms, but probably 
taking them for granted. We were concerned about the people we love, 
with the confidence they would all be there. We were excited about the 
business of the day with hopes of good outcomes, and dearly involved 
with our children with an understanding of their safety. We did not 
think about heinous deeds when we woke that morning. Our minds were 
busy with our plans and hopes, dreams and schemes; and we went about 
our day's work.
  Then, all of a sudden, out of the dark depths of the evil corners of 
the world, hatred, meanness, despair, jealousy, greed, whatever, rose 
to afflict this Nation.
  We were shocked at what we saw. First, most of us thought it was an 
accident and how tragic it was. But soon, we realized it was a vicious, 
premeditated attack on us as a Nation and on innocent civilians in this 
country.
  Those streaming rays of sunshine that came through those big 
buildings of New York City that stood as a monument to this thing we 
call the practical American genius, were shattered. That peaceful field 
in Pennsylvania, awake with morning dew, was smashed. Our Pentagon that 
stands for strength and freedom was assailed in a way that it has never 
been assailed. And, indeed, this very building on which we stand today 
was saved that morning by the first response to this vicious attack.
  We took the hurt and the losses, and they came early; but it did not 
take us long to collect our wits in this great country. Immediately 
upon understanding on Flight 93 how vicious this was and how evil the 
intent, our American heroes fought back and this Nation was inspired by 
Todd Beamer who started the response with that phrase, ``Let's roll.''
  Our early responders in New York City, after the tragic loss of life 
following American Flight 11, American Flight 77, and in Northern 
Virginia after the horrible nightmare of United Flight 175, our early 
responders came from our communities: firemen, policemen, and emergency 
workers of all types. They rushed to the danger and saved lives.
  We struggled through that day with doubt, uncertainty and fear. But 
as the day wore on, we became more a Nation of resolve and less a 
Nation of fear. We began to build our way back to confidence and 
optimism on that very same day. America had the unwelcome need to see 
its own heroes fight for survival and rescue on our own land, and our 
heroes rose to the occasion in a way that has inspired each and every 
one of us.
  In New York City and Pennsylvania and here in Northern Virginia, they 
did so no more nor any less than they would have in Kansas City, San 
Francisco, or Houston because they displayed the character of a free 
people who cherish their freedom and love their neighbors.
  Now we have been asked to go on with the task of ridding the world of 
the evil that struck that blow. We again call upon our heroes, now not 
so often, not so many civilians, but honorable men and women in uniform 
who have stood before the history of this great Nation's marvelous 
tradition of defending freedom, peace and respect and have said, ``I 
will volunteer to serve this Nation in its armed services.''
  These new young heroes, following generations of heroes past, are now 
being asked daily all across this globe to incur risks and hardship to 
find the evil ones and remove them.
  I believe the perpetrators of evil that launched this horrible attack 
have seen in ways they have never dared to imagine the character and 
strength of this great Nation. They now know the resolve of this great 
Nation. They all understand the courage of our heroes.
  Let me say again what I said at the time. This Nation has proven it 
will spend its heroes. Our heroes have proven they will go when asked, 
they will volunteer, they will do their duty. But we do not spend our 
heroism from this great Nation out of ambition for territorial 
expansion or out of a sense of revenge, but out of a requirement for a 
just world, a world in which people who will perpetrate evil against 
others will be found, and they will be prosecuted.

                              {time}  1230

  Let me just say to those of you who are still out there plotting and 
scheming, do not underestimate our American heroes; they are young, 
they are bright, they are strong, they have courage, and they will in 
fact bring you down.
  Now we have come, Mr. Speaker, to this day a year later. The sun rose 
in the east today, and this great east coast of this great land was the 
first to experience this morning. We woke a little wiser, a little more 
aware, a little sadder, but we awoke with optimism, love, resolve and 
courage, and we will be that way for so long as this great Nation shall 
endure.
  Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to cosponsor this resolution with the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey) in the spirit of bipartisan unity on 
this difficult day for our wonderful and great Nation.
  We gather together today to remember the victims, honor our rescue 
workers, and cherish the values embraced by human beings across the 
globe. On this first anniversary of September 11, we recall the 
strength, the courage and the character of innocent people who lost 
their lives in this horrendous attack.
  To the families of September 11 victims, we say that we are with them 
as one. We honor the bravery they have demonstrated in the face of 
unspeakable suffering, and we honor the spirit of the American people, 
humanity at its best.
  Today, we recall that amid the chaos of September 11 our rescue 
workers gave the last full measure of devotion so others could live 
another day. Hundreds of people rushed into burning buildings to save 
others who they had never before even met. On one of our darkest days, 
they sent forth a defiant ray of hope, and words alone could never do 
justice to their sacrifice.
  Today, we also recognize this fundamental American truth: From the 
horror of September 11 has come incredible, unimaginable strength. Our 
Nation is still grieving, but make no mistake, we stand united.
  As I said Friday in New York at our joint session, in this great and 
faithful struggle, there are no Republicans, there are no Democrats; 
there are only Americans, and we will remain resolved with our 
President to defend all

[[Page H6176]]

those who threaten the liberty, freedom and democracy that define our 
Nation.
  Today, as we pray for the victims' families, we also offer profound 
gratitude to the people who may well have saved our lives by fighting 
back on Flight 93. This resolution is crafted in their spirit, with 
them as our inspiration and as our guide.
  This resolution honors people like the man who went to Ground Zero 
after the attacks and started digging through the rubble, searching for 
survivors, because, he said, we are ``digging for freedom.''
  It honors the woman whose legs were crushed by debris at the World 
Trade Center, who has been in the hospital every day for the past year.
  It honors the firefighters in New York who, ascending the stairs, 
calmly told civilians, ``Just keep going down, clear run. Keep going 
down, clear run.''
  It honors the doctors at the Pentagon who, rolling in water to ward 
off the flames, saved countless servicemen and women because of their 
raw courage.
  It honors the ironworkers, the construction workers, the engineers 
and others who worked around the clock for months to clear the debris 
at Ground Zero.
  It honors all the workers at the Pentagon who worked day and night to 
meet the schedule of having the Pentagon back in perfect condition 
before the year anniversary of September 11.
  It honors our law enforcement personnel who are protecting our 
citizens on a daily basis here at home.
  It honors the members of our Armed Forces who have been fighting and 
are today fighting to defend our freedom and secure our Nation.
  And it honors people like those we had lunch with on Friday in New 
York who lost their spouses on September 11.
  In the face of the unthinkable, their courage, their simple courage 
to move to the future while they grieved about the past, was deeply 
moving and inspiring. They demonstrated a commitment to the values that 
all of us hold dear: Freedom, family, faith and friends.
  Let all these deeds in the past year, and more, stand as a lasting 
monument to the spirit of our great Nation.
  Today, we know that our most solemn obligation is to ensure that 
those who died on September 11 did not die in vain. In the days and 
weeks ahead, let us continue to work together with humility to protect 
our people, guard our freedoms, and report to the world that America 
will never be defeated.
  Let us move forward as one Nation, one people, for the sake of every 
single person who believes in freedom and believes in civilization and 
believes in humanity.
  Let me end with the words of an old hymn that I love so much. When we 
face the unexplainable, when we face evil, many of us turn to God. And, 
as we did one year ago, we ask again today for God's help.
  As the hymn says, ``And He will raise you up on eagles wings, bear 
you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you 
in the palm of His hand.''
  May God shed His grace on this great and wonderful country and all of 
our people.
  Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to yield the 
remainder of my time to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), the 
chairman of the Committee on International Relations, and that he be 
permitted to control that time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson). Without objection, the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) will control the time of the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey).
  There was no objection.
  Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Lantos), the ranking member on the Committee on 
International Relations, be permitted to control the balance of my time 
and yield that time as he sees fit.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Lantos) will control the remainder of the time for the 
minority leader.
  There was no objection.


                             General Leave

  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 464.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, it has been a year since the world watched the 
impossible happen, and yet it is difficult to believe that such a year 
has passed so quickly. The sense and feel of time have been altered, 
seemingly suspended even as the calendar's relentless progress has 
remained unaffected.
  On this first anniversary, we would only deceive ourselves if we were 
to believe that those events are now safely confined to the past. We 
will continue to live with them all our lives.
  Modern communications have brought us many new and wonderful things, 
but they have also made possible the communal experience of tragedy. In 
this new age, distance will no longer spare us, nor can an absence of 
ties insulate us, from sorrow.
  All who witnessed the events of September 11 still bear the scars of 
seeing inconceivable images and impossible events unfold in real time. 
But our own experiences, however painful, cannot compare with that of 
the innocents who bore the horror directly, nor with that of their 
families and friends who were suddenly and violently severed from their 
former lives and from the touch of those deeply loved.
  We Americans are a practical people. Instead of resigning ourselves 
to the difficulties of life, we instinctively seek to identify problems 
in order to focus our efforts and move towards solutions. In the past 
year we have done this.
  We have come to know our enemies and direct our determination and 
resources to uncovering their hiding places and plans. We are now 
engaged in designing and implementing measures to resist their ability 
to harm us. The challenge is an entirely new one, but one which gains 
in clarity each day. I hope all of us are now aware that in addition to 
our successes, we must prepare ourselves for the likelihood of failures 
in a struggle that may have no end.
  By infusing purpose, action can thus fill many voids, but the need 
remains to understand what happened and to comprehend the meaning of 
the events of that day. Here words give way to silence, for deep 
reflection is the predicate to understanding. Our modern, rational 
world once promised in time to reveal all secrets to us, but can we 
still cling to that belief now that we have been confronted with things 
we thought long past, vanquished and erased from the world by reason 
and light?
  The modern world has seen many efforts to eliminate God from our 
lives, but we have not been able to eliminate evil. The last century 
was unparalleled in human history in its celebration of the savagery 
that human beings can wreak upon one another. We had hoped we might 
escape that fate in this century, but now we know that we will not.
  We have been forcibly awakened from our dreams of an earthly heaven 
by the bitter knowledge that evil still roams freely in the world. We 
cannot allow ourselves to be paralyzed with despair or fear, and 
neither can we permit our natural optimism to shield us from the 
realities of the world. If there is any useful thing to be drawn from 
this terrible experience, it is that we have been given an unmistakable 
warning that in this new century, unknown and fearsome challenges await 
us, challenges that will impose the severest test of our national 
character.
  Knowing this, we have a duty to prepare ourselves to defend not only 
our lives and those of our children, not only our beloved country, not 
only our freedoms, but civilization itself. We are Rome, beset by new 
barbarians who are savagely motivated by their immense hatred of us, of 
our happiness and our success, of the promise America represents for 
the world; for our enemies have no aim except destruction, nothing to 
offer but a forced march back to a bleak and dismal past. Theirs is a 
world without light; their all-encompassing hatred a repudiation of any 
saving grace.

                              {time}  1245

  Their victory would impose a new Dark Age, but this time perhaps an 
endless one. They are enemies of the future itself.

[[Page H6177]]

  As we resolve ourselves to our task, as we grieve for all of those 
linked to us by tragedy, we may also see ourselves more truly and 
thereby understand that our great strengths are interwoven with many 
fragile things, and that being human, we have our faults and flaws to 
contend with as well. The threats we face have given us a greater sense 
of how rare and wonderful is the world we share and of our 
responsibility to protect it from the storms outside.
  It is for these reasons that we remember those 3,000 fellow citizens 
who, asking nothing other than to live their lives in peace, were 
brutally murdered by men without conscience or mercy. We know it is 
right to remember our dead and commend them to the mercy of God, 
because should we forget them, we would only invite new acts of terror. 
We remember because, to quote Lincoln's haunting phrase, ``the mystic 
chords of memory'' bind us to the victims and the heroes of September 
11.
  And we shall not break faith with their memory.
  May those who died in the attacks of September 11 rest in the mercy 
of God. May those of us who remain be steadfast, courageous, and live 
lives worthy of their great sacrifice.
  Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 464 expresses our gratitude to our friends 
and underscores the Nation's resolve to meet the enemy and defeat them. 
I believe passage of this resolution will commemorate those heroic 
actions of last September 11 and stand as an important symbolic gesture 
which all Members should support.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, at the outset, let me commend my good friend 
and distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), 
for his powerful and thoughtful statement; and I identify myself with 
both the sentiments and the words that we have just heard.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this historic 
resolution, and I yield myself such time as I might consume.
  Mr. Speaker, just a bit over a year ago, I had the great honor of 
joining my good friend, the distinguished chairman of the Committee on 
International Relations, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), in 
managing the debate on the resolution condemning the September 11 
terrorist attacks. On that day, I spoke of our Nation's loss of 
innocence. America's illusions of invulnerability were violently 
shattered on September 11, 2001; and our Nation turned its focus on far 
greater concerns than some of the follies and frivolities that had 
consumed us prior to that day.
  Since September 11 last year, we have matured as a Nation. We 
Americans have come to terms with the terrible reality that ours 
continues to be a most dangerous world from which there is no escape. 
Distant events can and do impact on our daily lives in unpredictable 
and even unthinkable ways.
  We have matured too, Mr. Speaker, in our understanding of the meaning 
of the term ``homeland security.'' September 11 made clear that our 
safety is as dependent upon a strong foreign policy as it is upon 
strong domestic defenses. There is no homefront in this fight, only a 
united front in which our domestic and foreign policies form a single 
seamless defense against terrorism. Among the many casualties of 
September 11 was the false dichotomy between domestic and foreign 
policy.
  Now, a year later, we face a new challenge. It is incumbent upon us 
now to prosecute this war against terrorism not simply in our own self 
defense, but in defense of the principle of democracy that is at the 
very core of our Nation. The terrorists and their protectors fear the 
freedom we cherish, and they seek to destroy it wherever it thrives. 
The war on terrorism, then, is a common struggle with all democracies 
to preserve democracy itself, and we can only achieve true victory in 
this epic struggle when we bring democracy to all the corners of the 
globe.
  In his address before a joint session of Congress on September 20 of 
last year, the President defined our adversaries in this war as the 
perpetrators of the September 11 attacks and their protectors. He 
further widened the war in his State of the Union address to include 
other terrorist organizations and states that terrorize the world with 
weapons of mass destruction.
  We must now widen our struggle further still to encompass all those 
repressive, undemocratic regimes that provide the breeding ground for 
terrorism. It is only through the creation of open societies, resilient 
to dissent and capable of free debate, that terrorism can truly be 
defeated.
  It is in the crucible of the Middle East where this greater struggle 
must now be waged. It is not enough to defeat Osama bin Laden and his 
minions, although that we surely must do. We must also combat the 
repression, the lies, and the hatred that consume so many in this 
crucial region. The United States and our allies must recommit 
ourselves to bringing democratic institutions and free and open 
societies to these peoples.
  It is tempting, Mr. Speaker, amid the grief of this day to find 
solace in the victories we have achieved in the war against terrorism 
to date. And indeed, the brave men and women of our armed services 
engaged in Afghanistan and around the globe deserve our deepest praise 
and gratitude for their battlefield achievements.
  But we must not grow complacent in this epic fight, a fight that may 
span generations. To do so would dishonor those who perished on this 
day one year ago, and to do so would undermine the cause of democracy 
worldwide.
  In the immortal words of President Lincoln, repeated at the World 
Trade Center this morning, we are a nation engaged in a great war, 
testing whether our Nation, or any nation so conceived and so 
dedicated, can long endure. For our own sake and for the sake of free 
societies, we must continue our fight.
  Mr. Speaker, on this first anniversary of September 11, 2001, we 
mourn the victims, we honor the heroes, we contemplate the lessons, and 
we celebrate the unity of our Nation so proudly displayed since that 
fateful day. One year ago, we suffered a grievous wound. One year 
later, that wound has begun to heal and the scar it has left has 
toughened our skin, but it has not and will not harden our hearts or 
dampen our spirits. God bless this great Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Goss).
  (Mr. GOSS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GOSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished chairman of the 
committee for yielding me this time. I am obviously here to join my 
colleagues in honoring the memory of those who died in the terrorist 
attacks of a year ago this day and to underscore with gratitude the 
amazing valor displayed by them.
  I am sure every American remembers where they were and what they were 
doing when these ignominious attacks occurred. For me, I recall finding 
Speaker Hastert in his office, urgently gazing out the window down the 
Mall, looking at the smoke coming from the Pentagon. I urged immediate 
evacuation, and the Speaker said, stop. First, we must open the House 
and have a prayer. So part of my memory includes our short gathering in 
this Chamber and the earnest and moving prayer by the guest chaplain of 
that day, Reverend Gerald Creedon.
  I would like to begin my remarks this day recalling that prayer. He 
said, ``God of peace and life, send Your spirit to heal our country; 
bring consolation to all injured in today's tragedy in New York and 
Washington. Protect us and help our leaders to lead us out of this 
moment of crisis to a new day of peace. Amen.''
  What Reverend Creedon did not know, and what none of us knew here, 
was that more casualties were to come in a field in Pennsylvania 
shortly after his prayer and our very hasty adjournment that day. 
Actually, this was not Father Creedon's original prayer; he had 
prepared one on the topic of immigration. But realizing the gravity of 
the situation, he spontaneously gave us heartfelt, wonderful words 
which were suitable to the moment and which are posted on the wall of 
my office to this day as a daily reminder.
  To the more than 3,000 people who lost their lives that day at the 
World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and

[[Page H6178]]

United Flight 93, we owe continuing remembrance, deep thanks, and 
responsive action. A year ago today, terrorists attacked Americans and 
citizens of scores of other countries who were on our U.S. soil. We, 
along with a broad coalition of nations, have taken up the challenge of 
combating the scourge of global terrorism. It is serious business. 
President Bush has left no doubt about his commitment to have our 
Nation lead the way.
  Last year the fight came to the doorstep of each and every American 
citizen; and within the very first minutes of September 11, 2001, our 
Nation responded as one. I would like to dedicate my short time today 
to celebrating the men and women, ordinary Americans, who have fought 
back; the quiet heroes.
  Let me begin with Ceecee Lyles, a flight attendant of Flight 93, who 
was a resident of my district of southwest Florida. A former police 
patrol officer detective, she had spent 6 years risking her life to 
protect others in that service. In December of 2000, mindful of her 
young children and looking for a less dangerous career, she enrolled as 
a flight attendant school candidate; and 6 weeks later, she began 
flying for United Airlines out of Newark.
  At 9:58 on September 11, only 5 minutes after the House recessed for 
the day under the dire circumstances then apparent, Ceecee called her 
husband, Lorne, in Fort Myers, who is a police officer there, from her 
plane to tell him that her flight had been hijacked. Her words: ``I 
called to tell you I love you. Tell the kids I love them.'' Her last 
words that we know of were, ``I think they are going to do it. They are 
forcing their way into the cockpit.''

                              {time}  1300

  And then the phone went dead.
  In this Chamber, we owe a particular debt of gratitude to CeeCee 
Lyles and her companions on Flight 93, and we all know it. That flight 
may very well have been heading to Washington when it crashed into 
Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Without prompting or training, the 
passengers and crew fought back, and in doing so, saved many additional 
lives; possibly, our lives right here in the Capitol, for as we now 
know, many believe, and there is some evidence, that the Capitol was 
the intended target of Flight 93.
  FBI Director Mueller, speaking at the crash site in Pennsylvania, 
said, ``We believe that those passengers on that jet were absolute 
heroes.'' Wallace Miller, the coroner for the case, called the 
passengers citizen soldiers. He went on to ask: ``When can you think 
of, other than the Revolution or our Civil War or at Pearl Harbor, 
where American citizens died defending their home ground?''
  But let us reflect a moment on our history. While many would compare 
9-11 to the devastation of Pearl Harbor, there is a significant 
difference. Pearl Harbor was, after all, a military-against-military 
matter; 9-11 was a vicious attack on civilians and on freedom.
  It is obvious that all of us have had to deal with new restrictions 
on the way we live our lives; but we have also developed a sense of 
pride, of patience, and individual responsibility as we go about our 
lives to bring us closer as Americans.
  The terrorists thought they would destroy our spirit; but instead, 
they renewed it. Destroying the will of the enemy to fight is the 
common measure of victory in war. bin Laden and his depraved extremists 
fueled our resolve to wipe his brand of evil from a civilized world.
  In addition to people all over America who have stepped up to the 
plate, our government has also become more alert, more focused, and 
more vigilant. We all must recognize the dedication and sacrifice of 
the thousands of individuals in government service who are out there on 
the front lines. They are protecting you and me, and they are making us 
proud. They know we are counting on them at a time when it matters.
  Every new day as we wake up safe and sound in our homes here, I hope 
we remember to say just a little thank you to those out there for the 
work they are doing. Whether fighting al Qaeda in Afghanistan and 
Pakistan, working the streets in Africa, Latin America, Europe, or 
Asia, perhaps working in a cubicle in the D.C. area, or as part of the 
joint terrorism task force in a U.S. city, these are the intelligence 
officers, the military and civilian personnel who in all likelihood 
will not receive public recognition for the work they do; yet they do 
work long hours, often in places far from friends and family, and 
sometimes at very great personal risk. I regrettably acknowledge that 
sometimes they do not come home.
  Johnny Michael Spann was a CIA officer, a husband, and a father of 
three. He went into Afghanistan in an early phase of the war to collect 
information crucial to defeating the Taliban and to protecting 
Americans at home. He was killed last November during a prisoner 
uprising in Mazar-e-Sharif, which was particularly brutal, as we now 
know.
  Finally, I would like to recognize that since last September every 
American has been engaged in combatting terrorism. We have been more 
vigilant, aware and alert, reporting leads to the police and FBI in 
record numbers. We have volunteered time and resources to our 
communities. We have been more patient as we have tried new security 
procedures at airports and public buildings, even though some of them 
have clearly turned out to be unworkable. We have maintained our basic 
freedoms and our democracy in the face of further terrorist threat. We 
still fly, we go to the mall, we cheer on our sports teams, we drive 
over bridges, we speak our minds, and we assemble where we choose.
  So on this September 11, let us rededicate ourselves to honoring the 
memory of those who died by continuing to stand up to terror and to 
fear. Then let us also look to the future and the young people who are 
preparing to join the fray. Our youth, who some thought might be 
becoming a bit apathetic, or were perhaps now taking this great country 
for granted, are now applying in record numbers to service academies, 
to police and fire departments, the military, the FBI, the CIA, and 
other government service. They are our future and they are ready.
  September 11 will come again next year and every year thereafter. It 
is now part of who we are. Woe to those who would ever test us again.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), our 
distinguished colleague from our capital city who represents Washington 
with such grace and effectiveness.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to 
me, and for his kind and gracious words.
  September 11 will always be a day to remember; but for us, it must 
also be a day to consider how to go on. If one lives or works here, as 
Members do, we remember that no sooner had September 11 come than we 
had October and the anthrax tragedies that occurred, beginning in the 
Brentwood post office, and spread even to this very Congress.
  Yet, Mr. Speaker, though some may consider the capital city a target 
city, I can come to the floor this afternoon and say I have never felt 
myself to be a target. That is probably because I am an American, and 
it may be in part because I was a small child in this city during World 
War II. Therefore, I am blessed and perhaps burdened by the notion of 
American invincibility. I do not believe that simply because of our 
military might. Somehow I believe that my country cannot and will not 
be defeated ever from within or without. It is simply part of the way I 
was raised, and it is part of the way we must raise our children.
  I know how one's spirit can be broken when one goes to the funerals 
of three small children and their teacher who went down in the plane at 
the Pentagon. It can try one's spirit. But the fact is, I regard those 
children as representatives of all who lost their lives in September 
and October of last year; and somehow or the other, remembering 
September 11 and the October anthrax tragedies through the lives of 
these 11-year-old children and their teachers, random targets, has 
instructed me how to go on.
  I believe we will defeat terrorism. I tell you, it is part of my core 
belief. What I think we have to learn to do is to maintain an open 
society in the process. No society has ever faced what we have today. 
No society has ever had to face keeping itself wide open while 
understanding that terror lies within.

[[Page H6179]]

  I am a native Washingtonian, a fourth-generation Washingtonian. We 
live here and feel ourselves the stewards of the Nation's capital. As 
such, we cannot stand by and see the Nation's capital ever be closed, 
because if it is closed or seems to close down, the rest of America 
will believe it must follow behind.
  If this is to be an open and free society, it must begin with an open 
and free Washington, D.C. I am proud of the Congress for keeping our 
Chambers open, for doing all we can to keep this city open, and for 
remembering that when we are open, the rest of the country will feel 
itself open. Finally we will, I believe, have the rest of the world 
believe they, too, must open their societies to us and to the rest of 
the world.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for bringing this resolution to 
the floor.
  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman 
emeritus of the Committee on International Relations.
  (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank our chairman for yielding time to 
me.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Concurrent 
Resolution 464, commemorating the tragic events of 9-11. I commend our 
distinguished majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey); 
our distinguished Committee on International Relations chairman, the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde); and our ranking minority member, 
the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for bringing this measure 
to the floor at this time.
  On that day, 1 year ago, our Nation was deliberately and barbarically 
attacked by terrorists at New York's World Trade Center, at the 
Pentagon, and on Flight 93 over Pennsylvania. It is our solemn duty 
today to reflect on those terrorist events and to memorialize those who 
perished needlessly at the hands of those criminals.
  My 20th Congressional District in New York lost more than 90 innocent 
lives on that terrible day. We join in extending our condolences to all 
of the 9-11 victims, and to their families and to their loved ones, and 
at the same time, reminding them of our Nation's unrelenting 
determination to bring to justice all those who carried out these evil 
acts.
  As our Nation stands together today in honoring the innocent men and 
women who were taken from us on 9-11, we also pay tribute to our 
firefighters, to the police officers, to the rescue workers, and to all 
the citizens who bravely mounted the largest rescue operation in 
history under the most unthinkable conditions. Their countless heroic 
acts on 9-11 mark it both as a day of tragedy as well as triumph.
  Let us also pause today to salute the men and women of our Armed 
Forces who are out there defending freedom and democracy on the front 
lines of our war on terrorism. Let us pray, too, for their safe return 
and their eventual triumph.
  As we reflect today upon our extensive losses on the anniversary of 
tragedy and horror, let us also remember the valor, the patriotism, and 
the unity of our Nation in its darkest hour. That date, 9-11, was not 
only a turning point in the history of our great Nation, but also the 
world. As we seek God's blessing for our Nation and for the victims and 
heroes of September 11, let us all pledge to work together to make our 
world a safer place in which to live.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may 
consume to the distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), one 
of the true statesmen in this body.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Lantos), for yielding me this time.
  I am pleased to join him and also my very close friend, the gentleman 
from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), in recognizing and remembering. As well, I am 
pleased to follow the remarks of my friend, the gentleman from New York 
(Mr. Gilman). All three of these gentlemen, Mr. Speaker, have been in 
the forefront of focusing on the foreign policy of the United States. 
All three have focused on the extension of liberty and justice and 
freedom throughout this world. All three have focused on human rights 
and the recognition of the rights of individuals. How appropriate it is 
that these three leaders lead us in this remembrance.
  Mr. Speaker, none of us, none of us will forget where we were when we 
learned the news. None of us, I think, will forget those 84 minutes 
from 8:46 a.m. on September 11, 2001, when the North Tower was struck, 
to 84 minutes later when the crash of the jet from Pennsylvania 
precluded the success of the terrorists in striking this Capitol.
  None of us, Mr. Speaker, will ever forget. In an instant on that 
Tuesday morning, now known simply as 9-11, the generation of Americans, 
this generation of Americans, suffered its Pearl Harbor. In an instant, 
or more accurately, I suppose, in 84 minutes, more than 3,000 innocent 
human beings, many of uncommon courage, were murdered by criminals of 
unbounded evil.
  Words, Mr. Speaker, cannot convey the depth of pain inflicted on this 
Nation and its people 1 year ago. The pain endures and will remain. 
Today we remember all those who were taken on that horrific day. Our 
thoughts and our prayers are with those who survived and those who lost 
loved ones, as well as with the brave men and women this very hour 
defending freedom here at home and abroad.
  In many ways, such unspeakable acts have clarified our purpose, 
steeled our resolve, and confirmed who we are.

