[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 114 (Wednesday, September 11, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H6216-H6217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              TAKE COURAGE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, today is a very, very important day in 
America's history. It is the 1-year anniversary of the attack on 
America. I was handed something by one of my young staffers who has 
joined my office. He was formerly a page or intern in our office, and 
he has come back to work full-time, Parker Altman from Belle Glade, 
Florida, a community in my district. When he handed me this, I felt 
compelled to bring it to the floor to read it in its entirety because 
it sums up, I think, a courageous view point of a young person; and it 
speaks to what is in the hearts and minds of many young people who work 
in the Capitol, who are young, energetic, intelligent people who have 
come from around the country to be part of this great government.
  It begins, ``I woke up this morning just like any other day. Got 
ready for work and headed out. I had to leave a little early to beat 
the expected traffic around the Pentagon which is a transfer point on 
my daily commute. Regardless of my early departure, my wife insisted on 
getting up as well to make my lunch as she normally does. I told her 
not to worry about it, that I would get lunch at work, but she shook 
off her tiredness and strode into the kitchen. After putting my lunch 
in my briefcase, we hugged our usual good-bye, something was different. 
The hug turned into an embrace and I began to feel her shaking in my 
arms. `Be careful,' she whispered, as her eyes welled up with tears.
  ``I arrived at the office about an hour early. I quickly settled into 
my morning routine of sorting the mail and answering letters. 
Absentmindedly I printed, folded, and stuffed. The rest of the staff 
began to trickle in and the office took on its typical tone. 
Televisions were turned on and a more subdued demeanor settled over us.
  ``I had assured Carrie when I left home this morning that I would be 
fine and would keep in contact with her throughout the day. I took on a 
brave face to settle her nerves, or so I thought. I realize now while I 
sit here in our Nation's Capitol that the impression of my courage that 
I summoned at home was not only to calm Carrie, but to quiet my own 
apprehensions. I sit here in my office at the footsteps of the Capitol 
building, the intended target of last year's Flight 93, with numerous 
memorials and services going on throughout the city. I sit here at my 
desk, wavering from the painful emotions dating back to this very 
morning 1 year ago to the pride and the response and resolve that 
united our Nation and back again, yet all masked by an outer appearance 
of courageous numbness. Pausing a bit to find these words, I realized 
that I sit here scared.
  ``This is not a bad thing. In my young opinion, I think fear can be a 
positive force if understood properly and not allowed to overcome all 
other emotions. I am scared. Scared but not crippled by the fear. I try 
not to dwell on the what-ifs, not to think about how I would handle a 
devastating situation like last year. I try, but the thoughts 
invariably sneak in. I like to think that fear has not defeated me. 
Today, like yesterday, I commuted into work, passing through the very 
site that was struck last year. Today, like yesterday, I sit at my desk 
in my office at the footsteps of the Capitol building, the very symbol 
of democracy that our enemies hate. Today, like yesterday, I remember 
the images flashing across the screen, and I feel a twisting in my gut 
from the raw emotions of these events. Today, like yesterday, I am 
scared. Scared but not crippled because I know that regardless of what 
happens today or tomorrow or the days beyond, my family and friends 
know that I love them. I know that despite the evils in the world that 
work to frighten us, there is a God that overpowers all. I know that 
because of this divine good, I should no longer be afraid of the evil. 
Senate Chaplain Lloyd John Ogilvie said it best in New York City last 
autumn. When faced with our inevitable fears, Dr. Ogilvie reminded us 
that because of His presence we should, `take courage, it's yours, you 
know.'
  ``This is my prayer for you as this day progresses and as we face the 
uncertainties of tomorrow. It is, `Take courage, it's yours, you know.'
  That was by Parker Altman, my staff member. I mentioned he is from 
Belle Glade. It sums up the thoughts and emotions of many of the fine 
young people here today. They did come to work, despite the fears and 
alerts, Democrats, Republicans and Independents from around this great 
country of

[[Page H6217]]

ours, these fascinating and fulfilling young people who choose to labor 
in these buildings and the Capitol, much like the Clerk's Office, the 
police officers, the rank and file. All of us came here today to prove 
a point to terrorists that we will not succumb to fear.
  When we have a 21-year-old coming up to us, realizing that probably 
their own parents suggested they should stay home, call in sick, these 
kids chose no, and to face the burden of the day and face the 
challenges; and, yes, face the fear, knowing that this city could be a 
target at any time. But democracy, for it to flourish, fear must be 
subdued, and we must fight with our energy and vigor to make America 
the land of the free and the home of the brave.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute Parker Altman today. I am thankful that he took 
time to put his words to paper. I am thrilled that I am able to read it 
on this floor and state a memorial for the Record. I urge all Americans 
today as we bow our heads in prayer to thank God for the divine 
inspiration and the great opportunity we had today to celebrate another 
day of American heritage; sad as it was, powerful that we were able to 
overcome our fears and focus on the work of the people.

                          ____________________