[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.
____________________