                              {time}  1315

  We are a peaceful, tolerant and compassionate people. The evidence of 
that, Mr. Speaker, lies throughout our great Nation.
  Since September 11 private charities have raised more than $2.4 
billion, private charities, more than $2.4 billion to assist survivors. 
Former President Clinton and former Senate majority leader Bob Dole 
joined to raise $105 million to pay for college for the children and 
spouses of those killed or disabled. More than 3,000 people download 
applications for Americorps every week; more than 76,000 have requested 
Peace Corps applications; and more than 48,000 have signed up for 
Citizen Corps programs. Yes, Mr. Speaker, this is a generous, 
compassionate and giving Nation.
  Closer to home, Donn Marshall of Marbury, Maryland, refused to let 
the savagery of 9-11 define the life and loss of his beloved wife, 
Shelley. Shelley was an employee of the Defense Intelligence Agency and 
she was one of the 20 Fifth Congressional District residents and 53 
Marylanders who were taken from their family and friends by the 
mindless acts of savagery on 9-11. Rather than give in, however, to 
unblinking but justified anger, Donn has given his sorrow meaning.
  In tribute to his wife, Shelley, he established the Shelley A. 
Marshall Foundation, an irrevocable trust that funds children's story 
hours at public libraries, creative writing contests at colleges, and 
tea parties at nursing homes that bring senior citizens and high school 
students together.
  The aftermath of 9-11 has seen countless other acts, Mr. Speaker, of 
generosity, community and courage, in your district, Mr. Speaker, in 
mine, and in the districts of every Member of this House, which is to 
say in every corner of this Nation. From the local police officers and 
firefighters who raced towards danger at the Pentagon and Ground Zero 
in New York City, to the Facchina Construction Company in my district 
and those employees who completed their reconstruction work at the 
Pentagon 3\1/2\ months early, even after their La Plata headquarters 
was devastated and destroyed by a tornado just a few months ago, to the 
local artist in my district who raised $5,000 for the widows and 
children of firefighters from the sale of 9-11 T-shirts that he 
designed.
  Mr. Speaker, the terrorists who sought to break our spirit only 
fortified that spirit. Their barbarism reminded us of our inevitable 
vulnerability but also reminded us that we are a part of something much 
greater than ourselves. We are the land of the free because, Mr. 
Speaker, we are the home of the brave.
  More than 40 years ago President Kennedy stirred our Nation when he 
said that, ``The energy, the faith, the devotion that we bring to this 
endeavor will light our country and all who serve it.'' And he 
correctly concluded

[[Page H6180]]

that, ``The glow from that fire can truly light the world.''
  The fire of freedom, Mr. Speaker, forged the American character and 
it burns deep within our soul. The ashes of tragedy have rekindled that 
spirit; and one year later, the world must know freedom's light still 
burns brightly and its eternal truth shall never, never, never be 
extinguished. May God, Mr. Speaker, continue to bless and guide America 
as we continue our commitment to a just Nation and the defense and 
extension of freedom.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson). Without objection, the 
gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) will control the time on the 
majority side.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
distinguished gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp).
  (Mr. WAMP asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this important resolution 
and I thank the leadership of both sides for their initiative.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a day of remembrance, a day of remembering over 
3,000 individual persons who died at the hands of people who were so 
deranged that they also died in their killings of innocents in America. 
A day of remembering 3,000 families that will never again be the same, 
but the families through their sacrifice have definitely contributed to 
a better America because of what they have given. A day of remembering 
the sacrifice and courage that was demonstrated, manifesting itself as 
love, immediately overtook hate, incredible love that sent warm 
feelings throughout the world towards the United States of America. It 
is a day of emotion.
  I was at the Pentagon this morning, as were many of my colleagues and 
our President and the Secretary of Defense. I was there last year right 
after the Pentagon was struck. The stench of war, death and destruction 
a year ago was replaced this morning by the smell of new construction, 
a breeze that blew up the dust of a construction site now complete, 
sparkling new windows, and a whole new day at the Pentagon. A day of 
sadness for great loss. A day of joy for the Phoenix project and that 
new beginning. A day of humility.
  I continue to be in awe of this job, this country, and the people of 
America. A day of national pride as we stand together with our 
President and our leadership. A day of deep and abiding love for our 
fellow man of all denominations from all around the world. God created 
each of us. But a day of righteous anger for what has happened, and a 
desire for justice to be served, but for our country to never extract 
revenge.
  Mr. Speaker, today is a day of unity in this House and across this 
land. The Holy Scripture says that unity is a supernatural anointing of 
God. The words say, One can chase a thousand, in the Old Testament. Two 
can chase 10,000. What that means is whenever God's children get 
together with a common purpose, spirit of unity, God anoints that unity 
and supernatural things can happen. We have seen that in this country 
as we have come together. We need to do it more often. We need to 
continue the unity that this tragedy brought to this great Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, today is a day of resolve. We live in a new and 
difficult time. We stand today, my generation, on the shoulders of the 
greatest generation. A generation that I grew up admiring and continue 
to admire. The greatest generation rightly earned their place in our 
country's history because of their dedication and their sacrifice. My 
generation has been called the ``me generation.'' We are self-absorbed, 
self-consuming, lazy, maybe not even capable of having what it takes. 
But I believe that in the last year, thanks to our domestic warriors, 
our first responders, our troops on the home front, our firefighters 
and law enforcement personnel and EMTs, and the bravery and courage 
that they have shown, this ``me generation'' may be becoming the ``we 
generation.'' More selflessness, more sacrifice, more courage than I 
have seen in my lifetime has been demonstrated in the last year.
  I even see the joy in the eyes of the greatest generation as they 
look in their later years at what has happened in the last year with 
some amazement and incredible pride to say to this generation, you have 
what it takes, too. And I am glad because the days ahead are uncertain, 
challenges are many. We may have many difficult times that we must go 
through ahead; but, Mr. Speaker, we have what it takes because we 
inherited a legacy of courage and honor and valor and we must answer 
this call to courage because what is at stake is freedom.
  It is fragile. It is a powerful force much like unity and love, but 
it is fragile. We must not rest. We must not grow complacent over time. 
We must be vigilant. We must be willing to fight and to die to preserve 
freedom.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my 
good friend and distinguished colleague from Rhode Island (Mr. 
Langevin).
  (Mr. LANGEVIN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, today I join millions of people in solemn 
reflection on the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
  One year has passed since that horrific day thrust the world into 
shock and sadness; and while some pain has subsided, our wounds have 
not entirely healed, particularly for those who lost loved ones in New 
York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. However, by responding to this 
tragedy with hope and determination, our Nation has grown stronger.
  As the initial confusion of the attacks subsided, we became familiar 
with some of the names and the faces of the victims. Rhode Island was 
touched personally by this tragedy through the loss of several who 
called our State home. David and Lynn Angell, Carol Bouchard, Renee 
Newell, Mark Charette, Michael Gould, Amy Jarret, Kathryn Laborie, 
Shawn Nassaney and Lynn Goodchild. We learned about these individuals, 
their interests and their lives. We have prayed for their families and 
loved ones and responded to their grief with compassion.
  As in the past, Americans offered sympathy and support to those 
touched by tragedy, reminding us that though the terrorists attacked 
our Nation, they did not and they cannot damage our spirit.
  On this solemn occasion I pay tribute to those who lost their lives, 
to their friends and families who continue to grieve, to the American 
heroes who dedicated themselves to rescue and recovery efforts, to our 
service men and women who are defending our Nation against the ongoing 
threat of terrorism and to the spirit of America which has helped us 
endure these difficult times and will grow stronger from our 
sacrifices.
  God bless America.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the time for 
debate on this resolution be extended 60 minutes to be equally divided 
between the majority and the minority.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Nebraska?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
distinguished gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle).
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. 
Bereuter) for yielding me time, and I thank the sponsors of the Patriot 
resolution which I rise in strong support of this afternoon.
  Today is a solemn day to reflect on the lives lost and the families 
who have been altered forever by the terrorist attacks last September 
11.
  In the aftermath of these devastating attacks, the American public 
and people around the world came to realize that thousands of innocent 
Americans and others from many nations and walks of life perished 
because evil forces wanted to strike at the heart of this great Nation.
  Today and forever we will grieve for all of the victims. We have 
listened to the reading of the names of those lost but who, more 
importantly, are the family, friends and loved ones of those who are 
still on this Earth and miss them today.

                              {time}  1330

  September 11 will always be etched in the minds of all Americans and 
our families and friends throughout the world. Today we remember our 
heroes who gave their lives so others may live,

[[Page H6181]]

our brave citizens, firefighters, police officers, and emergency 
personnel. The outpouring of emotion, generosity, and courageousness of 
mankind continues to touch us daily. Now is not only the time for 
remembrance of the past but also a time to look forward to living our 
lives with vigor and joy. We are a country that stands more united than 
ever before. Our diversity has strengthened us and our pride in America 
continues to grow. On this pain-filled first anniversary, we stand tall 
defending freedom, working for peace, and seeking justice. We must 
continue to support one another, and we must remain committed and 
united in the war against terrorism and use all of our might to bring 
to justice all of those involved with the attacks. Today we pledge to 
do everything in our power to defeat terrorism and to make our Nation 
stronger in every way that has made it a beacon of freedom and 
opportunity in the entire world.
  May God bless America.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise 
and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished 
gentleman for yielding me this time. And I thank the authors of this 
resolution today.
  A year ago today, many of us as Americans might have been asking the 
question who are we? And the terrorists who attacked us might have 
thought in that horrific act of violence that who we were would 
crumble. They might have expected that because we came from all walks 
of life and spoke different languages when we first came to this 
Nation, we enjoy our respective cultures, that the coalition would 
disintegrate, that we would no longer be America, that we would begin 
to join places where we might have come from or our ancestors might 
have started and we might have gone at each other and might have 
accused each other.
  But we fooled them because America is a Nation of the free and the 
brave. It is in fact a very special place; and more than anytime in our 
lifetime, Americans stood united. It frightened the rest of the world, 
I might imagine, those who wanted to perpetrate terrorism, undermine 
our democratic ideals, get us to attack our Constitution. We stood 
firm. As I sat there today at the Pentagon and I watched as our flag 
began to blow in the morning's wind, it reminded me of the words of 
Francis Scott Key, why he was so moved to write the ``Star Spangled 
Banner,'' for as he looked up as those bombs were bursting and that war 
was going on, he felt that there was a theme and a symbol that 
continued, and his words were:
  ``Now it catches the gleam of the morning's fresh beam,
  In full glory, reflected now shines on the stream;
  'tis the star spangled banner. O, long may it wave
  Over the land of the free and the home of the brave.''
  That is what we showed the world on September 11. We showed them that 
we could in fact survive. And today I take time to salute those first 
responders who helped us survive, the police, the firefighters, the 
paramedics, all the medical professionals, and just plain ordinary 
people, the volunteers, the men and women of the United States military 
who too today stand at the front line of freedom and opportunity and 
justice, the unsung heroes, many of whom will not and did not live to 
tell their own story. We honor them and yesterday belongs to the 
families, the families of those who lost their lives and the families 
of survivors. We honor them and we thank them.
  I spoke today to a family member who lost his wife in Somerset, 
Pennsylvania; and his words were chilling to me. It reminded me of the 
importance of the resolve of this Nation and of this government. He 
said simply, ``I do not understand. I'm still living through this. I do 
not know how I'm going to get through it.'' He, however, may take 
comfort in the way that America has come together, how we have 
comforted each other. He may take comfort in knowing that anytime we 
are attacked, we will stand unified together. Their stories may never 
be told, those who lost their lives, but we will stand arm in arm 
together.
  Might I say, Mr. Speaker, as I close, that the government came 
together, State and local officials. Might I also say that even though 
we were diverse, we did not use this time to attack any religious 
group, any believers of any faith, any distinctive ethnic group. We 
came together.
  I would simply say, Mr. Speaker, that this Nation is a Nation under 
God. I hold this Bible. I will not read it today, but I am proud as an 
American that if I chose to do, I could read this Bible because we do 
have the freedom which we fight for, and that is why I know in our 
hearts we will continue to wage this ongoing fight against terrorism; 
but we will do it by showing to the world our own values of democracy 
and of freedom and of justice and equality.
  I believe the ``Battle Hymn of the Republic'' says it well:
  ``Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord. He is 
trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored.
  He has loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword.
  His truth is marching on.''
  The truth of this Nation continues to march, and we can do it in a 
way that understands freedom.
  God bless America and God bless its people, for the truth will 
continue to march on.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  In the way of introduction of the next gentleman, I would say that 
the Speaker, in the aftermath of the events of September 11, decided to 
create an entity within the House of Representatives to focus on the 
problems of terrorism. He placed that responsibility in the House 
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and created under the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Goss) a new subcommittee to focus 
exclusively on terrorism, and that subcommittee is chaired by the 
distinguished gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Chambliss), and the ranking 
minority member is the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Harman). A 
report they have prepared for the House is exceptionally insightful, 
very important in our work here; and I commend the gentleman and the 
gentlewoman from California for their effort.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from Georgia (Mr. Chambliss).
  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. 
Bereuter) for his very kind comments, and it was a very bipartisan 
effort that allowed us to produce what I think is a very informative 
report.
  Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of this resolution. On 
the anniversary of September 11, we remember the innocent victims of 
last year's terrorist attack against our Nation and pay tribute to the 
heroes who risked their lives to save others.
  This day is indelibly marked in our Nation's memory. It is a day when 
our Nation changed, when we were savagely attacked by malicious enemies 
whose hatred of freedom and democracy runs so deep that they would 
murder innocent men, women and children.
  These attacks on our cherished principles, values and freedoms tried 
to weaken our Nation; but the tragic events of September 11, 2001, only 
strengthened the American resolve. The loss is overwhelming; but in the 
wake of this tragedy, we have witnessed many of the best aspects of 
America: the tremendous outpouring of patriotism, a common sense of 
grief and loss which touched every American, a bond of love and support 
among strangers from across the land, a renewed commitment to our 
respective religious beliefs, and a renewed national resolve to root 
out terrorism and act against the enemies of America.
  Today at the Pentagon ceremony, I visited with Pat Hogan, the widow 
of Major Cole Hogan of Macon, Georgia. Major Hogan was an Army Green 
Beret who served his country bravely here at home and around the world 
and was killed in the attack on the Pentagon. Our hearts, prayers, and 
thoughts are with the friends and families like Pat Hogan who suffered 
such a tremendous loss a year ago.
  Over the past year we have endured daunting challenges, and our lives 
have been forever changed by these terrorist acts and the threat that 
continues to confront us. We have made progress in making America a 
safer place and

[[Page H6182]]

fighting the war on terrorism. More still needs to be done; but as we 
move forward, we have an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to do all 
we can to work together to preserve the memory of those who perished in 
making our Nation a better place, a safer place and to ensure that the 
spirit of freedom, democracy and our core American values continue to 
burn even brighter in our Nation and around the world.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to my 
distinguished colleague from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind).
  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I too rise to remember the terrible events of 
September 11, to honor the victims of the attack and their families and 
to let them know that especially today, they do not stand alone, and to 
pay tribute to the heroes of that day, the passengers of Flight 93, the 
rescue efforts at the Pentagon and in New York City, the police 
officers, the firefighters, the first responders, emergency medical 
technicians, the health care providers.
  That day started with great shock and honor, Mr. Speaker; but it 
ended with incredible unity and a sense of resolve that those 
responsible would be held accountable. From the ashes of that attack 
arose a new sense of patriotism and a solemn pledge to never forget and 
to learn from that terrible day.
  We became unified in this Nation out of a sense of common values that 
we share: love of country, love of the freedom and liberties that we 
hold so dear, a shared sense of common vulnerability now that our 
splendid isolationism in the world and our sense of innocence was taken 
from us. That is perhaps what has made me most angry about the events 
of last September 11, the grief that we have to share with the families 
who lost loved ones, but the knowledge that my two little boys and all 
our children in our country will have to grow up in a 21st century with 
the specter of terrorism and that vulnerability hanging over their 
heads.
  I was heartbroken to have read the story of the two little boys who 
lost a father at the World Trade Center when they were at home, and 
they got all excited and started jumping up and down when they saw 
their dad's car being pulled into the driveway. They were screaming, 
``Mommy, Mommy, Daddy's home, Daddy's home.'' She knew that could not 
be the case, and she looked out the window to only see a tow truck 
dropping off her husband's car in the family driveway and having to 
explain to her sons why their dad was never coming home again.
  Or the ``Nightline'' story of the retired firefighters living down in 
Florida who came back up to Ground Zero to sift through the wreckage in 
order to find the remains of bodies so they could be identified. They 
did it out of a sense of honor to their fallen comrades but also 
because they had lost their own sons, the next generation of 
firefighters who went into those burning buildings to save lives. One 
of the firefighters was interviewed by Ted Koppel, and he asked them, 
``Why are you doing this day in and day out, from dawn to dusk every 
day?'' He responded, ``When we signed up to be firefighters and when 
our sons signed up to be firefighters, we all knew there was a risk in 
this job, but everyone deserves a decent burial.''
  These are the memories that will live with us for the rest of our 
lives and why it is so heartbreaking.
  After one of our intelligence briefings, I was talking to one of the 
intelligence officers and commented to him how sophisticated this 
terrorist operation seemed, and he replied that it was not all that 
impressive. He said it was a low-tech operation. It is very easy to fly 
commercial airlines when they are already aflight. The hard part is 
landing them safely, and they never intended to land safely.
  That is the challenge that lies before our country today. We not only 
need to fly the Ship of State safely, but we need to land the Ship of 
State safely; and that is why I hope that we learn from this terrible 
event, but do not get too intoxicated with our own military power, 
which is considerable.
  I would hope that we realize we must maintain our good citizenship 
throughout the globe, that we are in this all together. This is not 
only about enhancing our own security interests in the United States 
and for our citizens abroad, but for all of the freedom-loving nations 
throughout the globe who have a common goal in defeating international 
terrorism.
  We cannot do this alone. We need the help of the international 
community.

                              {time}  1345

  It is easy for our Nation, with the military power that we now 
possess, to accomplish so-called regime change. The hard part is 
nation-building that comes after. And that is why it is vitally 
important, I believe, that we keep our eye on the ball; that we pursue 
the al Qaeda organization, wherever they have scattered to the four 
winds, and that we do it with the cooperation and the help of the 
international community.
  I am confident with the deliberations in the days ahead that we will 
be guided with proper decisions. May God bless and may God continue to 
guide this great Nation.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Platts).
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding me this 
time. One year ago today, the lives of all Americans were forever 
changed. For the terrorists, the story of the September 11 attacks is 
one of immense hate, a hatred for the principles of freedom, liberty, 
and equality for which our great Nation stands. For Americans, however, 
the story of September 11 is a story of immense love, a love of 
country, a love for human life.
  Firefighters, police officers, and everyday citizens were heroic in 
rescuing victims of the attacks, and later in recovering the remains so 
as to properly honor those lost. Countless other citizens volunteered 
to assist and encouraged relief workers. Across the country, flags 
waved, hands were clasped in historic unity, and voices joined in 
prayer and in patriotic song.
  In response to the attacks, America has been made stronger. Americans 
better appreciate the sacrifices that police officers, firefighters and 
emergency personnel make every day to ensure our safety. And we 
certainly have a much deeper admiration for the courageous devotion to 
duty of our servicemen and women, our men and women in uniform, who 
fight to defend our precious freedoms throughout the world.
  President Bush so profoundly captured the enduring spirit of America 
when he stated last year, ``We will not tire. We will not falter. We 
will not fail. United we stand.''
  God bless those who lost loved ones in the attacks of September 11 
and those who gave their lives seeking to save the lives of others, and 
certainly God bless the United States of America.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm), my good friend, the 
distinguished ranking member of our Committee on Agriculture, and a 
great patriot.
  Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time. It has been said that ``Greater love hath no one than to lay down 
his life for a friend.'' Unless perhaps he or she lays down a life for 
a stranger. That is the love, the heroism, the patriotism that we pause 
today to remember and to honor. It is the love we witnessed on a large 
scale in New York and Pennsylvania, and Washington 1 year ago. But it 
is also the love that is practiced daily in communities across this 
great land.
  In some ways, September 11, 2001, is so indelibly imprinted on our 
minds and souls that it is difficult to believe an entire year has 
passed. As we recall each detail personally experienced on that day, we 
remember the horror, the anguish, the sorrow, and the fear. Certainly 
these emotions remain fresh to all of those who lost a loved one. But 
even for citizens in other parts of the country hundreds of miles away, 
our connection as fellow Americans meant that we all felt deep grief.
  As John Donne wrote more than 300 years ago, ``No man is an island, 
entire of itself. Any man's death diminishes me because I am involved 
in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, 
it tolls for thee.'' In the weeks following September 11, as we heard 
the bells tolling or the bagpipes playing Amazing Grace in funeral 
after funeral, each one of us did feel that a part of us had died. And 
so

[[Page H6183]]

today, as we remember, we feel sadness, we feel grief.
  For those of us who were not physically present at one of the attack 
sites, perhaps our greatest wound came from the fear that gripped our 
chests and our country. Suddenly our sense of safety, of 
invulnerability, of carefree security received a vicious slash from a 
cruel and unexpected attacker.
  As a Nation, we face the question will we be paralyzed by this fear 
or will we overcome it? The answer to that question is where the story 
brings us today. From biblical times until today humanity has 
discovered three things which overcome fear: Love, faith and action.
  Some people are aware of that truth every day of their lives. Each 
community's firefighters, our police officers, our emergency and health 
care workers, our men and women in military uniform, every day these 
heroes set aside personal fear in order to do their job so that the 
rest of us might live safely. They risk the possibility of laying down 
their lives for both friend and stranger and in doing so they 
demonstrate some of the greatest examples of love in our society.
  The year that has passed since September 11 has also helped us find 
meaning in and through our grief. It has given us an ability to view 
both world events and our personal lives with a new perspective. And 
what we have seen is that one of the darkest days of our history gave 
birth to thousands of acts of goodness, creating perhaps one of our 
finest hours. Ordinary men and women across the country showed 
extraordinary bravery, kindness and compassion as we pulled together as 
one United Nations.
  As we look back, we learn that it was through our giving back that we 
are now able to move forward. So while we respect and honor those who 
lost their lives a year ago, and feel compassion for those who remain 
in grief, today is also a day of celebration. We celebrate the American 
spirit, the heroes who are gathered here today among us all over 
America, and the three antidotes to fear, love, faith and action.
  The marvelous thing is that every one of us has the capacity to bring 
to life these fear fighters. We cannot all rush into burning buildings 
or stop senseless acts of violence. Few of us may actually be faced 
with the opportunity to save another life. But we all can be heroes by 
loving, by believing, and by acting to strengthen our communities. As 
we honor our heroes, both living and dead, we are called to find the 
heroic urge inside ourselves.
  September 11 may have shown us the worst of humanity, but it also 
reminded us of the chance to become the best of humanity, by loving, 
believing and acting. May each of us today honor those who died by 
doing just that.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased now to yield such time as he 
may consume to the distinguished gentleman from Florida (Mr. 
Bilirakis).
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me 
this time.
  Mr. Speaker, exactly 1 year ago today, the lives of every American 
citizen were changed by the cowardly acts of terrorism committed 
against us on our own soil. Families were broken, loved ones were lost 
forever, and our sense of security was shaken.
  Yet even in the dark hours of September 11, 2001, hope remained. For 
within the hearts of Americans, we share a common bond as citizens of 
the greatest Nation on earth. This bond prompts us to courage, to 
service, and to patriotism. This bond inspired Americans on the day of 
the attacks to rush to the aid of their fellow Americans without 
thought of possible consequences to themselves. This bond provides hope 
that our Nation will heal from our grief and conquer those who would 
threaten our liberty and our way of life.
  While we choose to honor the sacrifices and tragedy of September 11 
with solemnity today, we also celebrate who we are as a Nation. We 
celebrate our Republic, we celebrate freedom, we celebrate service, 
sacrifice and love for one another. We celebrate the heroic acts of 
ordinary citizens and to commemorate the tragic events of September 11. 
From the soldier to the firefighter and policeman, to ordinary folks 
going about their daily lives, we salute you. Your sacrifices will not 
be in vain. A grateful Nation lives and hopes because of your love for 
this great country.
  I close today with Professor Al G. Wright's beautiful ode to our 
Nation, which celebrates our country with these words: ``I am an 
American. That is the way most of us put it, just matter-of-factly. 
They are plain words, those four. You could write them on your 
thumbnail, or you could sweep them clear across this bright autumn sky. 
But remember, too, that they are more than words. They are a way of 
life. So whenever you speak them, speak them firmly, speak them 
proudly, speak them gratefully. I am an American.''
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Ross), my distinguished colleague and good 
friend.
  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, September 11, 2001, is a day that none of us will ever 
forget. I was sitting in my office across from our Nation's Capitol, 
and from the window in my office, I literally saw smoke rise from the 
Pentagon. A few hours later, I would learn that a young Navy petty 
officer from our district named Nehamon Lyons would be among the 
casualties at the Pentagon. Picking up the phone and calling his mom, 
Mrs. Jewel Lyons, back in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, was the most difficult 
call I have ever made.
  This morning, I joined with other Members of Congress and with our 
President, united, Democrat and Republican alike, united as one 
America, as we remembered in a special service at the Pentagon. We 
remembered those who lost their lives 1 year ago today at the Pentagon, 
at that pasture in Pennsylvania, and, yes, at the World Trade Center in 
New York City. After that ceremony I returned to my office and I called 
Mrs. Jewel Lyons in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to let her know what I had 
just experienced in that very special and moving service at the 
Pentagon and to let her know that America has not forgotten that young 
Navy petty officer, Nehamon Lyons, and his service to this great 
country.
  My grandfather taught me to always look for something good in 
everything bad. There was not anything good about September 11, but I 
do believe it has brought out the best in the American spirit. I see a 
country today that is more patriotic than perhaps ever in my lifetime. 
I see a country today with a greater appreciation for our veterans and 
our soldiers. And I see a country today that is praying a lot more. 
Bible sales are up, church attendance is up, and I know that means 
America is only getting stronger.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, on the first anniversary of the tragic events that 
killed so many Americans at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, it 
is natural for our thoughts to turn to the victims of that day. It was, 
of course, a world-changing event that will continue to affect all of 
us. Now we know, too, that an extraordinary debt of gratitude is owed 
to those brave passengers of United Flight 93, which crashed in a 
Pennsylvania field. They fought the murderous hijackers in the cockpit 
and, thus, foiled the plot to crash that plane into the Capitol or 
White House.
  The families of the victims will continue to grieve their losses, but 
the commemoration around the Nation today should focus on reinforcing 
America's newly heightened unity and sense of resolve that we as a 
Nation will dramatically increase our effectiveness in protecting our 
homeland and our citizens abroad from terrorist attacks. We must remain 
committed to meet these challenges while at the same time preserving 
the freedom, civil liberties, and opportunities which make America the 
envy of the world.
  The period set aside for formally mourning our losses is long past. 
The victims and their families now are best served if all of us share 
and act upon a commitment to keep our Nation secure, strong, and a 
bastion of liberty. May God bless America.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), a distinguished colleague 
and good friend.

[[Page H6184]]

                              {time}  1400

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. It is hard 
to believe that it has been exactly 1 year since that terrible 
September day, 1 year since our Nation experienced that devastating and 
profound loss. Words cannot begin to express the heartache that we felt 
that day, or the sympathy we continue to feel for those who were lost.
  Like many of my colleagues, I represented several of the victims of 
September 11; and I appreciate this opportunity to extend my deepest 
condolences and prayers to their loved ones.
  It has been a difficult, but necessary, week for all of us. From our 
session in New York City and visit to Ground Zero, to the ceremony at 
the Pentagon this morning, to the consideration of this resolution, 
Members of this House have had the opportunity to express our 
solidarity with the families and communities most deeply affected by 
September 11.
  Today is also an opportunity to pay tribute to the millions of 
Americans who reacted with such bravery and compassion in the aftermath 
of the terrorist attacks, the doctors and nurses who ministered to the 
injured; the firefighters, police officers, ironworkers and others who 
refused to leave the site of the World Trade Center until everyone was 
accounted for; the ordinary citizens from every corner of our country, 
every background and religion, who donated blood, money, or who 
provided a kind word or a prayer.
  Mr. Speaker, I also think it is important at this moment for us to 
express our gratitude to our men and women in our Armed Forces who, as 
we speak, continue to battle terrorists in Afghanistan. They serve our 
country with great distinction, and they are a credit to our country 
and, indeed, to the world.
  We have accomplished a great deal in the past year by working 
together, but I believe we have much more to do.
  Today we recall the solidarity and compassion shown our Nation and 
our people by other nations and other peoples around the world, and we 
can work with them to bring our most cherished values into reality.
  Mr. Speaker, we can, I believe, make this world less violent, more 
peaceful, more tolerant, and more secure. We have the ability to 
eradicate poverty, disease, hunger and hopelessness, the things that 
terrorists exploit to justify the unjustifiable. What we need is the 
will to make it happen. We need to lead the world in pursuit of these 
important goals. In doing so, I believe we will demonstrate the true 
and magnificent character of the United States of America.
  Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, it is my hope that as we remember the 
victims of September 11, as we offer our condolences to their families, 
and as we continue to bring the perpetrators to justice, that we 
rededicate ourselves to providing a better world for us all.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Cox).
  Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, today is Memorial Day for the victims and the 
heroes of September 11. It is a time to honor the people who have died 
and the people who still live. It is important as we grieve for the 
victims that we keep in mind how many people are alive today because of 
the efforts of those who helped them, many of them still alive.
  Today it was my honor, along with Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell of 
Colorado, to honor and recognize 11 members of our Park Police here in 
Washington, D.C. who were heroes and first responders on that day. It 
was an interesting way to recognize them. There was a crosscountry 
motorcycle ride organized by citizens from all of our districts and 
States across the country. It started out in Orange County, California, 
went to San Diego, California, 3,500 miles later it picked up hundreds 
of riders and came here to the Nation's capital. Like Ben Campbell, I 
am a Harley rider and so I was happy to join them. That is why I found 
myself in a position to be able to bestow these glass plaques to our 
first responders.
  First, the riders themselves, our constituents. They raised $1 
million for the World Trade Center Miracles Foundation just from among 
the riders. In that they were like the people who responded heroically 
on September 11. They put aside their concerns and put first the needs 
of others. That is what people all around our country are doing in 
response to September 11.
  Along their 3,500 mile route, they stopped in places like Wichita, 
Kansas, where they dedicated an evening to the family of Daniel Nolan. 
He perished in the World Trade Center. A few days later they were in 
Illinois at the Champaign County Fairgrounds celebrating the important 
work of first responders. Only yesterday, they traveled to Stoney Creek 
School in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the students had built a 
memorial to the heroes of Flight 93. At every step along the way, they 
honored the dead and the living, as we do today.
  This coast-to-coast effort culminated in the honoring of 11 heroes 
who live among us in Washington, D.C. from the United States Park 
Police; and I would like to mention their names on the floor.
  First, two members of the motorcycle unit, Lieutenant George F. 
Wallace, commander, and Sergeant Daniel P. Beck, supervisor of the 
unit. They were in front of the Capitol today. They saw what had 
happened at the Pentagon from this side of the river, and they did what 
heroes do: they went right to the middle of that danger. They were two 
of the first uniformed police at the Pentagon on the scene. They 
assisted in the initial evacuation of the wounded. Their efforts helped 
ensure that those injured who were still alive received immediate care, 
and for that, obviously, those men and women, their families, and all 
of us are grateful.
  After the arrival of other local police and fire units, these 
officers continued to work. They cleared the vicinity and organized the 
evacuation of personnel from the monumental core area.
  There were nine others outside the Capitol who were similarly 
honored. The members of the United States Park Police Aviation Unit, 
Eagle One and Eagle Two. Eagle One includes Sergeant Ronald A. Galey, 
pilot; Sergeant John E. Marsh, rescue technician; and John J. Dillon, 
rescue team officer.
  Eagle Two includes Lieutenant Phillip W. Cholak, aviation unit 
commander; Sergeant Bernard T. Stasulli, assistant aviation unit 
commander; Sergeant Keith E. Bohn, pilot; Sergeant Kenneth S. Burchell, 
copilot; and physician assistant Keith Kettell and Jason Kepp, medic, 
of the Uniformed Services University.
  Here is what these people did on September 11. At approximately 9:40, 
the United States Park Police received an emergency call from Reagan 
National Airport tower notifying them that a plane had crashed in the 
vicinity of the Pentagon. They did not know yet what had happened. 
Members of Eagle One immediately lifted off, and they flew right into 
the center of the disaster, hovered right over the Pentagon, and they 
honored an FBI request and activated their microwave downlink and 
provided a live video feed of exactly what was going on at that moment.
  Just as Eagle One began to provide this live feed, personnel at 
Reagan National Airport abandoned the airport tower and said they could 
not see anything because of the smoke. They requested that these 
people, the names I just gave you, take over responsibility for all of 
the air space, and they did. They took control over all of the tower's 
responsibility.
  Even as Eagle One completed this assignment, Sergeant March requested 
helicopters from the Maryland State Police, MedStar and AirCare, and 
coordinated with ground units to establish a landing zone, honoring a 
request from the Arlington County Fire Department to transport patients 
to regional burn centers.
  Meanwhile, Eagle Two's crew responded to its call of duty and loaded 
the mass casualty kit and additional equipment on board their aircraft. 
They landed on the west side of the Pentagon and immediately began 
coordinating the transport of 11 priority-one burn patients. While 
Eagle One directed MedStar and AirCare aircraft into the landing zone 
to medevac additional patients, Eagle Two transported two of these 
patients to the Washington Hospital Center. Those people are alive and 
doing much better today as a result of these heroic efforts.

[[Page H6185]]

  As a lasting example of their heroic efforts, the U.S. Park Police 
Aviation Unit responded to a final request of the Arlington County Fire 
Department to transport a battalion chief of the Pentagon Fire Command 
Center for a 1-hour flight over the crash site because he was directing 
the firefighting efforts on the ground from their craft.
  Those are just some of the heroes of September 11. They live among us 
here. It was, as I said, my honor to present them with citations this 
morning. But as we honor these first responders, I think we have to 
remember that, as we draw inspiration from their work, they are still 
there every day protecting our neighborhoods. They are still there 
every day protecting us from threats, whether it be fire or a terrorist 
attack. Because of their bravery, which we take so much for granted, we 
have a wonderful future to look forward to in this country.
  I have no doubt that we will succeed in our efforts in the war on 
terror, and I have no doubt that we will owe a continuing and ever-
deeper debt of gratitude to these men and women to protect and defend 
our country. I am grateful for the opportunity to honor these men and 
women.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
California (Mrs. Capps).
  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, in communities across the land, we gather to commemorate 
the unspeakable attacks against our Nation 1 year ago today.
  Even with the passage of time, there are still no words to adequately 
describe our pain, sorrow, and our anger. Our hearts remain heavy with 
grief for the 3,000 souls who were lost, and we continue to mourn with 
their families and their loved ones.
  I feel especially heartbroken for all the children who lost their 
fathers and mothers on this terrible day, and for all of the babies who 
came into the world after their fathers were killed. These young lives 
have been permanently and senselessly altered by those who so 
erroneously believe that extremism and hate pave the road to salvation.
  Now it is our duty to help these children fulfill their dreams and 
understand that their parents died in an attack on the freedoms and 
values we hold to be self-evident.
  It is also important to pay tribute to the acts of courage and 
heroism carried out by so many people: the firefighters, police and 
rescue personnel, the passengers on the doomed aircraft, and by 
countless citizens who volunteered at the crash sites and around the 
Nation. Some of them included volunteers from my district on the 
central coast of California who lent their expertise and resources.
  Today is a day that we should honor all of the first responders who 
not only risked their lives on September 11, but who are also the first 
on the scenes of emergencies and disasters every day in communities 
across this country.
  I am so proud of their commitment and their determination to make our 
country, indeed the world, a safer place. These brave individuals 
deserve our highest respect on September 11 and on every day.
  It is also important to remember and honor the brave American 
servicemen and women who are defending our freedom around the globe, 
joined by defenders from other countries.
  They are defending the principles of democracy and security on which 
this country was founded, and we salute their tireless mission. This 
has been a year of great sorrow and mourning. But it has also been a 
time of great American unity, strength of spirit, and generosity.
  As one widow reflected, it is as though this entire year has been 
stuck on September 11. Now, perhaps, we can move on to September 12.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope and pray, and let us work, that the coming year 
will bring peace to our families, our community, our Nation, and that 
the generosity of our people and the spirit of our democracy will be 
well known and well documented throughout the world.

                              {time}  1415

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may 
consume to the distinguished gentleman from Florida (Mr. Putnam).
  Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, this is an emotional time for this country and an 
emotional time for this body. All of us have participated in events in 
our communities, tributes to the victims and their families in New York 
and the Pentagon, and that is right and proper. But I want to take this 
opportunity on this first Patriot Day to look forward, to remember and 
pause and reflect on why they envy us so, why the terrorists hate us 
so. What is it that would cause them to bring about the death and 
destruction of so many innocent lives, so many hopes and dreams 
shattered, so many communities who have lost church members, PTA 
officers, rotary club presidents, chamber directors, so many children 
who have lost a parent?
  They despise the fact that we stand for freedom; that we represent 
all that is great, all that is tolerant and hopeful and helpful and 
strong about communities.
  They misunderstood us. They thought we were no stronger than the 
celluloid films that come out of Hollywood; that we would buckle and 
cave, that we would wither up and shrink from the fight.
  What they did not understand was that we had an army of ordinary 
American citizens who would rally; who would stand in line for hours to 
give their blood; who would contribute their paychecks to strangers; 
whose children would go to schools and have penny drives and carwashes 
and other fund-raisers to send off to the victims, their families, and 
even the children in Afghanistan.
  They hate the fact that in America little girls have the same 
opportunities as little boys, to dream, to hope, to be whatever they 
want to be, from a teacher to a firefighter to a Member of Congress, to 
President of the United States. They are afforded equal opportunity.
  They resent the fact that different faiths have every opportunity to 
worship together, side by side, on the same city block, in peace.
  They resent the fact that we have heroic civil servants who deliver 
the mail, who put out fires, who comfort victims, who run into 
buildings that everyone else is running out of; that we have teachers 
who instill values and character into the next generation of Americans; 
that we have health care workers, doctors and nurses, who rally to the 
scene and give so much of their heart and soul to putting lives and 
bodies back together.
  People still risk their life to come to this country. People still 
see the United States as that shining city on a hill. They still risk 
their family's safety, they give up all of their worldly possessions, 
to stow away in a tanker or to cobble together a rickety raft and brave 
the straits of Florida or the Atlantic, to become a part of this 
country that those terrorists tried to destroy.
  If given the opportunity, most free people, most thoughtful people, 
would choose that way of life, would choose that equality, that 
tolerance, that hope, that dream that is America.
  And while all of us fight on a regular basis in this Chamber over 
things great and small, we never question the legitimacy of the debate 
or the legitimacy of the leadership or of the system or of the 
institution. While we criticize the policies of our President or 
administration, we do not question his right to be there and be our 
leader.
  That is what they hated, that is what they envied, that is what they 
attempted to destroy, and they have succeeded only in bringing out the 
best in all Americans, leaving America today stronger than she was last 
September 11; a little closer together, still fairly complacent, still 
fairly naive about the dangers this world poses, but still very much in 
love with all things American, very much in love with our ability to 
debate on this floor, our ability to hope and dream and be whatever we 
want to be, and to instill that in our young people.
  America is stronger today than she was a year ago; a little bruised, 
very bloodied in some areas, but stronger.
  Mr. Speaker, God bless these United States of America.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 3 minutes to my good 
friend, the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Sanders).
  Mr. SANDERS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding me time.

[[Page H6186]]

  Mr. Speaker, our Nation was changed forever on the morning of 
September 11. The goal of Osama bin Laden was to demoralize us, was to 
create fear and uncertainty, to bring about instability in our country; 
and, obviously and thankfully, he has failed.
  Last week Congress met in New York City to pay tribute to those who 
were killed on September 11 in that city, and this morning we assembled 
at the Pentagon. At these events and similar events all over this 
country, we were reminded about our resiliency and how strong this 
Nation really is.
  Last September 11, we saw amazing displays of heroism and bravery. We 
saw what is extraordinary and best in the human spirit. None of us will 
ever forget the sight of firemen entering the World Trade Center, going 
up the stairs while other people were going down the stairs. And, as we 
know, most of those firemen never got out of that building alive.
  We also today remember the courage of the people at the Pentagon who 
saved lives there, and we honor the members of our Armed Forces who are 
fighting terrorism in Afghanistan and elsewhere.
  Mr. Speaker, we have also learned a great deal since September 11. We 
have learned, as we have never learned before, that we are a vulnerable 
Nation. Yes, we are the most powerful Nation on Earth, but what we 
learned on that day is that we could be attacked and that thousands of 
innocent men and women could be killed.
  We have also learned that we must lead an international coalition 
against bigoted, religious fanatics who believe that they have the 
right to kill innocent people in order to impose their reactionary 
ideology on others.
  Many of us have also learned that in order to maintain true American 
values, we must not undermine the principles and constitutional rights 
that make our country great and that this country was founded on.
  As an American and as a Vermonter I have been extraordinarily proud 
of how our people responded to this crisis in terms of blood donations, 
financial contributions, and how we came together as a community to 
support the victims of September 11 and to support each other. If there 
is something positive out of the horrors of September 11, it is that we 
as a Nation, all of us, despite our backgrounds, where we come from, 
our religious beliefs, must continue to show that same sense of 
community, that love for each other, that was demonstrated in the 
aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may 
consume to the distinguished gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Linder).
  Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the resolution. Today is the 
1-year anniversary of the most horrific attack on American soil in our 
history. On September 11, 2001, freedom-hating terrorists took from all 
of us our sense of innocence. They took from all of us the idea that 
innocent men, women and children going about their daily lives are 
immune from the horrors of war. They took from all of us the sense of 
safety and security to which we had become accustomed.
  What they did not take from us and what they could not ever take from 
us, no matter how hard they tried a year ago, is our freedom and 
liberty, our way of life, our government of the people, by the people 
and for the people.
  New York Governor Pataki opened the memorial ceremony at Ground Zero 
this morning with the reading of the Gettysburg Address which President 
Lincoln delivered in 1863, barely 100 miles from where the passengers 
of United Flight 93 heroically stopped terrorists from their attempt 
to, I believe, destroy this very building.
  Part of President Lincoln's address includes these words: ``That from 
these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which 
they gave their last full measure of devotion, that we here highly 
resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this Nation, 
under God, shall have a new birth of freedom.''
  We, too, are dedicated to a new birth of freedom here in this new 
century.
  The horrible events of last September 11 have reawakened in all 
Americans a new sense of patriotism; a strength, a resolve that had 
lain dormant for far too long. The flags we see flying in every 
neighborhood across America today were not put up this morning. They 
have been there for the last year. The support of the American people 
for our men and women fighting overseas has remained unwavering, and 
the kind words and deeds of our fellow man seem all the more common 
today, 1 year later.
  Eugene McCarthy once observed that America can choke on a gnat, but 
swallow tigers whole. This is a tiger that we as a Congress and as a 
Nation must deal with, and we will.
  There is no lack of resolution here. There is no rancor. We will 
continue to stand behind the President. We will continue to do what we 
must do to keep those who hate our values and ideals from committing 
evil acts against us ever again.
  Today let us honor and pay tribute to those who were taken from us 
before their time and resolve to remember them always. But let us also 
resolve that our commitment to the Republic that our Founders risked 
their own lives to create more than 200 years ago is stronger than 
ever. The foundation of our Nation is solid, and so is our dedication 
to her.
  Mr. Speaker, God bless America.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may 
consume to my friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff.)
  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, the world must be made safe for democracy. Its peace 
must be planted upon the tested foundations of political liberty. We 
have no selfish ends to serve, we desire no conquests, no dominion. We 
seek no indemnities for ourselves, no material compensation for the 
sacrifices we shall freely make. We are but one of the champions of the 
rights of mankind.
  These were the words of President Woodrow Wilson in his war message 
to Congress April 2, 1917.
  This week, from Los Angeles to New York, from Fairbanks to Fort 
Lauderdale, and in 200 million households in between, a Nation 
struggles to come to grips with the most vicious attack on unarmed 
civilians in the Nation's history.
  We once again appreciate, with the force that sometimes only tragedy 
brings home, that we are one country. Differences of geography, 
language, income and ethnicity have faded away. There are no national 
divides, no partisan debates, no hometown rivalries, no baseball 
strikes, not on this day. For all too brief a time, we are simply 
Americans.
  And we are taking stock. Much has taken place since September 11, a 
date that may surpass the end of the last millennium as a turning point 
for the country.

                              {time}  1430

  Some of that change has been extraordinarily positive for our own 
security and for the peace and prosperity of the world. The promise of 
mutually assured destruction that for decades we exchanged with the 
Soviets has been replaced with an unprecedented partnership with 
Russia. This is no detente, but a completely new realignment of 
interests, which has transformed the world landscape and dramatically 
reduced the possibility of nuclear catastrophe.
  For all that has changed in the last year and all that has 
transformed since the end of the Cold War, we are still at risk. Our 
most immediate and tangible threat comes not from interlocking 
engagements with a Europe that cannot overcome its historic feuding, 
not from nation states that are amassing colossal military forces with 
an eye towards territorial aggrandizement or world domination. The 
threat is primarily asymmetrical now, from stateless terrorist 
organizations and the nations that support them; from murderous 
psychopaths that are bent on igniting a holy war and have a blood lust 
for the United States. Such depravity has always existed, but with the 
advent of weapons of mass destruction and their terrible availability, 
it no longer takes a national miscalculation to inflict misery on the 
world. And as the lone superpower in the world, America has a target on 
her back.
  The threat may come from new quarters, but we have one powerful bond 
with Americans from the beginning of the last century: This conflict is 
still

[[Page H6187]]

about making the world safe for democracy.
  On September 11 we were not attacked because we sought to conquer or 
subjugate another people. We were not attacked over a territorial 
dispute or a clash of national ideologies. And, notwithstanding post-
attack propaganda from the terrorists, we were not attacked over our 
policy in the Middle East. Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda never showed an 
interest in the Palestinian cause except in a post-attack effort to 
point their homicidal rage as a defense to the West's supposed 
hostility to Islam. We were attacked simply because we existed, simply 
because we represented and continue to represent the triumph of free 
institutions, a respect for the free exercise of religion, association, 
and expression. We were attacked because we are a democracy in a world 
very unsafe for democracies. And winning this war, and the long 
twilight struggle it has become, will require nothing less than a 
sustained, unswerving commitment to the propagation of freedoms around 
the world.
  We must root out al Qaeda and terrorist organizations wherever they 
exist. We must take the fight to the enemy, as the President declares, 
and not wait defensively at home for the next attack. At the same time, 
we must open a completely new front in the war on terrorism: the battle 
for democracy. We must attack tyranny, despotism, and the trampling of 
human rights around the world. We must use every instrument of our 
national policy to support the growth and cultivation of free 
institutions, a respect for the free exercise of religion, the right to 
associate with whom one pleases, and the right to speak one's mind. We 
must encourage the growth of democracies in every corner of the globe 
and not simply in Europe or the Americas. Democracy must come to the 
Arab nations, to China, and to every corner of Africa, and not simply 
to our adversaries. Democracy, too, must come to our allies, to the 
Saudis, to the Egyptians, and to the Jordanians. Democracy, not oil, 
will be the ultimate guarantor of our security.
  This lofty ambition is not fanciful, not quaintly sympathetic, but 
practical. Democracies do not make needless war, democracies do not 
seek to terrorize or conquer, democracies do not serve as the breeding 
grounds for genocidal rage or terrorist madness. Democracies are better 
capable of eliminating the common scourges of mankind: poverty, 
disease, famine, and conflict. If we are to be partisans, let us be 
partisans of democracy.
  We may never ferret out every last terrorist; the germ of madness is 
difficult to eradicate completely. But our peace and prosperity lie as 
much in changing the soil. Peace, again, must be ``planted upon the 
tested foundations of political liberty,'' and a cardinal part of 
winning this war, as in the war to end all wars, will be our fortitude 
as one of the ``champions of the rights of mankind.''
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the time for 
debate on this resolution be extended for 30 minutes to be equally 
divided between the majority and the minority.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Shimkus). Is there objection to the 
request of the gentleman from Nebraska?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer), my good friend 
and distinguished colleague.
  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman's courtesy in 
permitting me to speak on this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, at 8:46 this morning I came to this Chamber, where I was 
exactly a year ago, to reflect on the events that had transpired that 
terrible day and what has ensued since then. As we all shared a flood 
of remembrance in honor of the memory of the victims and the heroes of 
last September 11, I think, Mr. Speaker, it is just as important for us 
to reflect on the progress of this past year. Because tragedy gave us 
an opportunity and a responsibility, not just to deal with additional 
threats to our families, but to use the vast wealth and power of the 
United States to be a leader and a partner around the world, while we 
fulfill the promise of America here at home.
  I thought about how much I have been inspired by the reactions of the 
American public at the time of the tragedy and of what we have seen 
throughout the year. But, Mr. Speaker, I wonder honestly what we think 
we have accomplished as a Congress in this last year. Immediately, we 
did do, as the resolution says: Local, State, and Federal leaders set 
aside differences and worked together to provide for those who were 
attacked and to protect those who remain. But since then, since then, 
is America really safer because of congressional action? Do the vast 
intelligence and security agencies now work together seamlessly? Have 
we made progress, not just against the Taliban and al Qaeda, but to 
promote democracy and freedom, peace and prosperity around the globe? 
Is this Congress working together cooperatively on issues of peace, the 
environment, human health, and education?
  By any objective measure, we as elected officials have fallen short 
of that mark. We have yet as a body to provide voice, not just to the 
fears and frustrations, but to the hopes and aspirations of Americans 
that we will seize this moment.
  Now, I think people on both sides of the aisle will disagree as to 
why this is so, but I do not think anybody can argue that we have done 
all that we could, or even, frankly, that we have done all that much 
from airline security, to reducing energy dependence in the Middle 
East, to giving coherence to our policies in the Middle East and around 
the world. We have fallen short in doing all that we could for peace 
and democracy.
  As part of this solemn occasion, the most fitting tribute of all is 
not for us just to reaffirm as the resolution suggests an honoring of 
the memory of those who lost their lives and that we will bravely 
defend the citizens of the United States in the face of all future 
challenges; part of what we need to do is to acknowledge where we have 
fallen short and to renew our commitment that in this next year, we in 
Congress will catch up to where the actions and the expectations of the 
American public are; that we will enter in as Members of this Congress 
with a new spirit of cooperation and achievement, that takes the 
actions that make achievements of our values real, towards making our 
communities and, indeed, the world more livable and our families safer, 
healthier, and more economically secure.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he 
may consume to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. 
Dreier), the chairman of the Committee on Rules.
  (Mr. DREIER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.
  I would like to first express my appreciation to my good friend and 
fellow Californian (Mr. Lantos), as well as the gentleman from Nebraska 
(Mr. Bereuter) for moving this very important resolution and, like 
everyone else, I rise in strong support of it.
  We all know that today we mark this first anniversary of one of the 
most tragic days in America's history. As we think about the families 
of those victims, our thoughts and prayers go to all of them. We all 
have sort of mixed emotions on this day. We all, of course, recall 
exactly what it was like here in the Capitol a year ago today, and we 
think about the day first and foremost with sadness because, as I said, 
of all of those whose lives were lost. But we also think about today 
with a great deal of resolve and defiance. In some sort of strange way, 
we also celebrate the success that we have had in pushing back those, 
as the President calls them, ``evil-doers,'' those who would, in fact, 
bring an end to our way of life.
  Just yesterday here in the District of Columbia and in 12 other 
States, there was a great celebration in that we had elections where 
people were choosing their leaders. We are continuing with our work 
here in the U.S. Capitol right now. So that is why we all have mixed 
emotions as we deal with today.
  But it is also, I think, very important, Mr. Speaker, for us to take 
a few minutes to look at the history of what led up to September 11 and 
to realize

[[Page H6188]]

that as we, with this resolution, are remembering and honoring those 
who were killed on September 11, I think it is also important for us to 
realize that this is an international war on terrorism, and it is not a 
war that began on September 11 of last year, it is a war which has been 
going on for decades.
  Just a few minutes ago I sat down with some of my staff members and 
started talking about some of the horribly tragic events that Osama bin 
Laden and his terrorist allies have perpetrated over the past couple of 
decades, and I thought it appropriate that we take a moment as we 
reaffirm our strong commitment, as the President has said, to win this 
war on terrorism, and look at what led up to that tragic day one year 
ago.
  On the 1st of April in 1983, 63 were murdered and 120 injured when 
the U.S. Embassy in Beirut was bombed by the Islamic Jihad. On the 23rd 
of October in 1983, we all remember the tragic Islamic Jihad bombing of 
the Marine barracks when we lost 242 of our Marines. On the 14th of 
June, 1985, Robert Stethem, the U.S. Navy sailor, was murdered and 
thrown from that TWA flight 847 which was hijacked by Hezbollah 
terrorists who also held 145 innocent passengers hostage for 17 days. 
On the 26th of February, 1993, we all remember very well the World 
Trade Center bombing in which six were murdered and 1,000 people 
injured. On the 25th of June, 1996, 19 U.S. military personnel were 
killed and 240 injured when the Khobar Towers housing complex in 
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia was bombed by Osama bin Laden's allies. On the 
7th of August, 1998, 12 Americans and hundreds of Kenyans and 
Tanzanians were murdered in the bombing of the U.S. embassies at 
Nairobi and Dar Es Salaam, directed, as we all know, by Osama bin 
Laden, and on the 12th of October in 2000, 17 sailors were murdered and 
39 injured in the bombing of the USS Cole. That was a horrible, 
horrible day.
  These events, Mr. Speaker, underscore the fact that this is a war 
which has been going on now for decades.
  So when I think about some of the challenges that we face as a 
Congress ahead, we are going to be dealing with a resolution which will 
help us confront those who have in fact provided shelter and refuge to 
al Qaeda and, of course, I am referring to Saddam Hussein and Iraq.

                              {time}  1445

  So this is a war which is one which really reaches all across our 
globe. It is one which I am happy to see our allies have joined in 
providing strong support for, and it is one which will continue 
probably beyond our lifetimes.
  As I think about some of the very wonderful quotes throughout history 
that lead to our dealing with these challenges, I am reminded of a 
couple. There is one that I like to recall. At the beginning of every 
one of Winston Churchill's volumes, he has what is called the moral of 
the work, which is basically four points. He says: in war, resolution; 
in defeat, defiance; in victory, magnanimity; in peace, good will. I 
think that underscores where it is that we are headed in dealing with 
this challenge, which is going to continue in the future.
  Shortly after September 11, President Bush went and delivered a 
speech in Cincinnati, Ohio. As I think back on many of the brilliant 
statements that have been made following September 11, I think that one 
of the most poignant, which underscores, again, the sacrifice that was 
made a year ago and where we are today, President Bush said, 
``Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, 
but they cannot touch the foundation of America.'' These attacks can 
shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.
  So, Mr. Speaker, as we move ahead, I again would like to thank my 
colleagues, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) and the 
gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), for this very important 
resolution, and provide strong support; and, as everyone is doing, 
extend my thoughts and prayers to the families of those who tragically 
lost their lives a year ago today.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to my good 
friend, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee).
  (Mr. INSLEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Speaker, we are all united in every congressional 
district in coming together in America today. I would like to honor two 
contributions from the first district of the State of Washington.
  First, I would like to honor the life and heroism of Army Sergeant 
Larry Strickland, who lost his life while at his post on the second 
floor of the west wing of the Pentagon 1 year ago today.
  Army Sergeant Strickland was a native of Edmonds, Washington, who 
served his country as a personnel manager and traveled to every post 
around the world to which he was assigned. He was a senior adviser to 
the deputy chief of staff, and he earned the greatest title I think 
anyone in the American military could have. He was a good soldier.
  But he was also a good son to proud Americans Lee Strickland and Olga 
Strickland of Edmonds, Washington; and a good husband to wife, Deborah; 
and a good father to Julia, Matthew, and Chris; and a good grandfather 
to Brendan.
  To those family members, we cannot ask to beguile them from their 
grief; but we hope that they are left with the cherished memory of the 
loved and lost, and the solemn pride that should be theirs for having 
left such a precious contribution at the altar of freedom. That family 
can be assured that we will keep Sergeant Strickland's memory alive as 
we go forward together in a unified way to preserve the freedoms for 
which he died.
  Second, Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor Molly Peebles, Chuck 
Oppermann, and Erik Lindbergh, who led the flight of 51 planes in the 
Flight Across America from every State in the Union that brought every 
State's flag and the United States flag to New York this morning, 
having begun flights all across this country on August 11 to bring a 
message of resolution and healing to this Nation.
  They spoke with the spirit of general aviation, which is important in 
this country for our freedoms and our economy. I hope their 
contributions send a statement that we have to honor general aviation 
and help them through this crisis, so we can continue to have both 
security and a viable general aviation in this country.
  Mr. Speaker, America is proud of people in every district in this 
country, and I offer the honor of this Nation to these people from the 
First District of the State of Washington.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he 
may consume to the distinguished gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Gibbons), 
one of the three subcommittee chairmen of the House Permanent Select 
Committee on Intelligence.
  (Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding time to me.
  Mr. Speaker, today America remembers. America just 1 year ago 
witnessed three heinous and senseless terrorist attacks that will be 
forever etched in our minds and memorialized in our history. May I say 
that no American will ever forget the horrific images of September 11, 
2001, and no American will ever forget the thousands of innocent 
victims, or the hundreds of courageous heroes who will always have a 
place in our history and in our hearts.
  Yet since that fateful day, the American people have persevered and 
established a new sense of normalcy. May I say to the cowards who 
targeted our great country last year, let me recite that terrorism 
against the United States, our freedom, and our people will never be 
tolerated. The United States stands strong, and we will fight terrorism 
wherever it lurks. No corner of this world will be safe for them or 
those who want to attack freedom, destroy liberty, and instill fear.
  America's fight will not be won quickly or easily; however, it will 
be won. I have seen firsthand the bravery and the patriotism of the men 
and women in our Armed Forces, and may I say that they will not settle 
for anything less than victory. They are willing to make the ultimate 
sacrifice to protect our liberty. They deserve our strongest support 
and our deepest gratitude.
  Americans have answered the call to help their fellow man and to 
defend freedom and to serve their Nation. We

[[Page H6189]]

will not retreat. We will not be intimidated. America is strong and her 
strength is in her people. It is the strength of the American people 
that will prevail over terrorism wherever it may hide.
  So on this, the first-year anniversary of September 11, on this, 
Patriot Day, may Americans again unite to remember our loss, to 
celebrate our freedom, and to defend liberty.
  May God bless this great country and its people.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to my 
good friend and our distinguished colleague, the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Davis).
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman 
from California for yielding time to me.
  Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago today, I was in Tel Aviv, Israel. So, Mr. 
Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the over 3,000 victims who died 
in the September 11 attacks on America; and I wish to pay tribute to 
all the family members of those who perished, as well as to our public 
officials, businesses, and private citizens who have dedicated 
themselves to the rebuilding of a stronger Nation over the past 12 
months.
  In a recent special report about life after September 11 in America's 
tallest building, the Sears Tower, the Chicago Tribune observed that 
what happened was more complicated than fear. It was an awakening, then 
a reckoning, then a change in priorities and plans in the calculation 
of everyday decisions. This awakening and recalculation in our everyday 
lives has taken place not just among those in the Sears Tower and my 
home in Chicago, but across this great Nation. It is a new realization 
of how connected and responsible we are for the protection and well-
being of all our fellow citizens.
  In response to the devastation caused by the terrorists, the 
residents of Chicago have joined with millions of others in this 
country and around the world to donate millions of dollars and hours to 
the rebuilding efforts. Their material gifts, however, reveal an even 
deeper resolve to let the principles of freedom for which we stand ring 
loud and clear.
  As we contemplate the effects of September 11 and extend our deepest 
sympathy to those who lost their loved ones on that fateful day, let us 
resolve to build not just a more vigilant and stronger homeland 
defense, but a society that continues to protect our personal freedoms 
and would enable us to fulfill the American dream of liberty and 
justice for all.
  And in pursuit of this goal, let us, Mr. Speaker, continue to be able 
to sing: ``O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain, 
for purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain. America, 
America, God shed His grace on thee, and crown thy good with 
brotherhood from sea to shining sea.''
  God bless America.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to my 
good friend and our distinguished colleague, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Meeks).
  Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding time to me.
  Mr. Speaker, I woke up this morning not knowing, really, where was 
the appropriate place for me to be. Being a New Yorker, I did not know 
whether I should be at Ground Zero this morning, whether I should be in 
my community with many of my constituents, or whether I should be here 
in Washington, D.C.
  I made the decision to try to do a little bit of both, so I spent 
this morning with my constituents in New York, but then felt that it 
was most important for me to come here to Washington as we reflect on 
what took place just a year ago today, as we memorialize the 
individuals who lost their lives a year ago today, as we sit with and 
hold hands with the family members of those who lost their lives.
  It is time for reflection; and as I reflect and think about just last 
Friday, as Members of the United States Congress came to New York for 
the first time since 1789 and went to the original Federal Hall, it 
struck me about this great thing that we know called democracy, and why 
we have to stand and fight and make sure that democracy prevails.
  For when I just think, in 1789, I as an African American may not have 
been able, or not ``may not,'' would not have been able to be part of 
that Congress. But democracy has prevailed, so that in 2002 I am a 
Member of this Congress; and we are here today where the Congressional 
Black Caucus is meeting.
  We must preserve that democracy. What happened on September 11 of 
last year threatens that democracy. We must let freedom ring.
  As I reflect and think, the words of Dr. King came back to me, where 
basically he was just talking about freedom. In 1965, we were talking 
about freedom basically just here on these shores. His words were, ``So 
let freedom ring from the prestigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let 
freedom ring from the mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the 
heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania! Let freedom ring from the 
snow-capped Rockies of Colorado! Let freedom ring from the curvaceous 
peaks of California! But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone 
Mountain of Georgia! Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of 
Tennessee! Let freedom ring from every hill and every molehill of 
Mississippi! From every mountainside, let freedom ring.''
  I think we need to add now: Let freedom ring from Afghanistan. Let 
freedom ring from Pakistan. Let freedom ring in Israel and Palestine. 
Let freedom ring in China and India. Let freedom ring in Zimbabwe and 
Nigeria.
  Let freedom ring in every country on every continent, because when 
freedom rings, in the words of Dr. King, when we let it ring, we will 
let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every State and 
every city in every nation, we will be able to speed up that day when 
all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, 
Protestants and Catholics, Muslims and Buddhists, will be able to join 
hands and sing the words of the old Negro spiritual: ``Free at last, 
free at last, thank God Almighty, we are free at last.'' God bless 
America.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 4 minutes to my 
good friend and distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Maryland 
(Mr. Cardin).

                              {time}  1500

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from California (Mr. 
Lantos) for yielding me this time. And I thank all of our colleagues 
for bringing forward this resolution.
  None of us will ever forget where we were on September 11, 2001, when 
we first learned about the 8:46 attack on our Nation. It was a defining 
moment for our Nation like November 22, 1963, and December 7, 1941. Now 
we commemorate the first anniversary of September 11 and, quite 
frankly, Mr. Speaker, we are not sure what we should say or what we 
should do, but we want to join together as a community to show our 
solidarity.
  Today we honor our heroes. These are not our Presidents or our sports 
figures. These are ordinary Americans who performed extraordinary acts. 
Heroes by chance and heroes by choice. Like Todd Beamer on Flight 93 
who gave up his life to save many others. We now know that it was 
likely that that plane was headed here towards the Capitol. He may in 
fact have saved our lives. Heroes such as John Fischer, a New York City 
firefighter, who went into harm's way in order to save lives and lost 
his life on September 11. Heroes such as Lieutenant Darin Pontell, a 
naval officer, a young man that I had the honor to appoint to the U.S. 
Naval Academy. He understood the risks of serving in our armed 
services, but he thought he would be safe in the Pentagon. He lost his 
life. Over 3,000 of our fellow citizens lost their lives, casualties to 
our continuing effort as a Nation to maintain liberty, safety, and 
freedom for all of its citizens.
  Each of us was personally affected by September 11. We may not have 
known anyone personally who died, but we still grieve for them, and we 
hold the members of their families close to our hearts. We shall never 
forget September 11. Shortly after September 11, the Congress passed a 
law calling on the President to designate September 11 as Patriot Day 
in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the 
terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 
11, 2001.
  Throughout America we join together as a community in solidarity to

[[Page H6190]]

make it clear to the world that our Nation is united and resolved to 
defend freedom against all enemies, any enemies. We may be Democrats or 
Republicans, conservatives or liberals. We may differ in religion or 
ethnicity, but we are united as Americans. Terrorists destroyed the New 
York World Trade Center buildings, but they can never destroy the 
character, strength and values of the American people.
  Mr. Speaker, yesterday was an important day in Maryland. It was 
primary election day. Marylanders chose their leaders and 
representatives by the ballot box. Our enemies rule by fear, 
intimidation, and force. Because of America's leadership, freedom and 
democracy are winning in all corners of the world. As President Bush 
has said, ``We are a people dedicated to the triumph of freedom and 
democracy over evil and tyranny.''
  Today we thank millions of Americans who responded to the Nation's 
calls, our soldiers, our firemen, our police, our postal workers, and 
so many more who have been on the front line for the defense of our 
country.
  Ever since September 11, ``God Bless America,'' our hymn, has had a 
special meaning. One year ago this evening, we sang it on the steps of 
the Capitol to make it clear to the world that we would triumph. 
Tonight we will sing ``God Bless America'' on the steps of the Capitol 
to make it clear to the world that we will never forget September 11.
  Mr. Speaker, may God bless those who mourn, may God bless those who 
serve, and may God bless America and bring us peace.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the time for 
debate on this resolution be extended 20 minutes to be equally divided 
between the majority and minority.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Shimkus). Is there objection to the 
request of the gentleman from Nebraska?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Wexler), our good friend and distinguished colleague.
  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, we are here at this somber occasion to 
recognize September 11 as a moment in history when American heroism and 
patriotism prevailed over terror, adversity, and hate. This resolution 
pays tribute to those families personally affected by the tragic events 
of September 11 and honors the innocent victims of these horrific 
attacks.
  Today America is united, drawn together by overwhelming grief, a 
shared commitment to freedom and unwavering resolve. Our unity as a 
Nation sends an unequivocal message that despite the tragic events of 
September 11, the American spirit remains strong, that in the face of 
destruction and hate, democracy, justice, and hope will prevail.
  September 11 demonstrated that in a moment of unparalleled adversity 
and devastation, there exists an innate desire of Americans to help 
others that is unimaginably selfless and good.
  Never was this more clear than 1 year ago today in New York and 
Washington where hundreds of the world's bravest and finest, including 
firemen, policemen, and first responders rushed to assist the victims 
of these tragic attacks; or above Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where 
passengers on Flight 93 actually took a vote, a vote, to sacrifice 
their own lives to preserve those of others and prevent a potential 
assault on the very Chamber in which we now stand.
  The vote on Flight 93 to overtake the hijackers epitomizes American 
values, courage, and heroism at their very best. For in a moment of 
unprecedented darkness and despair these brave souls refused to sit 
idly by and bear witness to evil. They chose to take action after 
evoking the most basic American right and fundamental symbol of 
democracy that all of us hold dear.
  As we commemorate the tragic events of September 11 and honor the 
victims lost in New York, Washington, and aboard Flight 93, we must 
remember the extraordinary acts of heroism that took place one year ago 
today. From Washington to every community across the United States, may 
we derive strength and courage from the bravery demonstrated on 
September 11 and commit ourselves to a future free from terror, 
intolerance and hate to one of understanding, freedom and, above all, 
peace.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this has been a fine moment for the House of 
Representatives. We came together, not as Republicans or as Democrats, 
but as American citizens who are still so painfully aware of that 
horrible moment a year ago when lives were snuffed out, orphans were 
made, widows were made, family tragedies were made across this land. 
And the people who did it so totally and so profoundly misunderstand 
the nature of an open and free society. They sought to intimidate us. 
They sought to make us give up the good fight, but they have only 
succeeded in steeling our will and determination that the terrorists of 
this globe and the regimes that harbor them will not prevail.
  This struggle will go on for a long time. Al Qaeda may have been 
largely defeated in Afghanistan, but they are all over the world in 
scores of countries planning to perpetrate additional evil deeds. We 
are ready for them.
  Not since Pearl Harbor have the American people been as determined, 
as united, as committed to defending the values of our way of life, our 
Constitution, our pluralism, our acceptance of all religions, of all 
ethnic groups, of all forms of commitments to values that we so dearly 
cherish in this country.
  The terrorists may have succeeded in bringing down two magnificent 
buildings but they also succeeded, contrary to their hopes and 
aspirations, of steeling the determination of the American people to 
protect this free and open and magnificent society.
  As we recall the events of a year ago and as we plan the next action, 
it is important for us to realize that while not always will 
governments be with us, people who love freedom will be with us in 
every corner of the world.
  The President will be addressing the United Nations tomorrow. He will 
be speaking to all freedom-loving peoples on the face of this planet. 
He will be talking on behalf of all of us because we are determined in 
the 21st century, as we were in earlier centuries, not only to preserve 
our way of life but to expand the arena of freedom for people 
everywhere.
  It is easy, Mr. Speaker, to become discouraged. When Pearl Harbor 
struck, many were pessimistic. When Hitler swept across Europe, many 
were pessimistic. But the indomitable spirit of men like Winston 
Churchill knew full well that free societies will prevail. The Osama 
bin Ladens of this world are simply incapable of comprehending how 
powerful the spirit of freedom is in open and democratic societies. We 
may suffer setbacks, we may suffer occasional defeat, but our goal of 
preserving this way of life for ourselves and making it available for 
others if they so choose cannot be defeated either by hijacking an 
aircraft, spreading biological or chemical weapons, or any such means. 
The spirits of free men and women will prevail. And there is no doubt 
in the minds of any of us in this body that however long this struggle 
will take against terrorism and countries that support terrorists, we 
will prevail in the long run as free men and women always have.
  The many ceremonies across this Nation, from New York to the Pentagon 
to Pennsylvania, to every town and hamlet in the United States, is 
proof that the American people have learned the lesson of a year ago. 
We may have lost our innocence but we have multiplied our resolve and 
determination. This Nation is united, strong, and conscious of the fact 
that our values, more than our physical capabilities, will result in 
our ultimate victory.

                              {time}  1515

  I want to commend all of my friends and colleagues who have 
participated in this discussion. I trust the message that we sent with 
many voices, many phrases, different approaches, will not be lost on 
those who cynically or otherwise are doubting the resolve of the 
American people. This resolve is unshakeable, and this resolve will 
bring about ultimate victory over terrorism and totalitarian societies.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to commend my colleague and 
friend,

[[Page H6191]]

the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for the very able way that 
he has handled this debate, really this memorial, this commemoration, 
for his cogent and insightful remarks. The gentleman suggests that, in 
fact, this has reignited or reawakened a powerful, diverse Nation. 
Indeed, that is the case. That was what the terrorists apparently did 
not expect.
  On a personal note, may I say that my wife and I are particularly 
grateful that her sister, an officer worker in the Twin Towers, 
survived the bombing attack in 1991 and again last year and was able to 
come down to safety with a lot of difficulty and a lot of courage; and 
all of those people who had that experience, of course, will have a 
commitment to make this country even better and even stronger than it 
had been. I believe that there is not a doubt in anyone's mind in this 
country who understands America that what happened on September 11 has 
only reinforced our strengths. It has, in fact, increased our unity and 
our resolve.
  The comments from my colleagues here today give us some very strong 
indication of the sentiment that their constituents feel and resolve 
that their constituents expressed to them in their districts. I commend 
all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for this remarkable 
experience and expression here today.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald), a good friend and 
neighbor and colleague.
  (Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD asked and was given permission to revise and 
extend her remarks.)
  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I submit this statement in the 
Record in support of this resolution and applaud all Americans for 
their resilience as we commemorate, if you will, and reflect on last 
year's events.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for House Concurrent 
Resolution 464 that expresses the sense of Congress on the anniversary 
of the horrible terrorist attacks launched against our country and our 
ideals of democracy.
  My heart is heavy as I reflect on the tragic events of a year ago. 
The past year has been especially difficult for the families, friends 
and coworkers of individuals who perished in New York, Pennsylvania, 
and Washington, DC. Our prayers are offered to the victims and their 
families.
  Today, in a small and symbolic way, we are expressing our gratitude 
to the firemen, policemen, healthcare workers and the individuals who, 
on that fateful day, performed heroic deeds and helped their fellow 
human beings without regard for their own welfare. We thank you 
profusely for your efforts. America owes you a debt that we can never 
repay. We salute you for your service and valor.
  We also salute those who have served our Nation so bravely overseas 
and all people of goodwill who personify humanitarian virtues during 
this tenuous and volatile time in the world.
  Today, we are united as a nation to confront current world realities 
that have transformed the social, psychological and spiritual fabric of 
the world in which we coexist with our domestic and foreign neighbors.
  During the recent year, my colleagues and I have actively engaged in 
debate about how to formulate an agenda that addresses homeland 
security, national spiritual salvation, and political bridge building 
with our international friends.
  As we continue to make inroads toward progress, I cannot over-
emphasize how important it is to map out a course for our future that 
will sustain, inspire and protect our children. We must infuse them 
with a sense of optimism because the confidence in which we as 
Americans move around our country has been shaken. However, as 
Americans, we will not be deterred from experiencing the freedom we 
cherish.
  My colleagues and I on the Transportation Committee recognize the 
importance of protecting the confidence of America's traveling public. 
We have worked diligently to ensure that the security needs of the 
flying public are paramount. We will continue to pursue the course of 
protecting our transportation infrastructure, and we are committed to 
making sure the America continues to move passengers and cargo 
efficiently and safely.
  As ranking member of the Subcommittee on Workforce, Empowerment and 
Government Programs, I recognize how small business owners around our 
Nation have been victimized economically and traumatized emotionally by 
the events of 9-11. Consequently, my colleagues and I on the Small 
Business Committee have worked to ensure that industries hit hard by 
the traumatic events of September 11th, including the travel industry, 
are able to survive. We have held hearings and offered legislation that 
seeks to resuscitate small businesses throughout our Nation. Small 
businesses constitute the backbone of our country's economy, and with 
our help, they will not only survive, but also flourish.

  Our domestic efforts and grief over the tragic events of September 
11th have heightened our appreciation for the pain of others around the 
world that have been subjected to the brutality and inhumanity of 
terrorism. And that is why we have supported liberation and 
democratization efforts in Afghanistan and sought to assist and 
rehabilitate the victims of persecution who are attempting to rebuild 
their lives and their country.
  On this occasion of reflection recommitment and rededication to 
freedom, we are affirming our resolve to salute and honor the men and 
women who paid the ultimate price--their lives, just because they are 
Americans. They will never be forgotten and our Nation shall continue 
to rise to meet the challenge of terrorism and the threats posed by 
terrorists who seek to derail freedom and the goodwill of humanity.
  May God bless America and all people of goodwill.
  Mr. DAN MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember 
those who lost their lives and the lives of loved ones on September 11, 
2001. I also rise to submit an article which appeared in the National 
Journal on August 31, 2002 which recounts my experience on that fateful 
day:

       President Bush had scheduled a visit to Booker Elementary 
     School in Sarasota to give a major speech on education on the 
     morning of September 11. I'd spent the weekend in Washington, 
     but I flew down in order to be with the president and to fly 
     back on Air Force One with him. The president was scheduled 
     to arrive at Booker at 9 o'clock in the morning. I was told 
     something had hit the World Trade Center, but I didn't think 
     too much more about it. We all weren't focused on that.
       The classroom was small, so there were a limited number of 
     people in that room besides the students. I went into the 
     auditorium-type room and was awaiting the president's speech. 
     The second plane hit at 9:05 or so. We all started to realize 
     the magnitude of what was happening. We were just in a state 
     of shock: ``This can't be true. This can't be true.''
       Matt Kirk, of the Legislative Liaison Office at the White 
     House, was assigned to us, and he tried to keep us updated. 
     Things were in a state of flux, and the Secret Service agents 
     were moving around. There was a question about whether the 
     president was going to make a speech to the nation from the 
     school, or go over in front of Air Force One. The White House 
     staff felt the quickest way was to just do that right there. 
     We went out and got in our van in the motorcade. I had my 
     BlackBerry with me and I would get some news, and Matt Kirk 
     could get some news from his little pager, but it was 
     limited. This was, say, 9:15 to 9:30. The president came out, 
     got in his limousine, and then we just drove very rapidly 
     over to the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport. The president got on 
     the plane, and it took off about 10 o'clock. We were told to 
     tighten up our seat belts very tight, because the plane has 
     the ability to take off very steeply. When we took off, we 
     were told there was no communication, because they didn't 
     want anyone to know where Air Force One was, and the press 
     was told that too.
       In many ways, for most of that day, I had far less news and 
     information than most of the people around the world. It was 
     frustrating. Air Force One did not have, at that time, the 
     ability to pick up television. Matt Kirk would go up and try 
     to talk to someone else and pick up some news. Somebody would 
     come back and share some information. The president's 
     political adviser, Karl Rove, came back a couple times, just 
     giving us an update. It was very tense with the staff, 
     because there obviously was a great security concern by the 
     Secret Service and the crew.
       Around 10 o'clock, we were heading due north. And then, you 
     could sense a turn to the west. I would say 10:45, maybe 
     10:30 or so, the plane changed course. We were told we 
     weren't going back to Washington. We didn't know where we 
     were going. I remember looking out my window and looking down 
     at that Gulf Coast of the Alabama-Mississippi-Florida area.
       We started to pick up some TV reception. We saw that the 
     collapse of the towers had occurred. It was so surreal. I 
     remember Karl Rove coming back and he said, ``There are 
     40,000 people who are working at the World Trade Center at 
     this time.'' No one knew the magnitude could have been that 
     high. And then, to hear about the Pentagon!
       About 11:30, we got called up to the president's office. 
     The president was at his desk. There's a little sofa that can 
     seat four or five people, and a chair where Andy Card sat. 
     Behind us was this TV screen on the wall. I didn't even know 
     it was there until I got a photograph, and you saw the World 
     Trade Center, a fuzzy picture of it, right over our heads.
       The president was telling us that there were some other 
     planes--six, maybe nine,

[[Page H6192]]

     planes--that were unaccounted for, and that a plane had 
     crashed in Pennsylvania, so the decision was made not to 
     return to Washington. He was very serious, very determined, 
     very focused, and very collected. And I felt much more 
     emotional at that moment that he was. You saw he was in 
     control. I felt choked up. It was almost like your're 
     speechless.
       He said he was determined to make sure that the people who 
     were responsible for this would be identified and punished. 
     There was speculation on the plane, but not with him, that it 
     was bin Laden. The belief was, the only people capable of 
     such an evil deed were either a government--and they didn't 
     think it was any government behind this--or the bin Laden 
     organization.
       The president was saying, ``We are going off to an 
     undisclosed location.'' He was able to very calmly explain 
     where we were and what we were getting ready to do. The only 
     one speaking was the president. And I don't remember really 
     even asking questions.
       I remember saying as we were leaving, ``God bless you, Mr. 
     President.'' You could see the weight on his shoulders. He 
     had been through a lot in those couple of hours. And he 
     obviously knew a lot more than we knew. He talked about how 
     he had given the order--he actually said it had been while he 
     was driving over from the school to Air Force One--to bring 
     all the planes down from the air. He was saying how we had an 
     AWACS and six fighters surrounding us. He was saying we were 
     going to land at an undisclosed location, and that we would 
     be getting off the plane there, and he was going on to 
     another undisclosed location.
       When we got to Barksdale Air Force Base, all you saw were 
     just rows and rows of B-52 bombers. There was a van, a 
     Humvee, there were people standing around with automatic 
     weapons, which you don't see in the United States. We're 
     seeing it today--but we did not see it until September 11. 
     And you could see the president go out. We were left there on 
     the plane. That's when we got good TV, from noon to 1:30. We 
     could not have any contact--no cell phones or BlackBerrys. 
     Then the president came back about 1:30. We exited the plane 
     and stood there on the tarmac, and Air Force One took off.
       I was able to call my wife, who was at home on Capitol 
     Hill. The White House had called her and told her I was on 
     Air Force One. I said something like, ``Honey, I'm OK.'' I 
     was able to tell her where I was and that there was another 
     plane that was going to take us back to Washington. They flew 
     us to Andrews Air Force Base, and I got home about 6 o'clock. 
     We have to be about the only plane in the air, with the 
     exception of the fighter planes, because everyone was 
     grounded, I guess. I'll never forget the landing. You saw the 
     Pentagon smoke.
       I remember when I came home and walked in the house, it was 
     very emotional. I hugged my wife. We just squeezed each 
     other. It was hard to comprehend. I just didn't want to talk 
     to anyone, besides my son and daughter, because it was still 
     so emotional. I choke up sometimes just talking about it. 
     It's just hard to comprehend that I was right there on Air 
     Force One when this whole thing was evolving. This was 
     obviously the most significant event during my congressional 
     career. You realize that the U.S. is vulnerable--that we're 
     not immune to some of the problems elsewhere around the 
     world, and it makes you think that life is very precious. I 
     didn't know anyone personally who perished that day, but it 
     brought that home to me.

  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor of this 
important Resolution and to share in a day of grief and reflection with 
all Americans.
  One year ago today, the course of our Nation was forever changed. As 
we all know, on September 11, 2001, terrorists used hijacked airplanes 
to inflict catastrophic damage upon the United States, taking the lives 
of over 2,000 Americans. And while this day one year ago was marked by 
chaos, carnage, fear, and great loss, it also served to showcase the 
best we as Americans have to offer. In the year since, these 
qualities--courage, innovation, idealism, hope--have enabled us to take 
great steps toward rebuilding this Nation.
  In many ways, the legacy of September 11, 2001, is a patchwork of 
personal stories. For many of us, the world has been changed forever in 
very personal and very painful ways. Each child who woke up on 
September 12th without a parent--and each parent who suffered the 
unspeakable pain of awakening without their child--deserves our 
tireless pursuit of those responsible for these heinous crimes. All 
Americans deserve a country in which they feel safe.
  Each and every one of us has a connection to the destruction. 
Stepping out of my car that morning, I could feel the ground shake 
below me as the third hijacked airplane struck the Pentagon. I will 
never forget the uneasiness that I felt--I know that I will never be 
able to separate my personal attachment to that day with the larger 
infamy of September 11th. While our individual struggles to come to 
terms with what occurred are often frightening and lonely, they are 
also what bind us together. I believe I speak for millions of Americans 
when I say that a piece of me died with each victim of the September 
11th attacks.
  Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not mention a constituent in 
my district who also had a piece of him taken away that day. John 
Wesley's fiancee, Sarah, died on the plane that crashed into the 
Pentagon. John, like so many loved ones left behind, funnels his grief 
into a positive effort that is a testament to his fiancee--ensuring 
that her legacy will continue. I must also mention that despite his 
grief, John, such a positive person--is now committed to preserving 
Sarah's mission of exposing kids to different cultures. Mr. Speaker, 
there are so many John Wesley's in our Nation and I salute them for 
their courage.
  We are now at the one-year anniversary of a day America will never 
forget. It is time to take a look at where we are. Already, we have 
waged our ``War on Terrorism'' to Afghanistan with great success. Brave 
American servicemen and servicewomen have risked their lives half-way 
around the world to prevent further attacks, and bring those 
responsible for September 11th to justice. We have radically altered 
the way that we look at national security by undertaking the single 
greatest Federal Government reorganization in 50 years. We have taken 
unprecedented strides in revamping our transportation security 
infrastructure. We have been forced to reevaluate our aging systems of 
immigration and naturalization. We have cleared the tons of rubble of 
the two largest buildings in America's largest city. We have removed 
and rebuilt the nerve center of this Nation's defenses. And we are far 
from through.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a patriot and a legislator. I take both 
roles very seriously. Since the attacks of September 11th, the American 
people have been reminded that freedom is not free. It takes courage to 
both survive in a dangerous world and retain our liberties. I will 
continue to work to give law enforcement the authority and resources it 
needs to attack terrorism, while standing sentry over the fairness, 
justice and constitutional rights of all Americans.
  I mourn the victims of September 11th, and together with all 
Americans, I accept the challenges facing us as a truly united America. 
We will never forget. But we will not let the actions of a handful of 
zealots derail the hundreds of years of work we have put into this 
country--the freest, most successful, and most democratic nation in the 
world.
  God Bless America.
  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, September 11th will always 
remain a day of great grief and sadness, courage and hope. The sight of 
the destruction and evil filled us with disbelief, sadness, 
helplessness and anger. That day and every day since we have also been 
blessed to see the best of America.
  Throughout the last 12 months, we have seen the greatest of our 
national character in countless acts of sacrifice, courage and love. 
Police, firefighters and port authority officers rushed into the 
building with more concern for finding victims than for their own 
safety. Two office workers, finding a disabled stranger, carried her 
down 68 floors to safety. Rescuers worked past exhaustion to save lives 
after the collapse. The men and women of our Armed Forces, Federal Law 
Enforcement and Intelligence Community are now prosecuting the war on 
terrorism abroad. The men and women on Flight 93, having spoken with 
loved ones on their cell phones and being told of the unfolding events, 
stormed the hijackers and took the plane down, saving thousands of 
lives on the ground. These acts showed the world what we have long 
known--that our fellow Americans are courageous, compassionate and 
brave. That the true strength of our Nation is in the souls of each of 
us, and that is something our enemies can never take from us and never 
defeat.
  Our Nation still grieves through our national tragedy and personal 
loss. To the children and parents and spouses and families and friends 
of the lost, we offer our deepest sympathy, our tears, our support and 
our love. None of us will ever forget the events of September 11th, but 
we will continue our lives together, arm-in-arm, with a collective 
strength that can carry us all.
  Not only is our military winning the war on the ground, we are also 
winning the war in the hearts and minds of individuals across the 
world. The world is beginning to see exactly who America is and who are 
enemies are. Never has the difference been so clear. They wish to kill 
and destroy, we seek to assist and build. They work for division, we 
seek unity. They pray for and plot our failure, we hope and work for a 
better life for all.
  In one year's time, we have comforted those who lost loved ones, we 
have completed our clean-up at Ground Zero, rebuilt the Pentagon, 
rallied the civilized world against terrorism, renewed our friendship 
with our Muslim friends and Arab partners, destroyed terrorist training 
camps in Afghanistan, rid the world of thousands of terrorists, put 
others on the run who will soon understand there are no limits to 
American justice, and freed a people from an oppressive regime, 
restoring hope and opportunity. We're working with the new Afghan 
government to lay the foundation for long-term stability and to reverse 
the conditions that allowed terrorist regimes to take root in the first

[[Page H6193]]

place. This Congress has taken necessary actions to strengthen our 
homeland, assist the family and friends who lost loved ones, and worked 
to stem the economic downturn that resulted. There has been much good 
that has come out of that tragic day that shook us to our core, but 
strengthen our resolve and determination to rid the world of evil. And 
we still have much work to do. We did not ask for this mission, but we 
will fulfill it to ensure that freedom endures.
  We are now engaged in a struggle that we cannot and will not lose. We 
have come to a unique moment in history, and America must take its 
rightful place, leading the charge for the right of men and the 
responsibility of government. Throughout our storied history, America 
has reaffirmed its commitment to freedom. Today, we find ourselves at 
the dawn of a new birth of freedom, not only for our Nation, but indeed 
for all of mankind. We have been given this enormous task, and we will 
undertake it as only America knows how--head on--and we will succeed. 
We will capture this opportunity for all of mankind and all time. We 
will continue to lead this Nation and world that we love, confident 
that the same God that watched over George Washington as he led our 
revolutionary army, over our founding fathers as they established our 
system of government, over Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, and 
over our Armed Forces as they stormed the beaches at Normandy, is still 
watching over us today as we go forth to make the world safe for 
freedom and democracy.
  America was targeted by our enemies because we are the beacon for 
freedom and opportunity in the world. That light still shines brightly 
today. Peace and freedom will prevail. Hatred and evil are ephemeral, 
but love and goodness have no end. The greatest people in the history 
of mankind have been called to defend a great nation and the greatest 
of ideas, and we will continue to succeed.
  As we pause to mark the first anniversary of one of the worst days in 
our Nation's history, we not only remember and pray for the loved and 
the lost, we also renew our commitment to honoring their memory by 
pursuing peace and justice, by upholding freedom and democracy, and by 
defending all that is good and just in the world.
  Mr. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, today, as we remember the victims of 9/
11 and pay tribute to the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives to 
save others, our Nation offers gratitude, comfort and support to the 
families of those who perished on that tragic day. Our Nation is also 
reminded of the brave men and women who are standing guard here at home 
and abroad--soldiers, police officers, firefighters, and first 
responders. We are grateful for their service. Time may heal wounds, 
but we will never forget.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, it is with a most profound sense of 
remembrance that I rise in support of this resolution, which I am proud 
to cosponsor. Although Guam, the distant U.S. Territory I have the 
privilege of representing in this body, is roughly some 10,000 miles 
away from the City of New York, Pennsylvania, and Northern Virginia, 
its people, my constituency, share in the sorrow and concern for those 
directly affected by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on our 
Nation. Our geographic isolation and great distance from the mainland 
has not kept us from taking part in the healing process, in 
demonstrating our resolve, and in providing for the defense of our 
country. This past year has been a time of anguish and renewal for 
many. It has been a time of trepidation over our future in a world with 
division, unresolved differences and weapons of mass destruction. As we 
reflect on the events of one year ago, we are reminded of who we are as 
a people, of what we believe in as a nation, and of the values that 
make our democracy strong.
  The people of Guam are a patriotic people, whose loyalty to the 
United States has been tested in our most darkest hours of history. As 
many of my colleagues recall, concurrent with the attack on Pearl 
Harbor on December 7, 1941, Guam was also attacked, invaded and then 
occupied. During World War II, our island endured a 32-month brutal 
occupation. Survival during this daunting and difficult period 
emboldened the people of Guam and taught us to cherish freedom and 
democracy. It was with this experience, etched in our memories, that we 
were confronted with the events surrounding the most devastating 
attacks on American civilians in our Nation's history on September 11, 
2001. In the days that have followed, school children on Guam, like 
many across the country, have penned their thoughts on paper and 
creatively expressed their feelings in drawings and illustrations for 
the families, firefighters, police officers, rescue personnel, and 
others that were a part of this tragedy. On Guam, like everywhere else 
in the country, scores of American Flags waved atop cars, trucks, and 
buses, on backpacks of school children and in front of homes. People 
filled the pews in the churches and places of worship to pray for those 
who lost their lives and for comfort, hope and peace. The people of 
Guam also donated blood, time and money in support of the rebuilding 
efforts. Memorial concerts, performances, and vigils have been held to 
bring recognition of the American heroism that was so courageously 
displayed in the aftermath of the attacks.
  Last November, I was able to travel to the New York City Office of 
Emergency Management where I witnessed firsthand the professional, 
compassionate work of the people of New York in the face of this 
tragedy. I was able to bring with me then hundreds of support and thank 
you letters and drawings from school children on Guam.
  To the families of those who lost loved ones, please know that the 
thoughts and 
prayers of the people of Guam are with you. To those first responders 
who aided in the rescue efforts and to those individuals who have 
committed themselves to the rebuilding efforts, please know that the 
people of Guam are grateful to you for your work and commitment. As we 
commemorate the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and pay tribute to 
all the goodness that has followed within the past year since that 
unforgettable day, let us never forget the sacrifice. The people of 
Guam stand in solidarity with the rest of our country. We continue to 
stand ready to do our part in this national crusade. As so often has 
happened in the past century, Guam is ready. We made our contributions 
in World War II and in the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. We will do our 
part, and more, again and again in this new century to defend our 
country, to preserve our democracy, and safeguard our values of freedom 
and liberty.
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, today marks the one-year anniversary of one 
of the most tragic days in our country's history. I am proud of the way 
Americans have united following the horrific terrorist attacks on 
civilians. Neighbors who rarely spoke to each other, or people who did 
not even know each other shared their thoughts, compassion, and prayers 
for our fallen heroes. Our country is now stronger than ever.
  Understandably, a lot of Americans are outraged following the 
attacks. Let it be clear that we will continue to hunt down those 
responsible for the attacks of Sept. 11, and those that may be foolish 
enough to plan to harm us again. We must also remember that we are not 
fighting a war with people of any specific ethnic group, nationality, 
or religion. We must be vigilant and wary of any efforts by the U.S. 
government or members of our citizenry to racially profile innocent 
people, as we wage our war against terrorism. I repeat the poignant 
words of a famous philosopher who once said ``Whoever fights monsters 
should see to it that in the process he doesn't become a monster.''
  As a child, I was a first-hand witness to civil injustice. My family 
and I were locked up in a U.S. internment camp during World War II only 
because we were of Japanese descent. There were many patriots during 
this war. Thousands of young Americans of Japanese ancestry fought and 
died for the very country that imprisoned their families. However, 
their loyalty to America never wavered.
  Our war against terror is going to be a long-term engagement. Along 
the way we will need to be thoughtful and critical of many different 
courses of action. It will be more important than ever to ensure that 
we all have the freedom to ask tough questions of our government 
officials, cultural institutions, and citizenry. The declaration of war 
against terrorism, in itself, is not sufficient justification for the 
passage of invasive and constitutionally suspect government powers, or 
calls for military action against nations. A true patriot will ensure 
that the actions of our government are just and reasonable.
  Our Constitution is rarely tested in times of tranquility, but is 
severely tested in times of tension, turmoil, and tragedy. We must 
remember to embrace the principles of our Constitution--our contract 
for democracy and freedom--which others seek to destroy. They shall not 
succeed. My heart and prayers go out to all those lost someone dear to 
them. Know that I share your pain, and that I will never forget the 
sacrifice your families made in the name of America.
  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, a year has passed since 3,000 
innocent men, women and children tragically lost their lives in a 
brutal and cowardly attack on our country.
  While we have had a year to come to terms with the enormous tragedy 
of September 11, the sense of loss remains overwhelming.
  On that somber day, we all watched in disbelief as terrorists 
hijacked planes to attack buildings that symbolized our strength and 
power. We will never forget that day or the people whose lives were 
unexpectedly taken from them.
  New Mexico's families felt the pain of losing friends and loved ones. 
No one who knew Alamogordo's Alfred Marchand can ever forget this man 
who proudly served his community in the Alamogordo Department of Public 
Safety. After a stellar 21-year career, he followed his heart and 
became a flight attendant. While living his dream, he perished on 
United Airlines Flight 175 fighting against the terrorists.

[[Page H6194]]

  We must also remember Senior Airman Jason Cunningham, who grew up in 
Carlsbad. Jason died on a mission in Afghanistan while trying to save 
another serviceman. Albuquerque's Sgt. First Class Christopher James 
Speer also died in an Afghanistan firefight with suspected terrorists. 
He made the absolute sacrifice to protect us from terror.
  Remembering the 3,000 lives taken from us reminds us that, though we 
continue to move forward with our own lives, we do so in a world that 
has been profoundly affected by the events of September 11.
  As we search for ways to deal with the unspeakable horror of this 
tragedy, we can take guidance from the words of Robert F. Kennedy. Amid 
the grief and rage that followed the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr., RFK said, ``In this difficult time for the United States, it 
is perhaps well to ask what kind of nation we are and what direction 
[do] we want to move in.''
  These questions are still appropriate today. What kind of nation are 
we? What direction do we want to move in? I would answer that America 
remains a great nation and I would challenge us all to move in a 
direction that even more closely embraces the virtues and values that 
make us great.
  September 11 has tested--and will continue to test--the resolve and 
the resilience of all Americans. It will test our commitment to the 
virtues and values on which this Nation is built: democracy, diversity, 
liberty and justice for all. Our response to September 11 must be to 
become even more passionate in our commitment to these virtues and 
values: to embrace and support democracy around the world; to celebrate 
our national mosaic of races and religions; and to shine the light of 
liberty even more brightly into every corner of the earth.
  America is involved. We give of ourselves--as servicemembers, 
teachers, law enforcement officials, emergency workers, and volunteers 
for causes great and small.
  Today, public service is more important than ever. Tragedy reminds us 
we must come together to create an America that is even more just, more 
democratic and more secure.
  America is a great nation. Let us look back on September 11, 2001, 
with sadness and respect, grieve for those we lost, and honor those who 
showed the courage that makes us all proud. Let us emerge from this 
tragedy a stronger and wiser great nation.
  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. I rise today to commemorate the anniversary 
of the September 11 attacks on our nation. As I reflect on this first 
anniversary of the tragic attacks on our nation I am overcome with 
sadness and hope. that we as a nation have come together in a spirit of 
reflection, resiliency and continued renewal is a testament to the 
enduring greatness of the American spirit.
  Though we are pausing throughout the day to remember those we lost, 
our resolve to protect our freedom, is unyielding. Our nation is strong 
and once again America and our values have persevered. Friday's Special 
Session of Congress in New York's Federal Hall invoked the history of 
the first Congress convened in 1789 and represented a strong message to 
the world that as Americans we stand together in our fight against 
terrorism.
  Last year when I visited Ground Zero I saw evil in the devastation 
present. Last week at Ground Zero I saw the continuing of our healing 
process and the unlimited hope of the American spirit. Throughout the 
past year I have been working with community leaders in my 
congressional district to both cope with the aggression forced upon us 
and assess the level of preparedness in our region should another 
incident occur.
  We need to be sure our everyday heroes: our police, fire, ambulance, 
and medical personnel have the adequate resources, training, supplies, 
materials, and equipment they need to protect our community. These 
brave men and women are a critical component of our Homeland Security 
for they are our front line. Because of their valiance and commitment 
to service we are safer than we were a year ago.
  As we remember the attacks on our nation in New York, at the 
Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania we are reminded of the promise and the 
hope that has risen from the ashes of that dreadful day. For 
Independence, to Lee's Summit to Kansas City, the people in the heart 
of our nation are joining in numerous events commemorating the 9/11 
anniversary. One such event, the interfaith observance, ``Remembering 
9/11: A Day of Hope reflects the uniqueness of Kansas City as a place 
known for its river and fountains. Water gathered from the Missouri 
River and many of the area's fountains will be mixed with water 
gathered from rivers all over the world, including Tibet and Egypt. The 
water will be distributed to participants in the observance to be used 
at other events later in the day symbolically connecting all those 
present to a spirit of renewal and healing, regardless of religion or 
creed.
  Another common theme throughout the Kansas City area remembrances is 
the number 3,000 approximating the number of victims in the September 
11 attacks: 3,000 flags are to hang at the Kansas City Middle School of 
the Arts, 3,000 memorial candles are to light at Temple B'nai Jehudah, 
3,000 names are to be read at the bell tower at Rockhurst University.
  Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in support of H. Con. Res. 464 and 
echo the sentiments of Margaret Truman, daughter of President Harry S. 
Truman and native of Independence, Missouri that ``in years to come we 
will see September 11 as a turning point in our history as a people, a 
day of grief and glory that created a new dimension in the soul of 
America.''
  Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on this first year anniversary, I 
extend my deepest sympathies to the families of the countless number of 
innocent victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the 
Pentagon, the World Trade Center, and in a desolate field in 
Pennsylvania.
  Nothing will ever repair the losses we suffered as a nation one year 
ago today. The history of the United States changed forever when 
nineteen terrorists hijacked four planes and killed three thousand 
Americans.
  While the events of that morning will forever play in our mind's eye, 
we endure and we are moving forward. As a united America, we have taken 
the needed steps to rebuild, to heal, to pursue justice, and to secure 
our borders.
  Since that time, I have been proud to vote for legislation to make 
our communities safer and our military stronger as we face the 
challenges of the new century. I commend President bush for his 
leadership and I commend the brave men and women of the United States 
Armed Forces in the successful effort to oust the Taliban from power 
and hunt down those terrorists who perpetrated these acts of evil. I 
applaud those in our Armed Forces for their continued commitment to 
pursue those responsible for the attacks.
  The words spoken so long ago by President Lincoln seem to fit so 
eloquently at this moment in history. ``It is for us the living rather 
to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here 
have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here 
dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these 
honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they 
gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve 
that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God 
shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, 
by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.''
  As we humble ourselves before Him and pray for His guidance, may God 
continue to bless this great nation.
  Mr. STRICKLAND. Mr. Speaker. We all carry with us memories of 
September 11, 2001. It was a profoundly personal day for all of us. No 
matter what happens in our lives, each of us will forever carry the 
horror we felt as we watched the unbelievable images on television 
unfold that fateful day. Even if we had no family or friends who were 
directly involved, as Americans we were deeply touched by those 
unspeakable events.
  One year later, we observe a day of remembrance. Not an anniversary, 
but a guidepost: a mark against which we measure how far our nation has 
come since that horrific day one year ago.
  That day, we witnessed the courage of hundreds of heroes who 
sacrificed themselves in an effort to save others. We felt rage and 
despair that a few evil men could purposefully steal so many lives, and 
at the same time we felt deep pride in the courage of our fellow 
Americans. We witnessed the best and worst of humanity. We dealt with 
our sorrow by caring for each other.
  What began as one of the darkest days in our nation's history will 
long be remembered as one of America's finest hours.
  One year later, I see a new America. We have not experienced the 
enormous sea change many predicted, but we greet each day with a 
greater sense of responsibility to our families, our communities and 
our nation. We also know that from now on we will be asked to sacrifice 
convenience for safety. We now know how vulnerable our freedom makes 
us.
  But we also have a newfound appreciation for those freedoms and a 
renewed sense of the strength that our liberty gives us. We have been 
reminded that America's strength as a nation comes not only from its 
military might, but from the tightly woven fabric of the American 
family, symbolized in the stars and stripes of our flag. It is the 
solidarity of our national family that I hope will once again bring 
comfort to the families and friends of those who lost their lives on 
that fateful day.
  We should also remember the thousands of Americans who are nobly 
risking their lives in foreign lands in the effort to wipe out 
terrorism. This war will continue to be time consuming and costly. But 
we Americans are a strong and resolute people. We have lived through 
the dark days of wars past.
  As FDR said following the attack on Pearl Harbor, ``No matter how 
long it make take us

[[Page H6195]]

to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their 
righteous might will win through to absolute victory . . . With 
confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of 
our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph. So help us God.''
  May God place his blessing on you and yours, and may God continue to 
bless the United States of America.
  The following is a statement by Alan Wallace. Alan was a firefighter 
from my district who was stationed on the heli-paid outside the 
Pentagon on September 11, 2001. For his bravery that day, Alan was a 
co-recipient of the Department of Defense Fire Fighter Heroism Award. 
The following is his account of the events that day.

       On the morning of September 11, 2001, I was assigned to the 
     Heliport Station at the Pentagon. I was assigned there the 
     day before as well. I should have been assigned to the 
     Pentagon fire station all that week.
       Fort Myer firefighters were taking a week-long class on Air 
     Field Firefighting, given at the classrooms Building 219. 
     Mark Skipper, Dennis Young and I had already had the 
     training. Mike Thayer, John Pine and Ronnie Willett also had 
     had the training. Thayer, Pine and Willett were scheduled off 
     on 9/11. Chief George Thompson was off because his wife was 
     ill.
       Mark Skipper, Dennis Young and I were the 3 crew members 
     assigned to the Pentagon fire station on the morning of 9/11. 
     We arrived there about 0730. The fire station was new and we 
     had only been using it since January or February 2001. We 
     also had a new crash truck assigned there, an Emergency One 
     Titan 3000. It carries 1,500 gallons of water and 200 gallons 
     of 3% foam. Our first helicopter flight was around 10 am. But 
     we were expecting Pres. George W. Bush to land in Marine One 
     around 12 noon, returning from Jacksonville, Florida. (He had 
     actually left from the Pentagon the day before.) Needless to 
     say, neither flight arrived at the Pentagon that day because 
     of the terrorist attacks.
       Mark, Dennis, and I had our turn-out gear either on the 
     crash truck or in the station. About 0830 I decided to pull 
     the crash truck outside of the fire station and place it in a 
     position more accessible to the heliport landing site. The 
     truck was then parked perpendicular to the Pentagon, with the 
     rear of the truck 15-20 feet from the west wall of the 
     Pentagon, and the truck facing west, towards the heliport 
     pad. The right side of the truck was approximately 30 feet 
     from the fire station's apparatus door opening. (I forget to 
     mention the Ford Van we normally use for transport between 
     Fort Myer and the Pentagon. It is a 15 passenger vehicle 
     which was parked west of the fire station facing north, with 
     its rear about 10 feet north of the apparatus end of the fire 
     station and approximately 6 feet from the side of the fire 
     station.)
       The fire station is approximately 75 feet long, 35 feet 
     wide and 16 feet tall. The flight control tower sits above 
     the fire station. There were two other individuals at the 
     heliport site: Sean Berger (U.S. Army Personnel) and Jackie 
     Kidd, both active duty Army.
       As I said, we were expecting Pres. Bush about nooon, which 
     would be a Code One Standby. In such situations, one of the 
     problems I see at the heliport is that there are too many 
     people there. Plus there are many vehicles, including Secret 
     Service, Pentagon SWAT, U.S. Park Police, D.C. cops on 
     motorcycles, and the two Presidential limounsines. And some 
     of these vehicles even park in front of the fire station 
     apparatus door, blocking the fire truck from exiting the 
     building! That is why I wanted the crash truck out of the 
     station and parked in a good location, for easy access to the 
     Heliport in the case of an emergency.
       After checking out the fire truck, eating a bowl of 
     cornflakes, and cleaning the station and apparatus area, I 
     sat in my favorite chair in the apparatus area to read a book 
     about opera. About 0900 Mark and Dennis were inside the fire 
     station in the day room. Mark came out to tell me that an 
     airplane had just crashed into the World Trade Center. I then 
     got up and went into the day room to watch the television 
     coverage from New York City. While we three were watching, a 
     second aircraft struck the second tower. I think we watched 
     the TV for about 10 minutes or so.
       I then went back outside. I was soon joined by Mark. We 
     both began to work around the crash truck and were talking 
     about the events in New York. About 0920, Chief Charlie 
     Campbell called the Pentagon fire station to inform us of the 
     attacks on the WTC in New York. He actually talked to all 
     three of us: first Dennis, then me and then Skip. He wanted 
     to be sure we were aware of the WTC disaster and that is was 
     definitely a terrorist attack. He wanted to be sure we were 
     aware of everything going on around the fire station. He also 
     said Washington D.C. could very well be a target and if that 
     happened, our fire truck could be dispatched to an incident.
       Let me say this. After the NYC attack, I began to have 
     ``second thoughts'' about having the fire truck parked where 
     is was. Would it be better for the time being to return it to 
     the fire station until around 1100 or so? But I decided not 
     to move it.
       Mark and I continued to mess around the fire truck. The 
     last minute or two before the plane hit the Pentagon, Mark 
     and I were working in the right rear compartment where the 
     foam metering valves are located. Mark told me how, if you 
     had to, you could get as much as 50% foam solution out of the 
     roof turret and discharges. We laughed about cheating the 
     government out of some foam! Mark and I then walked toward 
     the right front corner of the truck. We were side-by-side, 
     always within an arm's reach or each other. We had walked 
     past the right front corner of the crash truck (Foam 161) and 
     were maybe 10-15 feet in front of the truck when I looked up 
     toward my left side. I saw a large frame commercial airline 
     crossing Washington Blvd, heading towards the west side of 
     the Pentagon! The plane had two big engines, appeared to be 
     in level flight, and was only approximately 25 feet off the 
     ground, and only about 200 YARDS from our location. I later 
     said the plane approached the Pentagon at about a 45 degree 
     angle but later drawings showed it was closer to 60 degrees. 
     The airplane appeared to be a Boeing 757 or an Air Bus 320--
     white, with blue and orange stripes. Mark later recalled the 
     plane was silver and even identified that it was American 
     Airlines.
       So many people think Mark and I watched the plane hit the 
     building. We did NOT. We only saw it approach for an instant, 
     I would estimate not longer then half a second. Others didn't 
     understand why we didn't hear it sooner. We did not hear it 
     until right after we saw it. I estimate that the plane hit 
     the building only 1\1/2\-2 seconds after we saw it.
       What I am saying is, immediately after we saw it we heard 
     the noise, the engines, I'm sure. I described that as a 
     terrible noise--loud, scary, and horrible. At the time we saw 
     the plane, I said ``LET'S GO!'' and Mark and I ran away from 
     the area. I turned and ran to my right, going north. (I do 
     not remember which way Mark went, since I did not see him 
     until I crawled out from under the Ford Van.)
       As I recall, I had several clear thoughts and feelings as I 
     was running: (1) the noise from the engines of the airplane; 
     (2) awareness that now WE are being attacked; (3) planning to 
     run until I catch on fire, then maybe dive to the ground and 
     then figure out what to do; (4) hearing the sound of the 
     plane crashing into the Pentagon, which I later described as 
     a ``crunch''; (5) sensation of a lot of pressure; (6) feeling 
     very, very hot very quickly; (7) ``we're certainly not going 
     to burn up!''
       Later that morning when I began to look at the distances of 
     everything from the fire truck, I thought the plane hit the 
     building 200 feet south of the front of the fire truck. I had 
     only apparently run about 20 feet when the plane hit the 
     building. I ran another 30 feet or so until I felt I was on 
     fire. I thought I had done everything I could do for myself. 
     I decided to get down below the fire and fireball. So I dove 
     face first to the blacktop. At this time, it just happened 
     that I was right beside the left rear tire of the Ford van. 
     (I presume that the debris from the Pentagon and airplane was 
     being propelled away from the impact site.) I immediately 
     crawled very quickly under the van for cover and safety.
       At this time, I noticed a lot of heat and decided to crawl 
     to the end of the van. Very soon the heat was unbearable and 
     I decided to get out from under the van and get farther away 
     from the impact site. It was then that I saw Mark Skipper to 
     my left--out in the field 50-75 feet away. He was standing, 
     looking back to the impact site and seemed to be swinging his 
     arms. I immediately ran over to him to ask if he was OK. He 
     said he was, and then said ``I'm glad you saw that 
     airplane!'' I said ``get your gear on--we have a lot of work 
     to do; I'm going to the fire truck.''
       It was probably at this time that I first noticed the 
     damage to the Pentagon and the crash truck. A lot of smoke 
     was in the sky above the Pentagon. The rear of the crash 
     truck was on fire with a large blaze. But most noticeable was 
     that everything around the fire truck on the ground was on 
     fire. Also the west side of the Pentagon was on fire, all the 
     way from the first to the fifth (top) floor.
       I ran about 30 yards back to the damaged crash truck, 
     stepping carefully, not to slip on the burning debris 
     covering the ground. I arrived at the right cab door, opened 
     it and climbed in. I grabbed the radio and put the head set 
     on, then jumped over the radios into the driver's seat. I 
     immediately pushed the 2 engine start buttons and the 
     engine started, to my amazement. I thought if I could pull 
     the fire truck away from the Pentagon and put it in a left 
     turn, I could direct the roof turret nozzle into the 
     impact site using the foam and water on board the truck. I 
     then pushed off the emergency brake and pulled the 
     transmission selector into the drive range and tramped on 
     the accelerator (I still couldn't believe the engine had 
     started.) However, the accelerator would not make the 
     engine run any faster and the truck would not move. (I 
     later found out from Mark then whenever I tramped on the 
     accelerator, the flames on the back of the truck would 
     flare up.) The window in the left door was open and I had 
     left the right cab door open as I entered the truck. There 
     was a lot of smoke coming up along the left side of the 
     truck, and blowing through this open window and filling 
     the cab with smoke, as well as exiting the right door. 
     There was a fire in the left side of the driver's seat 
     back. That must have produced a lot of the smoke in the 
     cab as well. At some point when I was in the cab, I looked 
     to my right and saw Dennis Young walking through the 
     apparatus area, so I knew he was OK. At another point, I 
     called Fort Myer Fire Dispatch on the fire radio and gave 
     the following message:
       ``Foam 61 to Fort Myer: we have had a commercial airliner 
     crash into the west side

[[Page H6196]]

     of the Pentagon at the heliport, Washington Blvd. side. We 
     are OK with minor injuries. Aircraft was a Boeing 757 or Air 
     Bus 320.'' It also seemed like I mumbled something else 
     before I removed the head set, shut off the truck engine and 
     began to egress the vehicle.
       The fire station was to my right and I noticed it was 
     trashed and there was burning material inside the apparatus 
     area. I see Mark outside the right cab door signaling me to 
     shut off the engine.
       (Note: I feel I had the fire truck engine running in 20 
     seconds after the plane hit the building. This time included 
     running, crawling, checking on Mark and running back to the 
     burning crash truck.)
       Just as I was about to get out of the wrecked truck, 
     someone appeared at the cab door asking for a breathing 
     apparatus. He may have been a Pentagon cop. So I handed him 
     one of the S.C.B.A.'s and then handed another one to Mark. 
     Before getting out of the cab. I grabbed my helmet, radio, 
     face piece (for my S.C.B.A.). I carried these items over to 
     the rear of the van, an area I thought would be out of the 
     traffic and easy to find later. Dennis was attempting to use 
     a fire extinguisher on the truck. Mark was removing some of 
     the EMS equipment from the truck. At this time, we all 
     probably thought the truck would be consumed by the damaging 
     fire.
       At this point, I went into the fire station through the 
     open apparatus door area and attempted to get dressed in my 
     turn-out gear (coat, pants, boots and helmet.) I noticed my 
     boots and pants were covered with debris, with numerous wood, 
     rock and metal fragments filling the boots. One of my elastic 
     suspenders was on fire, which I stamped out (or so I though). 
     When I was considering how best to empty the debris from 
     my boots, I heard a voice back outside saying ``we need 
     help here''. I think it was at this time that Dennis, Mark 
     and I began to assemble at the first floor windows of the 
     Pentagon (behind the crash truck).
       I was later told by a civilian rescuer that I helped him 
     climb into the window of the Pentagon where most of the 
     victims exited the building. I don't remember helping him up. 
     But I definitely remember him being there. I feel he was 
     instrumental in organizing the rescue effort at this area of 
     the Pentagon. At the time, I described him as a civilian 35-
     40 years old wearing black jeans, black polo shirt with a red 
     logo on the shirt.
       In April, 2002, I learned that the identity of this 
     `civilian' was Blair Bozek. He turns out to be a Lt. Col. 
     USAF, (Ret.). He was one of the SR71 Spy plane pilots. Ha! 
     Mark and I always felt 10-15 people may have exited the 
     Pentagon at our location. All were terrified, most were 
     burned. They had had varying amounts of clothing burned from 
     their bodies, and some were missing shoes. We were assisted 
     in rescuing them by several civilians as well as Armed forces 
     people who, having been uninjured in the attack, had come to 
     aid their fellow employees.
       I would like to describe how very hostile the working 
     environment was following the airplane attack. We were 
     directly up against the Pentagon building, which was on fire 
     with smoke pouring heavily from all of the windows. The 
     ground was burning all around us. A magnolia tree was 
     burning, which gave a strange sensation of flaming ``things'' 
     floating in the air--I later realized they were magnolia 
     leaves. There were several times the heat was so intense that 
     I thought my pants were on fire. It was especially difficult 
     to breathe because of the smoke and fumes. These conditions 
     definitely limited how long we could assist in the rescue.
       I do remember helping three men carry an unconscious man 
     all the way out to the guard rail beside Washington Blvd. 
     While carrying him, I noticed the 4 inch fire hose from our 
     Fort Myer Rescue Engine #161. That meant our fellow 
     firefighters were on the scene. This was a relief, because 
     after I called them on the radio, I was certain it would be 
     difficult for them to get to the Pentagon because of traffic. 
     But I learned later that R/E 161, R/E 162 and the Asst. Chief 
     did not have difficulty getting to the Pentagon.
       A further comment about my radio message: I should have 
     followed it up with a call from one of the portable radios or 
     possibly a phone call to Fort Myer from the heliport station 
     phone (had it been in service). I had not waited for a reply 
     from Dispatcher Bob Connelly. (more on this subject later).
       Unknown to me, before my radio message, Arlington Dispatch 
     was receiving numerous 911 calls from all around the county. 
     Reports were varied: helicopter crash into east side of the 
     Pentagon, tractor trailer on fire on Washington Blvd, 
     possible airplane crash on or near the 14th Street Bridge. 
     Many of the 911 callers could see smoke but could not 
     determine its source. Some likely saw a low flying aircraft 
     or heard the impact of the crash. Arlington Dispatch advised 
     all listening stations about some of these reports, but of 
     course couldn't confirm exact location, etc. In fact, it 
     is quite possible that one of these callers, recalling the 
     flight #90 crash into the Potomac River many years ago, 
     was instrumental in causing National Airport to dispatch 
     the first big crash truck. According to the firefighters 
     from the classroom at Fort Myer, immediately after the 
     communication from Arlington, they heard my radio message. 
     Therefore apparently my message was successful in 
     informing my fellow firefighters of the exact location. 
     After victims stopped appearing at the Pentagon windows, 
     Mark, Dennis and I began assisting the arriving Fort Myer 
     companies on the fire ground. My next task was to get into 
     my ``fire turn gear''. Returning to the rescue site behind 
     the crash truck, again I looked at my fire boots and 
     pants. They were still full of debris, but now the left 
     suspender had completely burned off down to the end where 
     it had been attached to my pants! I picked up my gear and 
     dumped out the rocks, etc., stepped into my boots and 
     pulled up the fire pants. With only one suspender, I must 
     have looked like Jethro Bodine from the Beverly 
     Hillbillies. I also got on my nylon sock-hood and fire 
     coat. I grabbed a big lantern and two fire extinguishers 
     (one CO2 and the other 20# PurpleK, potassium 
     bicarbonate).
       I pulled the safety pin on the CO2 and placed the lantern 
     under my left arm, walked around the burning end of the crash 
     truck, sprayed some of the CO2 on it and under it. The 
     extinguisher seemed only about half full, so it was quickly 
     discharged and I threw it aside.
       Pulling the pin on the PurpleK bottle, I walked behind the 
     truck and into the Pentagon. Holding the illuminated lantern 
     in my left hand, I immediately notice how poor the visibility 
     was. Keep in mind I still had no gloves, no helmet and no 
     S.C.B.A. I do not think I went into the building any further 
     than 20 feet. I would see fire and spray the extinguisher on 
     it. It makes a very loud noise when being discharged and I 
     did so several times. Out of nowhere, I heard the clear voice 
     of a woman yell ``hey!'' She had heard the sound of the fire 
     extinguisher and realized she was near another person. She 
     did not sound panicked. I yelled back ``I can't see you'' and 
     she clapped her hands. I was waving my flashlight. I did not 
     go after her, and later I questioned my courage about why I 
     hadn't.
       Several days later, I noticed an article in the Washington 
     Post which mentioned me. It also described a woman, Sheila 
     Moody, who heard the swoosh of a fire extinguisher from 
     someone, called out, and was answered by and rescued by a 
     firefighter. I do not remember making contact with her. I 
     believe it has my fire extinguisher she heard, but I also 
     believe she was intercepted by another firefighter. But had I 
     not had the fire extinguisher but had taken the garden hose 
     attached to the fire station, she might not have known she 
     was very near the outside of the building and near rescuers.
       I then began to assist the fire fighting crews. I got a 
     larger nozzle tip for the attack team and got 50 feet of 4 
     inch hose off Engine 161 so we could move the deluge gun 
     closer to the Pentagon. Another project I undertook was to 
     begin removing all the equipment off the crash truck: the 
     third S.C.B.A., all the extra air bottles, power cords, 
     floodlights, all the 1\3/4\" hose (200 feet of it), tools, 
     and fire extinguishers. At this point, the truck was still on 
     fire and a lot of fire was right behind the truck in the 
     Pentagon. I also noticed that the two personnel vehicles that 
     had been parked near the impact site, belonging to the two 
     Army Flight Control Tower personnel. Both had been completely 
     destroyed by flying debris and fire.
       About this time hose line crews from Fort Myer were 
     entering the building with a 2\1/2\" hose with a 1\1/4\" 
     solid nozzle. We added 50 feet of 4" hose to the deluge gun. 
     Capt. Dennis Gilroy noticed the first collapse of a cornice 
     above the fifth floor windows, just above the impact site. 
     Dennis Young and I were at the deluge gun and were told to 
     pull back and allow the deluge gun to operate un-manned.
       About the time Gilroy ordered our people to get out of the 
     building, there was report of another hijacked airliner, 
     allegedly heading toward Washington D.C. During this period 
     of waiting, Capt. Gilroy was assigning firefighters to hand 
     line teams to attack the fire, which was beginning to spread 
     to the third and fourth floors of the Pentagon.
       By now, I was feeling the effects of exhaustion from the 
     frantic pace and severe shortness of breath from the lack of 
     air at the impact site where we had assisted victims. I 
     thought Mark and Dennis were in the same shape. Mark and I 
     both told Gilroy not to count on us for the hand line crew. 
     Our fellow Fort Myer firefighters had become aware of our 
     injuries and Gilroy called an EMS crew to tend to us.
       Our injuries were primarily second degree burns on our 
     necks and forearms. In addition, Mark had a laceration on his 
     hand, Dennis had a sprained ankle, and I had left shoulder 
     pain. (Note: Mark, Dennis and I were only wearing T-shirts, 
     work trousers and boots or heavy shoes at the time of the 
     attack.) A medic unit arrived, Arlington, I believe. They 
     bandaged our burns with wet dressings and wrapped them with 
     gauze. I was given oxygen to breathe; the others weren't 
     experiencing difficulty breathing. We were delivered to the 
     triage area at approximately 1100.
       There, we three saw Jackie Kidd and Sean Berger from the 
     Control Tower. They looked to be OK. Jackie was really 
     shaking and Sean had his forearms wrapped, much like us. When 
     I saw them, I realized I had not thought once about them 
     after the attack. I felt bad about this. Later I thought I 
     would have at least told Dennis Young to ``check on the 
     people in the Tower'' but I guess there was just far too much 
     to think about in the immediate response to the attack.
       Sean and Jackie were both given a ride home by a nurse-
     bystander named Victoria Brunner, who had been working in 
     Triage. (She now works at Fort Myer-Radar Clinic as a 
     counselor.)
       Mark, Dennis and I had a welcome opportunity to rest in the 
     Triage area, and were given water, bananas, apples and plums.

[[Page H6197]]

     There were probably 50 health care people there. Triage was 
     located in the tunnel under Washington Blvd. on Columbia 
     Pike.
       By now our word of our experience had spread to the FBI who 
     interviewed us, as well as Kidd and Berger, while we were in 
     Triage. After our interview, I wanted to return to the fire 
     ground to see all the people from Fort Myer. We did so and 
     spent about \1/2\ hour there. Mark, Dennis and I stayed 
     around Triage for about two hours. During this time, I had a 
     chance to use a cell phone to call my Mother in Ohio. She was 
     very relieved to learn I was OK. I also called Donna Houle at 
     the Women's Memorial in Arlington Cemetery and asked her to 
     contact some of my friends. In the next few days, I think I 
     called everyone in my address book.
       After all the other victims had been removed to hospitals, 
     Mark and I were taken via ambulance to Arlington Hospital by 
     Army Chase-Bethesda Rescue Squad #1. A young medic trainee 
     named Sandra Melnick drove the medic unit. There were 6-8 
     people in the back of the squad, with one patient placed on a 
     cardiac monitor. I sat in the front with her to give 
     directions to the hospital.
       After being released from the hospital, I contacted one of 
     the hospital security officers to request a ride back to Fort 
     Myer. He provided a driver within five minutes. Just as we 
     were leaving the hospital, we were questioned by one of the 
     local TV news channels, Fox I believe. We told them about 
     seeing the airplane approach in time to run away from the 
     Pentagon building.
       Our driver took us as far as the Iwo Jima Memorial, just 
     200 yards from one of the gates into Fort Myer. Of course by 
     now security had been increased significantly since my 
     arrival there at 0530 earlier in the day. (The MP's had 
     shoulder arms, a vehicle with machine gun mounted on top was 
     nearby.) I was wearing a hospital gown, my fire boots and 
     carried my fire pants in a plastic bag and had no I.D. But 
     fortunately one of the MP's recognized me and allowed us to 
     pass. (Mark did have some I.D.)
       As soon as we were allowed to pass through the gate, an Air 
     Force Major gave us a ride back to the fire station in his 
     Jaguar. Ha--we were home!
       We immediately began to tell our story and help out at the 
     fire station. Dennis was there when we arrived. Soon after, 
     Howard Kelly gave Mark a ride home. Dennis drove himself to 
     his W. Va. home. I stayed at the fire house that night.
       I enjoyed being back with my fellow firefighters and 
     helping get the equipment back on the truck. Our people were 
     exhausted, some were still frightened. I think all were glad 
     they were working that day.
       Remember the three firefighters who were scheduled off the 
     day of 9/11? Willett, Pine and Thayer all came back in when 
     they heard the news. Thayer told me later ``from 25 miles 
     from the Pentagon, I could see smoke, and I knew you three 
     must be dead.'' He also said he felt bad because he was the 
     person who had assigned us to the Pentagon heliport.
       I was grateful--and am now amazed--that my injuries were 
     minor. The burns on my forearms and neck healed quickly. My 
     shoulder pain persisted and ultimately required surgery in 
     November, 2001. The surgery went well and the surgeon and I 
     were pleased with my recovery from it.
       I returned back to work in February, 2002, glad to have a 
     good job. I am very proud of Dennis, Mark and myself. I am SO 
     grateful that none of our firefighters were seriously injured 
     or killed.

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, today we remember.
  The pain has not subsided. The memories of those lost will not be 
forgotten. Today we honor their lives and their sacrifice.
  The terrorists have failed. Blinded by their hatred, the true result 
of the attacks on September 11th were things they could never have 
anticipated. America responded with courage--not fear. America 
responded with love--demonstrated by the thousands of rescue workers. 
America responded with resolve--as we continue to hunt evil doers 
around the globe.
  We must pay our highest tribute to the unsung heroes who have labored 
this past year--our first responders, our men and women in the armed 
services. I also would like to thank our President for showing true 
leadership in the face of this challenge thrust upon us.
  Our job is not completed. While we have responded to the events of 
September 11th we have not taken the final step to ensure Americans are 
safe. We are faced with great decisions. But we do so with great 
resolve.
  We will continue to show that the values and principles America 
stands for--the values and principles our brave Americans died for--
will overcome those who would kill innocent civilians.
  God bless and keep those who were lost one year ago today. God bless 
America--beacon of freedom.
  Mr. MALONEY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, a year ago today our nation 
was brutally attacked, and thousands of Americans were murdered. 
Earlier today, I shared a moment of silence today with the people of 
Connecticut's 5th District, in New Milford, Sandy Hook and Waterbury, 
to honor the heroes and remember the victims of that tragic day.
  On this day, the people of Connecticut's 5th District honor the brave 
firefighters from the Danbury Volunteer Fire Department and the 
Southbury Volunteer Fire Department. Each engine crew performed search 
and rescue in the hostile and dangerous environment of the devastated 
World Trade Center. On behalf of the people of Connecticut's 5th 
District, I wish to express my deepest thanks to these heroic 
individuals. The contributions they made to our community and country 
at the risk of their own peril cannot be measured.
  The families and friends of those who perished have endured a year of 
unbearable loss. They have my deepest sympathy. Rarely have we felt 
hatred of terrorism perpetrated on our shores, and our response has 
shown the strength of character of the American people. The sadness 
that we all felt that day, and in the days since, has hardened into a 
resolve to honor the memories of those who perished, to heal our wounds 
so that our nation is even stronger than before, and to bring righteous 
justice to those who perpetrated the attacks.
  Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today marks the one-year 
anniversary of the most horrendous act of terrorism ever perpetrated 
against any country. Our nation will never be the same after nineteen 
terrorists took thousands of American lives and declared war on our 
great nation.
  Since the infamous day last Fall, an outpouring of patriotism and 
love for this country can be felt in cities and towns from coast to 
coast. The symbol of America, our flag, can still be seen flying with 
dignity and honor outside homes and businesses, displaying the true 
pride this nation has in its freedoms and unwavering principles.
  As we look back at the tragedy of that day, I know that everyone will 
remember where he or she was on September 11th, 2001. I am sure we have 
all contemplated the frailty of life and that God has never promised 
anyone a set number of days. It is my hope that the citizens of the 
United States will use this time in our history as a catalyst to 
advance the nation and to return to the roots to which it was 
established; faith in God, democracy and patriotism.
  Terrorism is still a threat to the civilized world and must be 
destroyed before it spreads. The primary weapons of terrorism are 
violence and fear. Those who have no respect for human life and seek 
terror through these means have no place in civilized society, and must 
be eliminated.
  As President Reagan has said, ``We will always remember. We will 
always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we may always be 
free.'' Let us keep the families that lost loved ones in our prayers 
and continue to support our deployed military personnel who 
courageously protect our liberties and freedoms. They are the true 
patriots.
  I praise my colleagues and the President for the courage and resolve 
they have displayed during these trying and difficult times. May God 
grant us the wisdom to lead this country forward in a manner that would 
please Him and may He look favorably upon our great nation.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor of the Patriot 
Day Resolution, which fittingly expresses the sentiments of this body 
on the anniversary of perhaps the worst day in U.S. history. In many 
ways it is hard to believe it has been a year since that awful day--the 
memories are so fresh, so vivid. I visited the site of the WTC one week 
after it happened and spent time talking with survivors and rescue 
workers. That memory is just as fresh as those of last Friday, when we 
returned to New York City to participate in a wreath laying ceremony at 
the World Trade Center site, and those of this morning, when we 
attended the ceremony at the Pentagon to remember the victims and 
families. America will never forget.
  September 11, 2001 has left an indelible mark on the American 
landscape and on our national consciousness. We will never forget the 
events of that terrible morning, nor will we forget how America 
responded. We continue to be inspired by the heroism of firefighters, 
police officers and emergency first responders, our military men and 
women and other ordinary Americans who have answered the call for 
freedom.
  The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were an attack 
on all of us--our people, our nation, our spirit, our way of life, our 
liberty and freedom. The terrorists intended to bring down and destroy 
the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and other targets--and the people 
in them. Their real goal was to instill fear, bring about disruption 
and to bring down and destroy our spirit. But as Reverend Billy Graham 
observed at a service at the National Cathedral shortly after the 
attacks--Their actions have done just the opposite. The terrorist 
attacks of September 11 could have torn our nation apart--but they have 
brought us together--we have become a family.
  Mr. Speaker, the United States is the greatest country in the world! 
We have been tested

[[Page H6198]]

before and we will be tested again. Those we lost last September 11 
will hold a special place in the history of our great country. As we 
gather together today in communities, churches and other places 
throughout our great land we remain one nation under God, indivisible 
with liberty and justice for all! I urge all of my colleagues to 
support the resolution, and God bless the United States of America.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to serve in the 
people's House as a representative of New York City, the greatest city 
in the world.
  For the nation, today is a day of solemn reflection and remembrance. 
We have all tried to mark this day in our own personal ways. I have 
just returned from a memorial service at Ground Zero, a sacred place 
for us all. My thoughts and prayers over this year have been for my 
beloved city whose residents have been fundamentally affected by 9/11.
  Just a year ago, our country witnessed the evil actions of cowards 
that resulted in more than 3,000 people tragically dead and 2,000 
children without a parent.
  Mr. Speaker, there may not be another Member of Congress who lost 
more constituents in the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center 
than I did. I applaud the House for introducing this resolution 
celebrating America's resolve and commemorating the lives of those we 
lost. This resolution, in a small way, can help to continue the process 
of national healing and renewal.
  We will never forget the hundreds of New York City firefighters, law 
enforcement officers, and EMS who responded to the attacks, and 
valiantly fought through the terrible conditions to rescue victims and 
to provide emergency care to the injured immediately after the attack. 
Tragically, the World Trade Center towers collapsed while these heroes 
were attempting to save innocent lives--343 firefighters and paramedics 
and 60 police officers made the ultimate sacrifice.
  Over these past 12 months, we have witnessed countless selfless acts 
by public servants and private citizens, by our friends and neighbors. 
It is this wonderful spirit embodied by our city and our great nation 
that gives us hope.
  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I remember speaking on the House 
floor the day after the attacks. I asked, ``will we forget? Will this 
sick, sinking feeling fade? Will we fail to follow through on these 
promises or will we demonstrate unfaltering resolve?'' I am proud to 
say, one year later, that the American people remain determined to 
fight the war on terror, and though the road ahead will continue to be 
hard, we will prevail.
  We should reflect for a moment on the lessons in the attacks. In my 
view, there are three. First, America has enemies who resent our 
freedom and way of life. These enemies are determined and are ignored 
at our peril. Second, the oceans do not provide as much protection as 
they did in the past. We have to be aware that threats can come from 
anywhere. Third, as with Pearl Harbor, first punches can be 
devastating. We must now allow ourselves to be taken by surprise again.
  Even though we have had a year to reflect since last September, it is 
still hard to comprehend the magnitude of the terrorist attacks and the 
historic turn of events that they triggered. In our 226-year history, 
America has never known an assault on our homeland such as that 
terrorist attack.
  As horrific and sickening as the attacks were, however, they brought 
out the best in us as Americans. They reminded us that despite all our 
differences, we are one--a united America. Not only a nation of 
unprecedented strength, but also a nation that exhibits great tolerance 
and respect for the rights of its citizens as well as those of other 
nations--a nation of unshaken spirit, a nation bound by our shared 
faith in the founding principles of liberty and freedom.
  America was best exemplified by the actions of our first responders 
in response to the attacks. On that warm autumn day, the New York City 
fireman became the symbol of American freedom and American bravery to 
millions around the world. I believe it is really the one silver lining 
that shines through the cloud of horror that surrounds 9/11.
  It is our job in Congress to honor those who protect us--our defense 
forces abroad and our first responders here in America--by fully 
providing the resources and guidance that they need. As President Bush 
said at the annual fire services dinner in Washington last spring. 
``There is no substitute for the raw courage of the firefighter.'' And 
we must never forget those Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in 
saving the lives of others on September 11.
  Mr. MATHESON. Mr. Speaker, when we evacuated our office a year ago, 
and I could see the black smoke rising above the Pentagon, I knew our 
country was under attack. The inconceivable was taking place.
  The passing days brought more heartache than many of us thought we 
could bear. The hijackings and plane crashes took the lives of three 
Utahns--two who were on board the plane that hit the north tower of the 
World Trade Center and one who was on duty at the Pentagon.
  Mary Alice Wahlstrom, of Kaysville, Utah and her daughter Carolyn, 
died together--two talented musicians whose families still grieve for 
the loss of their wives and mothers. Brady Howell of Centerville, Utah 
died--along with 188 others--when hijackers struck the Pentagon. His 
family--including his wife Liz--had to endure one agonizing week before 
learning his fate. A year of sorrowful birthdays and holidays has gone 
by, with a much-loved husband and wife, brother and sister, son and 
daughter, missing from the family pictures. Their names and their lives 
will always remind us of the goodness that is America--goodness that 
the terrorists sought to destroy. But we know that the terrorists will 
not succeed. Their cowardly attack took the lives of 343 members of the 
New York City Fire Department, but not the determination of 62 search 
and rescue team members from Salt Lake County. They rushed to New York, 
working 12-hour shifts, searching the rubble at Ground Zero for more 
than a week.
  The terrorist attacks left many children without parents--but 
couldn't destroy their future, as Americans rallied to support a $100 
million scholarship fund to someday send these children to college. We 
stand for everything that the terrorists hate--courage, freedom, 
compassion, democracy and hope. Even as our memorials and reconstructed 
buildings rise from the devastation of that day, those values emerge 
unscathed. We have suffered a loss, but not a defeat. We still mourn, 
but our faith has not faltered. The wounds are still fresh but the 
spirit that is America shines through--a beacon of hope for better days 
ahead.
  Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, we gather today within this citadel of 
freedom. This room is where America unites in defense of enlightened 
self-government. From this place our Nation draws from the strength and 
wisdom of our Founders.
  For this reason, the terrorists targeted this temple to justice as 
they set out to strike a blow against self-government. And, as the 
terrorists attacked symbols of might and prosperity, they attacked the 
spirit of this building. In this way, the Capitol, the Pentagon, and 
the World Trade Center were all one and the same. This is where the 
American people exercise the fullest measure of freedom. So, we come 
together in this hallowed chamber to honor the brave Americans of 
September 11. As their Representatives, and on their behalf, we launch 
the debates that chart the course for this country. And, make no 
mistake, it was the exercise of freedom that terrorists wished to 
extinguish a year ago.
  The terrorists failed. And, if their objective was to compel us into 
abandoning our principles, there may have been no more spectacular a 
failure in recorded history.
  My friends, the flame of American freedom is burning brighter and 
hotter on September 11, 2002, than at any moment in our history. And 
that flame is sustained by the magnificent heroism in Manhattan, in 
Virginia, and in the air over Pennsylvania. Freedom continues unabated 
in many countries around the world. Americans are doing extraordinary 
things in dangerous places that are known and some that we can't talk 
about. But when we speak of the men and women defending us at this 
moment, we can say this for certain: The present generation of 
Americans stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our proudest generations. 
And we saw, in Pennsylvania, a stirring example of what it means to be 
an American: Out of many, one.
  Strangers, thrown together by Providence, facing certain death, 
refused to yield in the face of raw evil. Their courage, in the moment 
of maximum danger, is the essence of what it means to be an American. 
That's why anyone in the world can become an American. All it takes is 
a willingness to subordinate our own individual interests to the 
greater good of the United States. It's a proud tradition of love, 
tolerance, pluralism, and determination. But we would do a great 
disservice to the legacy of America's September 11 heroes by casually 
accepting the passive posture of complacency in the face of danger.
  The great lesson from 9/11 is the moral imperative to address dangers 
before they claim the lives of additional Americans. For that reason, 
we must stand with President Bush as he marshals freedom-loving people 
to confront gathering evils. We must actively deny the aspirations of 
evil groups and dangerous regimes. We must bring justice to the most 
remote caves where terrorists plot. We must protect America by striking 
our enemies before they can carry out their schemes within our borders.
  This is the great decision before the Congress. This is the defining 
measure of our future security. And on this question, all of us will be 
accountable to the people.
  Mr. Speaker, we offer our deepest sorrow and solidarity to the 
families of those who lost loved ones at the hands of evil, 1 year ago. 
Those who now struggle with grief and loss should know, above all, that 
they do not stand

[[Page H6199]]

alone. They should take heart because every American stands beside 
them. We offer our love and gratitude for the sacrifices and unknown 
acts of heroism carried out by their relatives and friends. We'll never 
forget them or what they did for our country.
  Thank you and God bless America.
  Mr. Roemer. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support and as a proud 
cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 464 expressing the sense of the Congress on 
the anniversary of the terrorist attacks launched against the United 
States on September 11, 2001.
  Nearly three thousand American lives were lost exactly 1 year ago 
today when the United States was suddenly and deliberately attacked by 
al Qaeda terrorists bent on suicide and destruction of human life. By 
targeting symbols of American strength and success, these attacks 
clearly were also intended to assail the principles, values, and 
freedoms of the United States and the American people, intimidate the 
Nation, and weaken the national resolve. Although New York, Virginia, 
and Pennsylvania suffered the overwhelming burden of the terrorist 
attacks, every state and all Americans were affected and continue to 
mourn that day. We are united by the events of September 11, 2001, and 
while passage of 1 year has not softened our memory, resolved our 
grief, or restored lost loved ones, it has clearly demonstrated that 
Americans will not succumb to terrorists.
  We observe September 11 not only to recognize the tragic deaths of 
the innocent souls who perished or who were gravely injured in Lower 
Manhattan, Shanksville, Pennsylvania, or at the Pentagon, but we also 
recognize this date to honor the firefighters, police officers, rescue 
workers and those intrepid eyewitnesses of this tragedy who selflessly 
faced grave danger in order to aid the wounded and dying in the 
immediate aftermath of the attacks. As the gravest moments came, many 
regular Americans, relying on courage, instinct, and grace, rushed 
toward the flaming buildings in order to rescue people or toward 
terrorist-controlled cockpits in order to resist their destructive 
plan. Today we honor the sacrifices and continuing heroism demonstrated 
by our brave servicemen and women who left family and friends in order 
to defend our nation. A year later, many servicemen and women remain 
abroad, shielding the homeland from further terrorist attacks.
  As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, 
I am proud to serve on the ongoing Congressional Joint Inquiry. My 
distinguished colleagues and I have spent considerable time reviewing 
the material and circumstances relating to the events surrounding last 
year's attacks. However, many important questions about September 11, 
2001 remain unanswered. That is why I support the establishment of an 
independent, blue-ribbon commission to conduct a thorough investigation 
and to make recommendations based on its findings so that we never 
again experience another staggering loss of life on U.S. soil. The 
American people deserve a more thoughtful investigation and the 
families of the victims of September 11 are entitled to answers about 
exactly what went wrong and why.
  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the first 
anniversary of 9/11, a day which changed America's history.
  For the past 12 months, this Nation has collectively experienced a 
full range of emotion, from the initial fear and uncertainty of that 
fateful day, to anger and outrage at the loss of American life and the 
violation of two of our nation's most recognizable symbols. We have 
mourned and continue to mourn for the victims of this horrible attack. 
Their families and friends are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. 
Embedded firmly in my mind is the image of streams of people who came 
to the ridge overlooking the Pentagon to pay their respects and 
sanctified that hill with flowers, candles and notes of remembrance.
  Yet, in the midst of all the sadness, Americans have sought an outlet 
for their grief by renewing their sense of community service and 
patriotic pride. Our country, which has a strong history of bridging 
many differences, has become one. In Northern Virginia alone, we 
witnessed friends, neighbors and colleagues coming together to help 
rebuild and unite. With the round-the-clock dedication of the Pentagon 
Renovation team, the revival of the Pentagon has served as the 
quintessential symbol of our country's resilience and renewal. A 
special debt of gratitude goes out to those workers and planners who 
orchestrated this rebuilding.
  As we bear witness to the powerful images and experiences of the past 
year, we are proudly reminded of what it means to be an American. The 
heroic acts of the firefighters, police officers and emergency 
responders who rushed into the inferno of the Pentagon and World Trade 
Center Towers to save lives, touches a special place in all our hearts. 
It is a place where love of country and for our fellow man is second 
nature. This unique American spirit is what wills us to go the extra 
mile and put our lives on the line for what we know is right.
  So, Mr. Speaker, on the one year anniversary of September 11, let us 
honor the many sacrifices that have been made by our police, 
firefighters, emergency responders and our men and women in uniform. 
Their efforts to heal, protect and preserve this great nation deserve 
the utmost respect and admiration.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I in rise support of H. Con. 
Res. 464, a resolution to commemorate the passing of one year since the 
cowardly, brutal attacks of September 11. I would also like to express 
my condolences to the families who lost a loved one, along with my 
reverence for the heroism of New Yorkers, and the American people.
  On September 11 as the horrific events unfolded, I watched brave 
firefighters, law enforcement and rescue personnel from New York and 
around the country risk their lives to save others. I watched hospitals 
prepare for the wounded and our armed forces go on high alert. I 
watched a stricken nation respond by rushing to donate blood and 
volunteer their time to help the injured. These are acts of honor and 
bravery that no barbaric act of violence can penetrate. The citizens of 
New York, and all of America did everything within their power to 
respond unselfishly and effectively to the attacks. More often than 
not, the very last fiber of human strength was tested. New Yorkers and 
all Americans rose to the daunting challenge as one proud, resolute 
nation.
  Throughout the past year we have witnessed the rebirth of a new 
America. A stronger more resilient nation that is determined to 
eradicate all forms of terrorism. Those who oppose our way of life may 
try to destroy our buildings, but they will never destroy the sense of 
pride and love for this country cherished by Americans.
  Although the tragic events of September 11 will forever bring sorrow 
to the families who lost loved ones, they will also serve as a reminder 
of how Americans unite during difficult times. This Resolution reminds 
us all how difficult it is to kill the American spirit. Honoring the 
lives lost, as well as thousands of rescue workers that worked 
tirelessly and bravely throughout this difficult time, is a fitting 
reminder of what this country stands for. We never forget our own, and 
we will always fight to continue our way of life.
  Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my 
support for the concurrent resolution in honor of Patriot Day under 
consideration by the House today.
  On this solemn day of remembrance, it is important to gather with our 
families, our friends, and our communities to reaffirm our love of 
country and our dedication to upholding the values of freedom and 
democracy that we hold so dear.
  Today, in Albuquerque and across the nation, we will take the time to 
honor those who faced danger bravely to save others: firefighters, 
police officers, and our soldiers overseas that now risk their lives to 
protect the freedom we enjoy.
  In this spirit, I will be in Albuquerque on September 11 with my 
family and neighbors to honor the heroes, to pray for those lost and 
their families, to comfort the hurting and to reassure the children.
  Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, our nation was irrevocably changed that Tuesday 
morning, a year ago today. The past year has not been an easy one, but 
the American spirit has carried us through, and our democracy stands 
strong.
  Whether it's Bunker Hill, Pearl Harbor, or September 11, Americans 
have a tradition of turning disasters into launch points for a better 
future. Americans' and Oregonians' response on September 11th 
underscores the strength of our democracy and our commitment to 
community and freedom. One thousand Oregonians went to NYC soon after 
September 11th to show that we stand shoulder to shoulder. Hundreds of 
Oregonians are there today.
  Our nation has endured, and will, in spite of everything, thrive. 
Today, as we look back and remember who and what we have lost, we feel 
keenly the sense of security that we no longer take for granted. But we 
will not trade freedom for security. We will move forward together and 
build a future worthy of our courageous forbears, and all that they did 
to bring us to where we are today.
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today not only to commemorate the 
lives lost September 11, 2001, but also to celebrate the indomitable 
American spirit that has been displayed since, and finally to remind 
our enemies that we are not finished with them. It has been a year to 
the date since an organization of men decided to test the resolve of 
the American people. With blind faith, unabashed cowardice, and 
intentions of terror, these men, these terrorists took the lives of 
over 3,000 men, women, and children. Through this evil act these men 
hoped to strike deep at our security, to impact the very fiber of our 
country's spirit. But as the towers fell, American flags rose, defying 
those who would attempt to shake the balance of freedom and power that 
we enjoy in this country. On that day the most diverse country on

[[Page H6200]]

the planet was attacked, and from the twisted and smoldering wreckage 
arose the bond that has connected us all.
  Many claimed that we would never be the same; that an inescapable 
change had come over our country. On the contrary, I feel that we have 
changed. We are a stronger country, united in the face of tragedy. The 
terrorists failed to realize that there is no changing the American 
spirit, only revealing it. After the 11th, the spirit of America 
revealed itself all across this country. From the thousands who donated 
blood, to the thousands more who donated time, resources and love to 
the task of not only repairing buildings but also repairing the hearts 
of those who lost loved ones on that tragic day. In the few days 
following 9/11 we wondered how we would respond to these cowardly acts. 
It has now been a year since that day, and I feel we have responded 
quickly and accurately. In the past year we have been able to witness 
as a country the power and resourcefulness of our armed services. 
Combining both new and old world tactics we have seen special forces 
mounted on horse back calling in the amazing payload of a B-1 Bomber. 
In a foreign and alien terrain we have seen the men and women of our 
armed services perform and adapt in outstanding fashion. Mr. Speaker, 
as co-chairman of the Air Force Caucus I realize the increasing 
importance of our Air Force in current and future campaigns. Nowhere 
has this importance been more felt than in the precision strikes made 
in Afghanistan in our war against terror. As we continue to hunt down 
those responsible, we also continue the rebuilding process both home 
and abroad. As voices rise today in freedom from the sites of these 
grizzly attacks, soon also shall memorials rise, as a continual 
reminder of that day and the way in which we, as Americans have reacted 
in the years since.
  And, as America has reacted this year, we have struggled with the 
tender balance between security and freedom. While we of course must 
gird our nation for safety, are we eroding freedom and curtailing civil 
liberties and privacy in the process? Our federal buildings, once the 
most open of any nation, are becoming barricaded fortresses, with 
streets closed for blocks around, and loss of access. Airport travelers 
shed clothing, common tools in their toiletry kit, and their patience 
in the name of passenger screening. Future airport security measures 
may chillingly include smart-technology that scans a traveler's 
identification or body feature, and searches a database including 
information as personal as financial stability or neighborhood 
involvement, in the name of determining who is a trusted traveler. 
State legislatures ponder the Model State Emergency Powers Act, wherein 
a governor might be granted powers to quarantine citizens, force 
immunizations, and seize medical records, in the name of public health. 
I hope that as we strengthen our nation, we keep sight of the sublime 
principle of liberty on which the nation was founded, and think about 
the over-reaching consequences of binding the cords too tightly. The 
terrorists attacked our freedom; we should not attack our own freedoms.

  Turning from thoughts of ourselves to those of our aggressors, I 
remind my colleagues that we are facing an enemy who despises our very 
existence. They are consumed by a hate of a country that, despite its 
faults, is open to all people regardless race or religion. We operate 
under principles of freedom, the ability to pursue life, liberty and 
happiness. As such, our country is fighting with hope against terror, 
and freedom against oppression. Our enemies will never know freedom, 
because they are imprisoned by hate, and for that, they have already 
lost. Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Casper Weinberger stated that 
``The will of the American people once aroused . . . is capable of 
accomplishing all the things that have to be done.'' As long as we 
continue to maintain a moral high-ground in this campaign and take the 
appropriate and precise responsive measures, the will of the people of 
this county will know no bounds.
  Much has been said and will be said today about what happened a year 
ago. As observers, we have an obligation to the families and the 
victims. We must remember our fellow sufferers; that is the salve we 
offer the families. We also must remember those who terrorize us, as it 
is judgment on our enemies. Do Not Forget: It was a massacre--a cold-
blooded, well organized, well executed, carefully plotted massacre of 
thousands of Americans. It was perversion--of a faith that preaches 
peace and tolerance. It was a message--delivered by maniacal men in 
possession of a perverse theocratic ideology. It was a crime--that must 
be paid for. It was an invasion--which damaged every sense of safety in 
every person who tried to sleep that night. For all the many things it 
was, it was also the beginning of a war that is not yet over.
  And as much as there is to say about this day, one thing we have 
learned is painfully simple. We have learned that whatever false sense 
of isolation we felt was an illusion. We must remain vigilant and 
remember that ``freedom is not free''.
  I conclude that we have learned that our lives are but a breath. That 
our families are more important to us than we ever knew and that 
protection of our lives and our families may cost us dearly. But we are 
Americans, and we will prevail.
  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. Today, 
we mourn, cry, and with clenched fists restrain the raw emotions that 
are pulsing through our hearts. We look to the ground in sorrow and to 
the sky in prayer, trying to understand this senseless tragedy. More 
times than I can remember, I have bowed my head and prayed, asking our 
heavenly father for spiritual and emotional comfort, for those of us 
that still cannot understand why. We know the names and details of the 
actions of those terrorists, but that still does not fill the void in 
our hearts. To the families of those who died last year I can only say, 
you have the heartfelt sympathy of an entire nation. And, to our 
heavenly father I would ask to please guard the souls of the dead and 
let the comfort of His love ease the pain in the hearts of the living.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to cosponsor this resolution because it 
accurately captures the emotions in our hearts. We all desperately wish 
it could be September 10th forever. Yet, I take solace in knowing that 
nothing endures but change. Things will get better. We have punished 
those responsible and exacted that punishment with judicious caution, 
and not unmeasured rage. America has proven that power in defense of 
freedom is greater than power on behalf of tyranny and oppression. We 
have demonstrated that power with spirit and resolve.
  One year ago, for the second time in our modern history, our nation 
was attacked. War was thrust upon us. Undoubtedly, this day will 
forever live in our memories. Three of my constituents lost their lives 
on September 11, and my community will never forget their sacrifice: 
Cora Holland, Mother of three and grandmother, Rhonnda Sue Rasmusen, 
who died at the Pentagon, and Navy Yeoman second class Melissa Rose 
Barnes, who remains unaccounted for at the Pentagon. We as a nation 
have pulled together to build our courage and strength, for we are 
united and our faith will guide us.
  I salute those brave individuals, police, firefighters, emergency 
medical personnel and others who sacrificed of themselves for their 
fellow Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask for the prayers of the American people for those 
whose lives have been lost. May God grant us the wisdom to continue to 
steer our great nation.
  God Bless America!
  On behalf of the people of the Inland Empire of California, I join my 
colleagues in full support of this resolution.
  Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of those who 
perished as a result of the terrorist attack on September 11th. It is 
impossible to forget the events of that dark day and difficult to 
comprehend the grief of the families who lost loved ones in an instant. 
My deepest sympathies are with them on this first anniversary of the 
attacks. The loss of so many innocent lives and the bravery of the 
rescuers will never be forgotten.
  Since September 11th, Americans have adapted to a new reality--a 
reality with additional security, higher unemployment, economic 
insecurity, anthrax and the ongoing war on terrorism. But with this new 
reality we are also witnessing renewed sense of American pride. 
September 11th reminded us all to treasure our freedom. American flags 
fill our streets. Patriotic anthems play on the radio and in stadiums 
from coast to coast. The principles upon which this country was founded 
brought us together and the strength and spirit of our nation will 
endure this challenge.
  Today, in every corner of this great country, vigils, prayer services 
and memorials will be held to honor the victims of the attacks. As we 
reflect on the events of a year ago, let us honor the emergency 
workers, firefighters, police officers, hospital employees and grief 
counselors who went above and beyond the call of duty that September 
morning and during the months that followed. We must also remember the 
airline employees and postal workers whose jobs were changed forever on 
September 11th. Finally, our hearts should also go out to the thousands 
of children and families in New York, Virginia, and in communities 
across the nation and around the world who lost mothers, fathers, 
brothers and sisters on that tragic day.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of all those who sacrificed 
their lives on September 11, 2001 and I honor their memory.
  Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the 
events of the past year. As I do so, I am reminded that the spirit of 
America is unbreakable, unwavering, and unshakable. September 11th and 
the actions that followed have affected all of us. As a nation, I see 
we are strong--if not stronger--since that great tragedy struck our 
homeland. The terrorist tried to break the spirit of America but they 
failed. As Americans, we are

[[Page H6201]]

united and we will work together to fight the war on terrorism, to 
improve our lives, and the lives of our neighbors.
  We will always remember the casualties of September 11th, the brave 
firefighters, police officers, and civilians that fought to save the 
lives of so many Americans. They were the first casualties in the war 
on terrorism. The heroes of September 11th are not just located in New 
York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania, but also they can be found all 
over this great nation and in the military serving our country 
overseas. For the Americans that donated time, blood, money, and 
prayers, they are also the heroes of September 11th. These deeds and 
sacrifices will not be forgotten.
  I recently had the opportunity to visit our troops in Afghanistan and 
I am more confident than ever that we are in capable hands. There is no 
doubt that we have the best and most professional military in the 
world. And last week, I participated in a Joint Session of Congress in 
New York to honor those who lost their lives on September 11th. During 
our visit we laid a wreath at Ground Zero. From my perspective, both 
events clearly demonstrated America's renewed sense of solidarity, 
patriotism and pride.
  Although September 11th will be a difficult reminder for all 
Americans, this is also an opportunity for the nation to show its 
strength and its unity. God bless America.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution 
honoring the patriots of September 11, 2001. A year ago, our nation 
suffered a terrible blow. Thousands of our friends and neighbors were 
lost in an attack by terrorists who despise America and all it 
represents.
  This morning, many of us in Washington came together at the Pentagon 
Observance to comfort and pray for all of those who are experiencing 
renewed memories of the pain and anguish of that tragic day.
  This afternoon, we come to reaffirm our resolve to stand strong for 
the ideals of liberty and unity.
  September 11, 2001 was one of the worst days in our history. It was 
also one of our finest hours. That day, America showed the world that, 
through the spirit and courage of the American people, this great 
nation did not and will not crumble despite those who try to tear it 
down.
  Many people were heroes that day. Some of their stories have been 
told, but many acts of courage will never be known. Emergency 
responders braved fire and flames to climb the stairways of the World 
Trade Centers in New York City to help people evacuate. Ordinary office 
workers carried strangers down hundreds of stairs to safety.
  At the Pentagon in Washington, DC, military and civilian personnel 
went into the inferno over and over again to rescue their coworkers who 
were trapped.
  Heroic passengers abroad Flight 93 sacrificed their lives on a field 
in Pennsylvania to prevent the deaths of hundreds more of their fellow 
Americans.
  Yet even while the Pentagon burned and the World Trade Center towers 
fell, we were already preparing our response to this act of war. On the 
other side of the Pentagon, the military was making its plans. Within 
an incredibly short time, Congress came together in a bi-partisan 
manner and quickly passed historic legislation to secure our homeland 
and our skies.
  Many of our allies pledged to stand with the U.S.A., in our war 
against terrorists. We will always remember those nations who have 
fought by our side in this war.
  A year later, we have accomplished much. The Pentagon has been made 
whole. The rubble at Ground Zero has been cleared. Al-Qaeda has been 
defeated and stripped of its power base in Afghanistan. Our brave 
servicemen and women, together with Allied Forces, are far from home, 
but are proudly carrying out their mission of destroying what's left of 
Al-Qaeda's terrorists.
  Today, as we remember the patriots of September 11 and mourn their 
loss, let us never compromise the ideals of liberty for which they, 
like so many Americans before them, have died. Let us honor them by 
remaining strong in our unity and in our diversity. Let us always 
remember that good overcomes evil and darkness is always followed by 
light.
  The American flag represents freedom and still proudly waves. With 
our strength and resolve, we shall remain united in freedom . . . ``one 
nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.''
  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, today, all across this great land, we 
honor the memory of those who lost their lives as a result of the 
terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001.
  We honor those who were taken from us by cowardly murderers, the very 
worst of human kind, simply because we are a free people. This 1-year 
anniversary is indeed a day of deep reflection and remembrance. I am 
not sure if the American family will ever come to terms with the 
visions of our brothers and sisters, our sons, and daughters, our 
mothers and fathers, being victimized by the despicable acts 
perpetrated by the evil and the cowardly. But I am sure that our love 
of country, our love of each other, will help us continue to recover 
and respond.
  We remember and we mourn today. Those we lost will forever be in our 
hearts and minds. Our lives now are about making sure theirs were not 
lost in vain, about ensuring their values, their ideals, and their 
spirit always endure. We will also never forget what we saw in the 
immediate aftermath of the attacks. We saw--amid the carnage, amongst 
the destruction--the amazing heights of benevolence and decency and 
courage that mankind can offer.
  What we saw was America.
  Within moments of the first attacks, our first responders entered 
buildings without reservation in an attempt to save others--and they 
did so knowing full well that they themselves may never exit. Everyday 
Americans became extraordinary heroes to people they had never met 
before. Our eternal gratitude will also be extended to the passengers 
of United Flight #93 who prevented it from being used as a weapon 
against America.
  As we mourn the victims and honor the heroes of September 11th, we 
must be resolute in our efforts to ensure that we protect and defended 
this nation against all those who would do us harm. And we must never 
forget what it means to be an American--to cherish the principles of 
freedom, democracy, and human rights for all. It is what separates us 
from them.
  Across our nation, in synagogues, Roman Catholilc Churches, 
Presbyterian chapels, Baptist meeting houses and mosques, words of 
comfort, hope and grief will echo from pulpits. At dinner tables across 
this nation, families will grieve, and they will love each other. It is 
what we should do on this day.
  America is vast and diverse, but today we are united as never before 
in our history. The victims of September 11 came from 735 towns and 
cities in 40 different states, all members of one American family. My 
district lost wonderful people, brothers and sisters, fathers and 
mothers, dear friends. As our nation pays tribute today, I think it is 
appropriate to enter the names of the 54 individuals from my district 
who died a year ago today.
  You will never be forgotten.
  Daniel Affilito, John Candella, Lt. Robert Cirri, Caleb Dack, 
Antoinette Duger, Edgar Emery, Barry Glick, Emeric Harvey, Howard 
Kestenbaum, David Lee, Ming Hao Liu, Robert Murach, Eshtesham Raja, 
Linda Rosenbaum, John Skala, Jorge Velazquez, Leah Oliver, Paul 
Lasczynski.
  Cesar Alviar, Kyung Cho, Robert Coll, Robert Deraney, Luke Dudek, 
William Erwin, Tim Graziozo, Zhutu Ibis, Lauren Kestenbaum, Craig 
Lilore, Joseph McDonald, Ed Murphy, Steven Roach, Daniel Rosetti, 
Michael Stewart, Douglas MacMillan, Dorota Kopiczko, Catherine 
Nardella.
  Paul Aquaviva, Kirsten Christophe, Michael Collins, Georgette 
Deraney, John Eichler, Christopher Faughnan, John Graziozo, Donald 
Jones, II, Franco Lalama, Ken Lira, Craig Montano, David Pruim, Leo 
Roberts, Norman Roosinow, Francis Trombino, Marsha Rodriguez, Robert 
Cordice, Linda Walker.
  Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise as one of the hundreds of cosponsors 
of this resolution today to commemorate the victims of the terrorist 
attacks on September 11, 2001, and to honor the families who grieve and 
the heroes who served on that terrible day in American history.
  American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 took off 
for the West Coast early in the morning from Logan Airport in Boston. 
The Al Qaeda terrorists hijacked and redirected these planes into the 
Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, a crossroads of international 
trade and commerce.
  In Newark, New Jersey, and in Washington, DC, similar teams of 
terrorists aimed Flight 77 towards the symbol of American strength, the 
Pentagon, and took Flight 93 toward the symbol of American democracy, 
the Capitol dome.
  We remember and honor the brave men and women aboard Flight 93, who 
overwhelmed the Al Qaeda operatives of Flight 93 to prevent a 
devastating fourth blow to America--an attack on this very Capitol 
Building. Instead, they crashed that plane into a field in Pennsylvania 
and saved thousands of others from the tragedy that was visited upon 
the Pentagon and the Twin Towers.
  The resolution we will pass today commemorates this day in American 
history and the more than 3,000 lives lost--some 93 from the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts alone. But the resolution also honors all 
those who became America's new heroes--the policemen, firemen, rescue 
workers, medics, and volunteers who toiled that day and days afterward 
to pull victims out of the wreckage.
  President John F. Kennedy said at his inauguration, ``In the long 
history of the world, generations have been granted the role of 
defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from 
this responsibility--I welcome it! I do not believe that any of us 
would

[[Page H6202]]

change places with any other people of any other generation. The 
energy, the faith; the devotion which we being to this endeavor will 
light our country and all who serve it and the glow from that fire can 
truly light the world.''
  Our new American mission is clear--we must never forget those who 
died a year ago today on September 11. We must not rest until those who 
committed these terrorist acts are brought to justice. And we must 
protect our country, all its citizens, from all that threatens 
democracy and freedom--for these are the fires that have lit the world.
  Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, on this day I believe we have the duty to 
remember all the ones who died on 9/11 and all the ones who have died 
in Afghanistan and elsewhere as a result of this war on terrorism.
  As one stares at Ground Zero today, it looks like any other large 
building construction site in any other large city in America. There is 
raw dirt, a fenced perimeter, earth moving equipment going about and 
hard hat workers milling to and fro, and if you didn't know better 
you'd keep driving by. But upon close inspection, you notice all the 
buildings around it have brand new facades, you notice also a new bike 
path, you notice the road has been redone and much of the surrounding 
infrastructure. Then you notice another building, an historic building, 
that was located right next door; it's covered with soot, its windows 
are cracked and it's still boarded up. This building makes a quiet but 
solemn statement that sets the tone because as you look at this site 
you know that it's not just any other construction site, there is an 
eerie stillness about it. Rudy Giuliani has called it a cemetery but 
it's more than that; it's a battleground, just like Manassas or 
Gettysburg. A great battle has been fought here and the feeling of 
reverence one gets is universal.
  Like all Americans, I remember that morning's events. I was in 
Washington, D.C. As we watched in disbelief the horror of New York 
City, we were soon disrupted by an explosion at the Pentagon. We 
evacuated our building, and went onto a chaotic street scene, where we 
were told that the Capitol was under attack, that the Mall area had 
been hit, the State Department and the Sears Tower. Later that night, 
Congress gathered on the steps of the Capitol and sang ``God Bless 
America.'' It was a moving American moment. Later in the week, Congress 
attended a church service at the National Cathedral with Presidents 
Carter, Ford, Bush, and Clinton. President George W. Bush spoke, as did 
Billy Graham. Then, on Sept. 20, President Bush addressed the nation. 
The sense of Americanism had never been stronger.
  But of all these moments and all these experiences, none struck me, 
nor it seems anyone else in America, as deeply as the photos and images 
of the firefighters and policemen rushing up the steps of the World 
Trade Center at 9:30 the morning of the attack. It was there and then 
at that moment that Osama Bin Laden was defeated. He had underestimated 
the American spirit as these brave men rushed to rescue people that 
they did not know, people who they did not see socially, people who 
probably would not even eat lunch with them, and yet they were 
Americans, and that was all that counted to the hundreds of 
firefighters, police officers and public safety workers who put their 
lives on the line.
  Of the hundreds that died, many people don't know that sixty of them 
were off-duty. One such fireman had a nine o'clock tee time on the golf 
course. He was already on the golf course, in anticipation of a joyful 
day of golf, when he heard the news. Without even calling in, he threw 
the clubs in the trunk of his car and drove to the precinct to report. 
His body was found at four o'clock that afternoon.
  At another fire station, six men were getting off duty having pulled 
an all night shift. Their fresh replacements were just finishing up 
with breakfast when the alarm sounded. The six new ones and the six off 
duty all jumped on board the fire truck and, of the twelve of them, not 
one made it back. Such was the spirit the of volunteerism that day. In 
fact, one precinct asked the Mayor's office to quit sending the call 
for more recruits since they were already too crowded with men and 
women who had stepped forward to answer the call.
  On this day of observance, we should remember this lesson about being 
on and off-duty. For freedom does not wait for the on-duty only. If you 
and I are to preserve and protect freedom for the generations to come 
we must do it 24 hours a day 7 days a week. That is the best way to 
commemorate those who died on September 11, and our soldiers who have 
died in Afghanistan and everyone else who has suffered and sacrificed 
for this great land of liberty.
  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the city of 
Leidschendam-Voorburg in the Netherlands for their act of friendship 
towards their sister city, Temecula California.
  As a way to express their sentiments of sorrow and sympathy for the 
events that occurred on September 11 the citizens of Voorburg have 
graciously donated the Statue ``Singing in the Rain'' by Frans 
Kokshoorn to the city of Temecula. The residents of Voorburg donated 
thousands of dollars to have this statue built and shipped to Temecula 
for its installation on this day of remembrance.
  Mr. Speaker as we reflect on the events of 1 year ago, I would like 
to join the city of Temecula in thanking the city and citizens of 
Leidschendam-Voorburg for this genuine gesture of kindness during a 
difficult time for every American.
  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, today we gather together as one 
people united in observance of the greatest tragedy in American 
history. We do so mournful of the staggering loss of life we suffered 
that terrible day one year ago and humbled by the heroes whose courage 
lifted the spirit of a grieving nation.
  The attacks of September 11 offered us a grim view of the evil 
capacity of mankind, just as it showed us the triumph of the human 
spirit and the resilience of the American people. In the heroism of the 
firemen and policemen of New York, who rushed into burning buildings 
without regard to their own lives, we saw barbarism met with humanity. 
In the bravery of Pentagon personnel, who pulled their wounded comrades 
from the fiery ruins, we saw wickedness met with honor. And in the 
defiance of the passengers of Flight 93, who sacrificed their lives to 
deny victory to murderers, we saw cowardice met with valor.
  While a year has passed since the Twin Towers fell and the symbol of 
America's military strength was breached, we remain numb to the 
magnitude of the suffering wrought by evil men. And while our grief 
subsides with time, it never leaves us completely. The emotions that 
swept over us that awful day--horror, sadness, fear, and anger--still 
come creeping back to remind us that the scars of September 11 will 
never fully heal.
  But just as the terrorists dealt us a grievous wound, they also 
succeeded in uniting the American people like never before. We have 
renewed our faith in our system of government and reaffirmed our 
commitment to the spread of freedom and justice around the globe. And 
we have been reminded that whatever differences separate us, we remain 
a profoundly unified people.
  Mr. Speaker, in the years ahead, the attacks of September 11 will be 
remembered not merely as an unspeakable tragedy, but as a date that 
triggered a renewal of the American spirit. As we move forward in our 
battle against the perpetrators of evil, we will proceed with the 
unshakable certainty that America's brightest days lie ahead. God bless 
you, and God bless America.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with you and all of 
my colleagues a poem written by Mr. Bruce Starr of Warfordsburg, 
Pennsylvania in remembrance of the tragic events of September 11. Mr. 
Starr's poem eloquently speaks of the spirit and the sense of unity 
that is America.

                              I Am America

                 (By: Bruce A. Starr, Warfordsburg, PA)

       I AM a most magnificent land of dreams with wondrous 
     opportunity of fabulous wealth.
       I AM holding a vision for all of happiness and radiant 
     health.
       I AM loving and caring for children of God everywhere, and 
     my generous sharing is beyond compare.
       I AM bringing hope and courage to many for a really fresh, 
     new start.
       I AM the joy of freedom that beats from my heart.
       I AM a powerful light of spirit which gloriously illumines 
     the earth.
       To peace in the valley, I am graciously giving birth.
       I AM patiently awaiting everyone's communion, for our 
     gentleness and strength abides in union.
       I AM the truth and beauty that sets souls free, and
       I AM guarding and protecting your God-given right to be!
       For after all, ``I AM America!''

  Mr. DAVIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of the Bayshore 
Patriots, a group of four proud Americans from Tampa whose patriotism 
inspired thousands of people from across Tampa Bay to join together 
this morning for ``Flags Along Bayshore: Tampa Remembers 9-11,'' an 
event to remember those lost in the September 11 attacks and honor 
those who protect and serve our nation every day.
  The Bayshore Patriots--Linda Alfonso, Julie Sargent, Julie Whitney, 
and Bill Hamblin--have gathered every Friday afternoon since September 
11th to wave flags on Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa, a major route for 
service men and women who work on MacDill Air Force Base. Through their 
simple act--the waving of a flag--this group has shown their support 
for troops in the Tampa Bay area and sent a message that terrorism will 
not destroy Americans' love of country. The Bayshore Patriots' spirit 
and dedication has invigorated the Tampa Bay community as more and more 
flag wavers join the group each week and passing motorists honk their 
horns in support. General Tommy Franks, Commander in Chief of U.S. 
Central Command, based at MacDill, has seen

[[Page H6203]]

the group on this way to work and stopped to show his appreciation for 
the group's efforts.
  When the Patriots decided to organize a September 11 tribute, with 
the hopes of having all 4.5 miles of Bayshore Boulevard lined with 
Tampa residents all waving flags, they were overwhelmed with support. 
Local businesses volunteered time, money and services to make the event 
possible, and people from every corner of our community signed up to 
wave flags and participate in the event, which was scheduled to include 
a keynote address by General Franks, patriotic songs, and remembrances. 
A steady downpour may have interrupted the program, but nothing could 
have dampened the resolve of the participants.
  The Bayshore Patriots have taught us that we all can make a 
difference in the war on terrorism. They started as just a few voices 
calling out in patriotism and support for those impacted by September 
11, but today, they were joined by a giant chorus of voices--men, 
women, and children from all walks of life singing in harmony. On 
behalf of the Tampa Bay community, I thank Linda Alfonso, Julie 
Sargent, Julie Whitney, and Bill Hamblin for their inspiration.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in the strongest support of this 
resolution. Our nation has endured so much pain--so much hardship and 
grief since we were attacked a year ago. Simply put, our world changed 
irrevocably. More than three thousand lives were lost, and today, 
America remembers their powerful legacy of courage.
  Today, there remains a profound sadness in America, a sadness that 
will surely endure as spouses, parents, and friends across the nation 
continue to mourn their unfathomable loss. But in these last twelve 
months, Americans have begun the healing process--a process that 
continues to this day, inch-by-inch, hour-by-hour. That resilience is, 
perhaps, the ultimate symbol of the indomitable strength of the 
American spirit.
  All of us were touched by the tragedy of September 11th, including so 
many from my home state of Connecticut. It was something that once 
again hit home for me two days ago, when I attended a ceremony 
dedicating a garden to the memory of three brave men from Milford, 
Connecticut, who perished in the World Trade Center. The ceremony was 
particularly moving because, in the World Trade Center bombing of 1993, 
one of these men, Seth Morris, had carried a pregnant woman 103 floors 
to safety. His was the kind of bravery we now understand is at the core 
of what it means to be American. It was the same heroism we saw in the 
firefighters and police officers who ran into the burning buildings 
while others ran out, and in the heroes on Flight 93 who made the 
ultimate sacrifice to save others. These personal stories are now a 
part of our ongoing national story.
  The anniversary of September 11th serves as a reminder to all 
Americans that our nation has changed forever. We are now so much more 
aware of our freedoms and liberties, our strength of diversity and 
collective purpose. Our commitment to freedom and our strength as a 
nation has never been on fuller, broader display.
  As our world has changed, so too has the workings of this great body 
in the last year. When it comes to protecting our people, Congress has 
spoken with one voice--powerful, determined and compassionate. Many 
here will remember when this body joined on the steps of the Capitol to 
spontaneously sing ``God Bless America'' on this day a year ago. Then, 
we said to those who had attacked us, ``You will not dampen our 
spirits, you will not break our will.''
  And now, after a year of grief, unbearable sadness and the beginnings 
of the healing process, we have a similar message to share with the 
whole world: our spirits have not been dampened, and our will will 
never be broken.
  That is what this resolution is about--reaffirming that commitment to 
protecting our American way of life and our dedication to making our 
nation not only safer, but stronger. For representatives of the 
American people, there truly is no higher calling.
  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, as we pause to remember the horrific and tragic 
events of September 11, 2001, let us honor the memory of the innocent 
men, women, and children whose lives were lost on that fateful day. The 
families, victims, and survivors are in our hearts and prayers as we 
support efforts to rebuild and recover from such senseless, inhumane, 
and inconceivable attacks.
  We are filled with admiration for those who willingly rushed into 
danger to try to save others--the firefighters, police officers, rescue 
workers, and ordinary Americans who proved to be most extraordinary. 
They raced up stairs, they ran into burning buildings, and they brought 
down a plane to save others.
  We pray that our young men and women in our armed forces who are 
putting themselves in harm's way will return safely to their families 
and friends. In the last year, they have stood watch to keep us safe, 
and we are profoundly grateful.
  To say America suffered a terrible blow is an understatement. Since 
that terrible day we have slowly been recovering from our profound 
sense of shock. The walls of the Pentagon have been reconstructed. The 
terrible devastation at the World Trade Center has been gradually, 
painstakingly cleared away.
  Out of the ashes of loss, we must reshape a future, a world free from 
horror and hatred, one that offers security for our children and future 
generations. To shape the future, this better world, let us recommit 
ourselves to justice and peace. As we rebuild the Pentagon, memorialize 
the World trade Center, and journey to a pasture in rural Pennsylvania 
where the men and women of Flight 93 gave their lives so that others 
might live, let us emerge more dedicated to peace, more aware of the 
world around us, and more secure.
  Let us maintain the spirit of unity, of neighborly concern, of 
friendliness toward others, and of service that was so profoundly 
displayed in the aftermath of 9-11 and keep it alive and well. Let us 
hold on to the spirit that led us to stand in line for hours in order 
to donate blood because we so wanted help. Those values exemplify true 
patriotism and demonstrate what is best about America.
  I am reminded of the words of a song, which has been sung so often, 
by so many, which beings, ``Let there be peace on earth and let it 
begin with me. Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to 
be.''
  Let us remember that hymn as we remember those we lost. Let us keep 
them as a constant reminder to be our own best selves, to stand up for 
democratic ideals, to work for peace, disarmament, and security, and to 
continue to display the love and courage that they shared with us one 
year ago.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, the devastating acts committed against the 
United States on September 11th will never be forgotten. Today we 
remember those who perished in the attacks and extend our continuing 
support to their families. We honor and thank thousands of 
individuals--doctors and nurses, police and firefighters, military 
personnel, volunteers and blood donors and others--for their incredible 
acts of valor and courage and service to our nation. We salute postal 
workers and letter carriers who were threatened and felled by a threat 
they never saw. They, too, were innocent victims of these horrific 
acts.
  Our thoughts this day are with the men and women in uniform half a 
world away. They are on duty to preserve and defend our nation against 
the scourge of terrorism. We honor their service and thank them from 
the bottom of our hearts.
  Since September 11, our country has stood united in its resolve to 
overcome these horrific acts. I and fellow Members of Congress have 
joined together and supported President Bush in the war against 
terrorism. We have taken steps to make our country safer, assist those 
who have been affected by these acts of terrorism, and give law 
enforcement and the military the resources necessary to protect us from 
further acts of violence.
  Those who carried out these acts can try to attack our way of life 
and democracy, but they cannot and will not defeat it or destroy it. We 
will continue to work together to ensure that these acts will never be 
perpetrated again.
  Terrorism can never undermine our national spirit and character. We 
are a great nation. We are brave and courageous people. The values that 
guide us remain unbent and unbroken. They will endure.
  Throughout our history, we have met great challenges. In every 
instance, we have overcome every test, every danger. And each time we 
have moved forward a stronger, greater nation with a brighter future.
  This solemn anniversary reminds us of a great tragedy. But it also 
helps reinforce our national strength and what it means to be an 
American. Our purpose and resolve are undeterred.
  Mr. LUTHER. Mr. Speaker, the tragedy of September 11th is a stark 
reminder of the dangerous world in which we live and the risks faced by 
people who are firmly committed to democracy, freedom and opportunity 
for all, as we Americans are.
  As we recognize the one-year anniversary of these attacks, it is 
important to remember

[[Page H6204]]

and honor the victims and survivors, their families and loved ones. But 
we should also remember the amazing acts of bravery, kindness and self-
sacrifice that took place on September 11th: citizens helped each 
other, firefighters risked their lives to save those of others, 
Americans participated in food and blood drives and other efforts 
across the country.
  The day was one of unspeakable horror, but also one of triumph. We 
Americans committed ourselves to gaining from this tragedy. As 
difficult as the time was, we resolved to work together to become 
stronger as a nation.
  Events of this past year since the attacks remind us that we can 
easily lose the spirit of September 11th as we go about our daily 
business. At times we may have forgotten the feelings of national unity 
and pride that came in the immediate aftermath of September 11th. But 
in order to continue America's mission in the world, we must continue 
in that spirit and work together as Americans every day.
  I along with my family and staff join all Americans in remembering 
the loss of that day and in thanking Americans for their many 
contributions in the face of tragedy. To truly honor them and the 
nation we love, we must continue in the spirit that followed September 
11th and work together to ensure peace, justice and prosperity for all.
  Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, whereas, September 11th was a day that impacted 
everyone in the United States of America in a shocking and terrible 
way; and,
  Whereas, September 11th also became a pivotal event that unified all 
Americans, strengthening our communities and nation in amazing and 
inspiring ways; and,
  Whereas, the committee of Phil Wallace, Marian Klier, Dorothy Powell, 
and Marian Martin are to be commended along with the community of 
Martin's Ferry for seeking to honor and remember those who lost their 
lives that day; and,
  Whereas, this anniversary of September 11th calls for solemn 
remembrance, gratitude, patriotism, and most importantly a celebration 
of the indelible American spirit;
  Therefore, I join with the residents of Martin's Ferry and the entire 
18th Congressional District of Ohio in remembering those who died and 
thanking those who became heroes with perseverance and American pride.
  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the first 
anniversary of 9/11, a day which changed America's history.
  For the past 12 months, this nation has collectively experienced a 
full range of emotion, from the initial fear and uncertainty of that 
fateful day, to anger and outrage at the loss of American life and the 
violation of two of our nation's most recognizable symbols. We have 
mourned and continue to mourn for the victims of this horrible attack. 
Their families and friends are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. 
Embedded firmly in my mind is the image of streams of people who came 
to the ridge overlooking the Pentagon to pay their respects and 
sanctified that hill with flowers, candles and notes of remembrance.
  Yet, in the midst of all the sadness, Americans have sought an outlet 
for their grief by renewing their sense of community service and 
patriotic pride. Our country, which has a strong history of bridging 
many differences, has become one. In Northern Virginia alone, we 
witnessed friends, neighbors and colleagues coming together to help 
rebuild and unite. With the round-the-clock dedication of the Pentagon 
Renovation team, the revival of the Pentagon has served as the 
quintessential symbol of our country's resilience and renewal. A 
special debt of gratitude goes out to those workers and planners who 
orchestrated this rebuilding.
  As we bear witness to the powerful images and experiences of the past 
year, we are proudly reminded of what it means to be an American. The 
heroic acts of the firefighters, police officers and emergency 
responders who rushed into the inferno of the Pentagon and World Trade 
Center Towers to save lives, touches a special place in all our hearts. 
It is a place where love of country and for our fellow man is second 
nature. This unique American spirit is what wills us to go the extra 
mile and put our lives on the line for what we know is right.
  So, Mr. Speaker, on the one year anniversary of September 11th, let 
us honor the many sacrifices that have been made by our police, 
firefighters, emergency responders and our men and women in uniform. 
Their efforts to heal, protect and preserve this great nation deserve 
the utmost respect and admiration.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, although the scope and severity of the 
terrorist attacks on America make it difficult to know how best to 
memorialize those who were lost on September 11, 2001, I rise today to 
pay tribute to the passengers of United Flight 93 who courageously 
thwarted an attack on our nation's Capital.
  To the firefighters of New York City who gave their lives to rescue 
others, I join with my colleagues in saying that you will always be our 
heroes. To the World Trade Center victims, we mourn your passing. To 
those who died at the Pentagon, we will not forget you. To every man 
and woman serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, we stand by you. To our 
friends and neighbors across the globe, we thank you for supporting us 
in a time of need. For every American who has made the ultimate 
sacrifice and those who continue to risk their lives in order to save 
others, our Nation stands forever grateful.
  We are one Nation, under God, united in our resolve to defend freedom 
in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on 
America. As President Franklin Roosevelt said, ``We will not only 
defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this 
form of treachery shall never endanger us again. With confidence in our 
Armed Forces, with the unbound determination of our people, we will 
gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God.''
  Mr. Speaker, I commend President George W. Bush for his leadership in 
securing our homeland and strengthening America's resolve to triumph 
over terrorism. I also commend the Honorable Colin L. Powell, U.S. 
Secretary of State, for his untold achievement in strengthening our 
alliances. I commend the Honorable Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of 
Defense, for mobilizing our troops and protecting U.S. interests 
overseas. I commend the Secretary of Transportation, the Honorable 
Norman Y. Mineta, for his decisive action to ground all planes and 
avoid further tragedy on September 11, 2001.
  I also commend my colleagues in both the House and Senate. I commend 
both Republicans and Democrats. I commend all Americans united in their 
resolve to end the threat of terrorism for future generations.
  On behalf of the people of American Samoa, I rise today to say that 
we will always remember the heroic actions of those who gave their 
lives so that we might live. We stand united in our resolve to defend 
freedom. Like all Americans, we join in prayer and proclaim September 
11, 2002 as a day of Solemn Observance.
  I commend the Honorable Tauese Sunia, Governor of American Samoa, for 
proclaiming Wednesday September 11, 2002 to be a Day of Solemn 
Observance throughout the Territory. All flags will be flown at half-
mast. Memorial services will start in the Territory at sundown on 
Tuesday September 5, 2002 and will end with the last service set for 
6:00 p.m. on September 11, 2002.
  During this time, American Samoa will participate in a worldwide 
choral event. Choirs in every zone around the world will perform 
Mozart's Requiem at 8:46 a.m., the exact time of the first terrorist 
attack on America. American Samoa will represent the last time zone on 
the globe and the American Samoa Community College Choir will be the 
last choir on earth to sing Mozart's Requiem during this worldwide, 
commemorative service.
  I applaud the volunteers from the Seattle Symphony Chorale who 
organized this worldwide event to pay homage to the victims, survivors, 
and heroes of September 11, 2001. I also commend the students, staff, 
and faculty members at the American Samoa Community College for 
representing American Samoa on this historic and solemn occasion.
  I also express my deepest gratitude for those serving in the U.S. 
Armed Forces during this critical time in our nation's history. I am 
pleased to say that the sons and daughters of American Samoa serve 
proudly in the U.S. military and, per capita, there are probably more 
soldiers in the U.S. Army from American Samoa than any other State or 
U.S. Territory.
  I thank the sons and daughters of American Samoa for answering the 
call to serve. I pray for them. I pray for their families. I am 
painfully aware of the sacrifices they are making. I am very mindful of 
the dangers they are facing. Some thirty years ago, I served in the 
Vietnam War. As a Vietnam veteran, I remember all to well what it is 
like to be separated from loved ones. Each day, I wondered if I would 
ever see my loved ones again or if I would be among the thousands to 
return home in a body bag.
  By the grace of God, I returned home safely. I now pray that the good 
Lord will watch over the brave men and women of American Samoa who are 
also willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice so that future generations 
may live in peace.
  On this day of Solemn Observance, in this sombre time of remembrance, 
my thoughts and prayers also go out to all those whose lives have been 
changed by the tragic events of September 11, 2001. May we always stand 
together in the defense of freedom and may God bless America.
  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of one of the 
most horrific events in our Nation's history.
  Today we honor the thousands of innocent people who lost their lives 
in the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon and aboard Flight 93 a year 
ago and salute with great pride the many rescue workers, medical 
personnel, and firefighters who risked their own lives to save the 
lives of others.

[[Page H6205]]

  September 11th is a very emotional day for Americans of all walks of 
life and it is especially difficult for those who were directly 
impacted in one way, shape or form. My heart goes to out the survivors, 
their families and all who were affected--emotionally or physically--by 
this event. I know it has not been an easy pain to bear.
  Last year's terrorist attacks shook the sense of security we have 
come to take for granted in our daily lives. Although our country will 
never be the same, we have a renewed sense of commitment and are 
dedicated now, more than ever to upholding our freedoms and liberties. 
Our country, with all its diversity, stands united to prevent such a 
tragedy from happening again.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence in remembrance of those 
who were lost. May God bless America today and ever more.
  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join my colleagues in 
remembering the terrorist attacks of a year ago and paying tribute to 
the victims, the survivors, and the American spirit.
  One year ago today, almost three thousand Americans lost their lives 
in a series of despicable attacks. These acts were carried out by a 
group of people who hated everything our Nation stands for, and who 
sought to destroy the symbols of our freedom and prosperity.
  Despite the destruction they were able to inflict, these terrorists 
actually achieved the opposite of their intended goal. Instead of 
dividing us, they united us as never before. The evil of a few was met 
by the courage of thousands, and the generosity of millions.
  The day of the attacks witnessed countless instances of unflinching, 
selfless courage at the sites in New York, Pennsylvania, and the 
Pentagon. Workers in the towers and at the Pentagon helped each other 
through the evacuation. Firefighters, law enforcement officers, and 
emergency personnel rushed to the scene, heedless of the danger to 
themselves. Teachers shepherded children to safety; not a single child 
at the World Trade Center or Pentagon day care centers was harmed. And 
no one will ever forget the heroism of the passengers who crashed 
Flight 93 rather than allow it to continue to its intended target. The 
world watched in humbled awe as ordinary Americans performed 
extraordinary acts.
  The following days and weeks saw another quintessential American 
trait expressed: our generosity. Millions of Americans contributed 
goods, services, and funds for the rescue effort. Equipment, food, and 
supplies poured into the City of New York. Over a few short weeks, 
millions of dollars were donated to the families of the victims of the 
attacks. Children held penny drives and car washes; businesses had 
fundraisers; corporations opened their coffers. No sooner was any need 
made known than it was met, often to overflowing.
  The trials of September 11 proved that our Nation's motto still holds 
true--E pluribus unum. From many, one. From many individuals, many 
cultures, and many ideals we stand together as a single nation, united 
in purpose and resolve. Like steel tempered in fire, the challenges of 
this ordeal have made us stronger.
  Today, we pay tribute to all those who were lost a year ago, and to 
those they left behind. My district of Monroe County, New York, bears 
its share of the collective grief. Pittsford businessman Thomas Duffy 
was at an early morning meeting in the towers and perished. The Vincent 
family lost their 24-year-old daughter, Melissa, who had just begun a 
career with Alliance Consulting. Several other constituents lost 
children, brothers, and sisters. Many lost friends and loved ones. None 
of these families will ever be the same again.
  The best homage we can pay is to ensure that these people did not die 
in vain. We have already taken significant steps by removing the 
Taliban regime in Afghanistan, pursuing terrorists across the globe, 
and improving homeland security. But we can and must do much more.
  Many vital security needs still must be addressed. We must pursue a 
long-term strategy for rooting out terrorism and eliminating the 
conditions that allow it to thrive. Our public health infrastructure 
must be rebuilt and strengthened. Perhaps most of all, however, we must 
rededicate ourselves to principles of freedom and democracy. Our 
precious liberty can never be taken for granted. We must find the 
delicate balance between protecting our security and preserving our 
freedom.
  Finally, we must pay special attention to the needs of our children 
in these difficult times. Too many of our children across the Nation 
were traumatized by the terrorist attacks, and many remain anxious and 
fearful. These events must not be allowed to poison an entire 
generation. We must ensure that our children receive the aid they need 
to face the future happy, healthy, and secure. Terror is 
indiscriminate, and the young are especially vulnerable.
  I join my colleagues in paying tribute to all the heroes of September 
11. Our honored dead will not be forgotten. Their families shall not be 
alone. We, the survivors, will carry their memories in our hearts and 
live their legacy through our actions.
  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, it was one year ago that we first shared 
that sense of inimitable sadness upon learning that thousands of our 
fellow Americans were suddenly and unexpectedly lost to us forever. 
They met their ends in the fields of western Pennsylvania; at our 
national military headquarters in Washington, DC; In two of the world's 
tallest office buildings in New York City. Some were sitting down for 
work, or simply taking a plane trip when the unthinkable occurred. 
Hundreds of others, heroes, were taken from us as they selflessly 
struggled to bring others to safety.
  We came together today to honor their memory. In churches, 
synagogues, mosques, schools, homes, and workplaces across the land and 
around the world people will observe moments of silence in solemn 
remembrance. We pray for those left behind, whose lives are scarred 
forever with the loss of loved ones. We ask God for healing for them 
and for our country.
  We also gather as a nation to lift our voices in song. While uniting 
us across the miles, our shared music today not only pays homage to the 
lives lost, but reaches out to embrace the grieving. The songs give us 
a shared strength by allowing us to publicly reaffirm the triumphs of 
our humanity over terror, of community over hatred, of rebuilding over 
destruction.
  May today's remembrances bring honor to the memory of those who died 
one year ago, healing to the wounded of body and spirit, and the 
blessings of courage and strength for all who remember.
  Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, on this fateful day last year, the cowardly 
acts of terrorists tried to divide this Nation and destroy the American 
way of life. Instead they united us, and Americans rose above the ashes 
to show the indomitable spirit that makes this Nation so great.
  Thousands of lives were lost that day, but millions of us answered 
the call of a nation under attack. The volunteers who helped the 
victims and families, the outpouring of donations--these are the 
shining examples of what we are capable of when our country needs us 
most.
  President Bush asks us to honor the memory of those lost ``by 
pursuing peace and justice in the world and security at home.'' While 
September 11 was a tragic day, we must also acknowledge the historic 
outpouring of charity and sacrifice by all Americans to those in need.
  The war on terrorism is not concluding; it has only just begun. 
President Bush made it very clear that whenever there is terrorism in 
the world, the United States cannot rest. This is a war that we must 
remain united in--united and prepared for the challenge to defeat those 
who use terror and fear to oppress and destroy.
  Those who perished on September 11 will forever remain in our 
memories and in our hearts. It is up to us to protect liberty and 
freedom for all future generations.
  God Bless America.
  Mr. PHELPS. Mr. Speaker, on the night 9-11-2001, when all the Members 
of the House and Senate gathered for that historic press conference to 
assure the American people that we had not run from the terrorists and 
were doing the business on behalf of the American people, that which we 
were elected to do, I was inspired to write these words and set them to 
music.
  I believe my song expresses much of the sentiments of the American 
people that we will and must respond when threatened or harmed. We will 
defend the deepest principles of freedom and our Nation's heritage.
  Especially on behalf of those brave people, our heroes: the firemen, 
policemen, emergency medical teams, our postal workers, the Pentagon 
workers, and those who were aboard the hijacked planes, HERE WE COME! 
With you in our minds, and in our hearts, and for everything which this 
country stands!


                        ``HERE COMES AMERICA!''

     The greatest of all nations, where freedom was born
     through wars and sacrifices tested, tried and weary worn.
     We stand for truth and justice, and our aim is strong and 
           sure.
     The red, white and blue waves on for freedom we shall endure

     Here comes America on strong.
     God bless America's her song.
     United more than ever now.
     In prayer to God we humbly bow
     for freedom's cause we will not fail.
     Over fear we shall prevail.
     Let Old Glory Wave.
     HERE COMES AMERICA

     When liberty is threatened, we'll defend the people's will.
     Though heroes have fallen, our resolve we shall fulfill.
     A forgiving, loving people, pursuing peace and happiness
     but if harmed or terrorized, Comes the Eagle From Her Nest.

[[Page H6206]]

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, on September 11, 2001, America awoke to the 
worst terrorist attack in history. As we went to work and school, we 
left with a feeling of security that we have long since forgotten. By 
the time we returned to our families, our lives and our Nation had 
forever changed. It had been many years since America felt so insecure, 
so vulnerable. On that morning, the American people's resolve was put 
to the ultimate test. Everything appeared to be so uncertain that day. 
Who would do such a thing? Why would they do it? Is there more to come? 
How can I protect my family?
  But there was much that was certain that day. America made a promise 
to the victims and their families, to future generations of Americans, 
and to the world. The American people promised that this action would 
not go unanswered. We promised that this action would only strengthen 
and unite us, not divide us. We would respond forcefully to those who 
were responsible while tending to our neighbors, our fellow countrymen. 
Together, you and people across northwest Missouri and our Nation 
donated blood for the victims, and donated money for their families. 
Together, we prayed for those who lost so much that day. We prayed for 
our soldiers who stood ready--preparing to defend our freedom.
  As we stop to remember that terrible day, some of the pain and fear 
has subsided. But our determination to defeat those who seek to 
terrorize us must never fall victim to the passage of time. In the 
coming months, the American people will face a choice: live up to our 
responsibility by making tough choices and sacrifices to continue our 
assault on terrorism, or quit now and hope that they choose to stop 
planning future attacks. The American people should never have to 
endure such a tragedy again. As we have learned over the past year, we 
can do something about it. We must never mislead ourselves that we have 
to wait to be attacked again to continue our defense from terrorism. 
The more than 3,000 lives lost is all the justification we need to have 
to defend against a certain threat of terrorism. The United States must 
remain vigilant and prepared, so that we remain forever free.
  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, the United States of America is founded on 
the fundamental principle that all citizens have the inalienable right 
to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
  The United States of America stands as a beacon of freedom and 
opportunity for everyone regardless of race, creed or religious belief.
  The strength and vitality of the United States of America is in the 
diversity of its people, the diversity of its ideas, the freedom to 
express those ideas and the opportunity to achieve one's potential and 
direct one's destiny.
  Mr. Speaker, these ideals and principles are absolute and will not be 
surrendered or weakened by the cowardly acts of terrorists who fear the 
sunshine of freedom and the responsibility it brings.
  Let is forever remember that the date September 11 reaffirms the 
principles for which the United States of America was founded and that 
on this day each year freedom shall ring from every community in this 
great land and the Voice of America will be heard around the world.
  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, a year ago I stood on this same floor of 
the people's House as the ruins still smoldered, the families still 
prayed and hoped, and all of us searched for ways to explain and 
prepare for the events that were to unfold. I will never forget that 
feeling of collective will which permeated this Congress to act to 
bring to justice those who committed these heinous crimes.
  America will never forget September 11th, 2001. In its tragedy, in 
its despicability, and in its lessons and impact on our way of life, it 
represents a singular moment of history. But what really do we remember 
about this event? And for today, the first anniversary of 9/11, perhaps 
the best question is: What should we remember?
  Mr. Speaker, my answer to that is: Let us remember the mothers and 
sons, the brothers and sisters, who perished on September 11, by 
remembering, today, to touch our own mother or son, our brother, our 
sister.
  We will never forget the firefighters, police officers, and 
volunteers--the heroes of September 11th. Let's prove that by not 
forgetting to extend a hand to our heroes in uniform, who protect us 
today.
  And let us commemorate 9/11 and honor our fallen by forever defending 
and living up to the ideals embodied in our Constitution. Our way of 
life may have been challenged, but it has not been compromised. We can 
prove to the world that in triumph or tragedy, we shall be a nation of 
laws.
  As I stood on the Floor of the House a year ago I asked: How do we 
explain this barbarous act of terrorism to our children? I did not 
believe then, nor do I believe now, that it is possible to really 
explain--to make sense of what happened--to our little ones. But I 
remember my words that followed and they right so very true to me 
today: ``From my words and my deeds, from the way our country 
prosecutes this unconscionable crime, I hope [our children] will learn 
and they will remember how this country lives and breathes its freedom 
and relentless search for justice. Perhaps, then, as our children grow 
older and wiser, they will be better prepared to preserve life and 
defend America's values.''
  So, Mr. Speaker, as we move forward to complete the unfinished 
business of 9/11, let us remember our fallen, let us reflect on our 
tenacity and perseverance, and let us be the heroes in life that the 
victims of that day are in death.
  I remember that feeling of hope and justice back then, and I believe 
it will guide us through our mission now. May God bless America.
  Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the commemorative 
resolution honoring those who died last September 11, those who came to 
the rescue, and those who served, and continue to serve, in the fight 
against terrorism.
  Our minds are still seared with the images of last year's tragedy. 
Members knew some of the individuals who died in the attacks. In 
California's 36th district, where LAX--the destination of three of the 
four hijacked planes--is located, four of my constituents were killed.
  They are: Anna Alison of Torrance, Chandler ``Chad'' Keller of 
Manhattan Beach, Stanley Hall of Rancho Palos Verdes, and John Wenckus 
of Torrance.
  Today, we remember these individuals and join with their families in 
commemorating their lives and their contribution to our community and 
nation.
  We also remember several other individuals who worked in the 36th 
district but lived elsewhere. Their coworkers remember them fondly: 
Ruben Ornedo, who worked at Boeing, and Peter Gay, who worked for 
Raytheon Electronics and commuted to El Segundo weekly from the east 
coast.
  Mr. Speaker, our hearts are still broken and we continue to grieve. 
The remembrance ceremonies I attended--last week at Ground Zero and 
this morning at the Pentagon--were incredibly moving and heartfelt.
  But as we work together to rebuild the lives shattered by the events 
of September 11, we also look to identify the actions we need to take 
at all levels of government to ensure maximum preparedness and 
protection against this threat--beginning with a reorganization of our 
government's resources.
  We have learned from this horrific experience.
  Sadder, but wiser and stronger, we are aided in our efforts this past 
year by the testimonies of those who walked through hell and by those 
who are prepared to do the same.
  I am reminded of the words of Tennyson--

     Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'
     We are not now that strength which in old days
     Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are--
     One equal temper of heroic hearts,
     Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
     To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

  New Yorkers, the workers at the Pentagon and the passengers and crew 
aboard American flight 77 did not yield.
  Nor will America.
  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, September 11, 2001, is a day you will always 
remember where you were, who you were with, and what you were doing. My 
personal experiences that day are vivid: going to a press conference in 
the Capitol at 9:30, moving fast to get out when we saw the reports of 
smoke at the Pentagon and seeing the monitor in the House radio-TV 
gallery flash, ``White House being evacuated.'' Nothing can describe 
the feeling of rushing out of the building you love, hearing the attack 
was not concluded and seeing the smoke from the Pentagon rising behind 
the building in which my Congressional office is located.
  I went to the Pentagon 2 days later to thank the emergency workers 
and was struck by the smells that were still so strong there, the 
stench of the burning building and literally the smell of death. I'd 
been to that building so many times and it seemed so impenetrable. This 
attack served to illustrate how vulnerable we are in this country. We 
live in a wildly dangerous world; the security increases we see here 
now have been the norm in Europe and around the Middle East for 
decades. Our world is dangerous. We live in this world; now we 
appreciate that danger every day.
  Our nation was founded on the belief that God is great, that He is 
watching out for us. While the fear and hurt was apparent that day and 
the days that followed, so too, was the strength and courage of men and 
women who risked their own lives for their country and their American 
family that day. The passengers in the plane that crashed in 
Pennsylvania jumped into action, fighting a battle that eventually 
saved a Washington-area target, quite possibly the building where 
Congress meets.

[[Page H6207]]

  Our legacy, our duty, today is to ensure that those who died on the 
planes, in the buildings, and on the battlefield, did not die in vain. 
Our respect for their memory must be to recommit ourselves to our 
nation, our freedom and each other. Today we mourn anew the lives lost 
in the attack one year ago, and the lives lost in battle since then and 
we offer our sympathies again to those they leave behind. We also honor 
the police, firefighters and rescue personnel who risked their lives to 
help those hurt in the attacks.
  Our challenges are huge. Many people in this world carry evil in 
their hearts and minds. We can never change the hearts of humans, but 
great American men and women are doing their best every day to prevent 
that evil from finding its way here to our shores again. The United 
States is a beacon of light around the world. There are thousands of 
freedoms and privileges in this country that we enjoy every day but 
those privileges come at a cost, at a sacrifice. Our way forward will 
not be easy, for this is not over.
  Ask God for wisdom and strength to protect us here at home and those 
around the world who love freedom and democracy. Always remember those 
service men and women serving in the military. They are doing 
difficult, dangerous work on our behalf, and on behalf of freedom and 
democracy. Our test is to be united at this hour of crisis in our 
nation and in our world. Congress will honor the memories of all those 
we have lost to the war on terror by defending the United States in the 
face of future attacks.
  Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, one year ago on September 11, our 
country suffered unexpected and unjustified attacks that killed and 
injured innocent people from many nations of the world. While the 
attacks occurred in the city of New York, a peaceful field in 
Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon in Virginia, the effects of terrorism 
were felt in every corner of America and throughout the world of 
nations that shared our sorrow.
  The resulting war on terrorism has called together the people of 
America to unite behind a commitment to defend our homeland and 
preserve our way of life against all enemies of freedom and liberty. In 
doing so, America has witnessed a heartening resurgence of patriotism, 
a deep appreciation for the ordinary heroes among us, a fervent call to 
prayer, and a thankful devotion to the simple blessings of family, 
community, faith and friendship. We are indeed a blessed people, 
committed to liberty for individuals and nations everywhere, but 
mindful that freedom too often comes with great sacrifice.
  Who can doubt our American faithfulness and resolve as we grieve for 
those who lost life on September 11, applaud the brave government 
servants and military might of our great nation, strive for economic 
stability and quietly pray for a peaceful world free of tyrants and 
violence.
  The United States is no stranger to evil--our forefathers have 
overcome it through 225 years of proud but difficult history. The 
challenge for this and future generations will be to never succumb to 
the temptation of withdrawing from our national obligation to resist 
evil and fight for freedom for future generations of Americans. The war 
against terrorism, memorialized in those who died one year ago, is only 
the latest test of our national resolve. In lasting memory of September 
11, let the legacy of this new century be one of victory for mankind as 
the United States of America leads the world to liberty and justice for 
all.
  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, one year after 
the terrorist attacks on our nation, as we collectively pause to 
reflect, remember, and memorialize those who lost their lives on 
September 11, 2001. We proudly remember those heroic acts of bravery 
and courage selflessly performed by citizens that day. It was a day 
when ordinary people performed extraordinary deeds.
  The nation was struck by terror, but responded with the courage and 
the conviction that makes us free. As we pause to recognize our 
precious freedoms, we will never forget September 11 and what happened 
in New York City, the Pentagon or in the fields of Pennsylvania.
  The terrorists failed in their attempts to bring down this nation 
because the United States responded with love of country and the 
resolve to bring them to justice, ensuring that those who gave their 
lives will not have perished in vain.
  With great compassion and understanding, our hearts go out to the 
families of those who lost their loved ones, knowing life will never be 
normal for them. As we pause today in remembrance, we are resolved to 
go forward protecting and cherishing the freedoms that sustain us all.
  Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 464 appropriately recognizes the one year 
anniversary of September 11 and I urge my colleagues to unanimously 
support this resolution. God bless America.
  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, a year ago today our nation was attacked 
by terrorists intent on destroying the most enduring symbols of our 
success and our way of life. On this solemn occasion, the anniversary 
of those horrific attacks, I rise in strong support of the resolution 
recognizing September 11 as a national day of remembrance.
  On this day, we mourn the loss of thousands of innocent lives, we 
honor the selfless acts of those who came to the victims' aid, and we 
pay tribute to those who willingly put their lives on the line to stop 
the terrorists from wreaking further destruction on our land.
  9-11 will forever be remembered as one of the darkest days in our 
nation's history. Today the horror of that event is still fresh, and 
the pain is still raw. And just as it is today, it will always be one 
for sadness and reflection. But the response it inspired in our nation 
was uplifting. As we shudder at the recognition of devastation on this 
day, we can also take heart in the greatness and strength it inspired.
  Time will ease our sorrow, and we will continue to prosper as a 
nation. But we must never forget the lesson we were forced to relearn 
on September 11, 2001: there are those who are threatened by our 
strength, our freedoms and our way of life, and they want to destroy 
our nation. We must remain united in our commitment to pursue those who 
threaten us, to ensure our way of life and to uphold the hope of 
freedom around the globe.
  Mr. SIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, one year ago today our nation endured an 
attack by a dedicated and dangerous enemy. Since that day we have seen 
that the principles and ideals that are the foundation of America are 
far stronger than any of the steel and concrete that fell that day.
  We are gathered to remember the innocent lives that were taken. The 
district that I represent, the Second District of Connecticut, lost a 
number of wonderful people on September 11th. The names of some of them 
follow:
  Josh Piver, of my hometown of Stonington, worked at Cantor Fitzgerald 
on the 105th floor of the World Trade Center. Josh loved jazz, loved 
living in New York City and had an exuberant passion for life. He was a 
fine young man with a bright future.
  Madeline Amy Sweeney, a flight attendant for American Airlines Flight 
11, the first jet to strike the World Trade Center. Displaying a 
courage while under tremendous pressure, she proved that on that day a 
loving wife, and a caring mother and daughter, could also be a hero. 
She used her cell phone to report what was happening and the 
information she provided helped us identify the attackers. She jump-
started our investigation. Her parents live in Norwich, Connecticut.
  Ruth McCourt, a homemaker from New London, Connecticut, and her four-
year-old daughter, Juliana, were on United Airlines Flight 175 bound 
for Los Angeles. They were on their way to enjoy a vacation at 
Disneyland. Their jet crashed into the south tower of the World Trade 
Center.
  James Greenleaf, Jr., a 32-year-old history buff, was a football star 
in high school. He worked on the 92nd floor of the World Trade Center. 
His friends said he was the type of individual who would spend a week's 
vacation helping an old friend build a new house.
  Ed Calderon, 43, was a security guard for the Port Authority of New 
York and New Jersey. He loved to dance and especially loved the salsa. 
He had worked at the World Trade Center for 22 years and was last seen 
running toward the north tower after helping dozens of workers reach 
safety. He was hoping to help a few more people just before the 
building collapsed.
  Bruce Eagleson, 53, a vice president of the Westfield Group, was at a 
meeting on the 17th floor of the World Trade Center when a jet struck 
the building. His oldest son called after the first plane hit and urged 
him to leave. He told his son he was helping to evacuate people and 
promised he would get out. Mr. Eagleson had hoped to retire within 
seven years. He loved fishing and golf.
  Eric Thorpe, 35, was the star quarterback of his undefeated high 
school football team. He was one of the top salesmen at Keefe, Bruyette 
and Woods. But he kept success in the business world in perspective. He 
helped run a soup kitchen during college, worked as a Big Brother and 
participated in Hands Together, an anti-poverty program in Haiti. His 
friends knew him for his nonstop sense of humor.
  Eric Evans, 31, was an easy-going individual who was determined to 
succeed in business. He also loved to garden and enjoyed tending his 
tomato and basil plants. His friends said he loved animals, except for 
the squirrels that would get into his tomatoes.
  These fine people, and all the others who were taken from us on 
September 11, 2001, leave behind families and friends and lives that 
were full of the promise of tomorrow. Today it is appropriate that we 
honor their memory.
  But this is more than a day of remembrance. This is a day to recommit 
ourselves to the values that are the foundation of America. Freedom, 
justice, honor and an unwavering

[[Page H6208]]

belief in self-government--those are the values we believe in and they 
are the values that those we remember today believed in as well.
  This is a day to keep in mind that there is a great and profound 
difference between the use of force to liberate and the use of force to 
enslave.
  And this is a day to recommit ourselves to our love of our country. 
Let us join together and appreciate America's history and stand firm in 
support of our institutions and the duties of citizenship. This is a 
day to look to the future.
  A great deal of learning in our nation has traditionally taken place 
when families gather around the kitchen table at mealtime. I hope that 
beginning tonight all American families will take time to discuss 
today's events around the dinner table. Talk together about what it 
means to be a citizen of this great nation. Share your thoughts with 
each other about what the events of today mean to you, your family and 
friends.
  John Winthrop, one of the Pilgrims who came to this new world, 
described it as a ``shinning city upon a hill.''
  Today, with our prayers, we remember those who are gone. Let us also 
direct our efforts to ensure, for our sake and for the sake of those 
yet to come, that this shining city on a hill will remain a beacon of 
freedom and hope that will forever reach out to embrace the aspirations 
and dreams of all the people of the world.
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, a year ago today, a 
radical, Islamic terrorist group seized four aircraft, turning them 
into deadly weapons and killing thousands of defenseless people. Today, 
we continue to mourn the loss of those victims, and honor those who, 
with great bravery and instilled sense of duty, risked their lives to 
protect our people.
  Yet while we reflect on this day, one year ago, we cannot look back. 
Throughout the history of America, we have been a forward-looking 
Nation, striving for excellence and finding strength in our love of 
country. America is a God-fearing land, and because of this, our Nation 
has been blessed mightily.
  These attacks have been compared to December 7, 1941, when Pearl 
Harbor was also struck from the sky. At the end of that day, America 
was devastated and struck with the great sorrow of this tragedy. Yet as 
history so aptly tells us, America's resurgence brought forth the 
liberation of the world, and global peace for decades.
  Today, as we look out across our land, we will see America at its 
most glorious hour. We will see the spirit of America at every 
ceremony, in every city and on the face of all Americans. It was the 
spirit of America that got us through that fateful day one year ago, 
and it will be this spirit that will carry us through for years to 
come.
  It is contagious, this American spirit. Last year, as our 
firefighters, police officers and rescue workers sacrificed to save 
lives, the American spirit shined. As our military men and women headed 
overseas to defend our country, the American spirit shined. As 
Americans across our land joined together in unity and with a renewed 
sense of patriotism, the American spirit shined.
  This is America, and faith and freedom will always be our call. That 
is what makes us unique. That is what makes us a people of great pride 
and resiliency. And that is what makes us a target. Yet in the end, 
America endures.
  Today the war on terrorism is progressing, but it will take time. As 
the President has said many times--this is a faceless enemy that we 
fight, and determination and perseverance will be our keys to victory. 
In the end our victory will once again bring about global peace.
  So as we reflect on that tragic day, one year ago, and mourn the loss 
of so many of our fellow Americans, be rest assured that our brave 
military men and women overseas are getting the job done, and making 
America proud.
  I commend and thank our military men and women for their sacrifices 
and bravery as they protect the Homeland. They are picking up where the 
heroes of September 11th left off--defending America, and fighting for 
the freedoms that we are willing to die for. The terrorists who attack 
us operate out of hatred--hatred of our freedom, hatred of our faith, 
and hatred of our liberty. Yet in the end, it will be our faith, 
freedom and love of liberty that will ultimately defeat them.
  May God Bless the United States.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Otter). Without objection, the previous 
question is ordered on the concurrent resolution.
  There was no objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the concurrent 
resolution.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further 
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

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