[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 115 (Thursday, September 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1572]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. VITO FOSSELLA

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 2002

  Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, I am not recorded on rollcall No. 384, 
Expressing the Sense of the Congress on the anniversary of the 
terrorist attacks launched against the United States on September 11, 
2001. I was with my constituents of Staten Island and Brooklyn on this 
sad anniversary. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''
  For the past year, our nation has grieved over the loss of nearly 
3,000 brave men and women who were cruelly and unfairly taken from 
God's earth much too soon. These past 365 days have been a time of 
immense sadness for our nation. We have buried too many innocent 
souls--too many mothers, too many fathers, too many sons and too many 
daughters.
  Today is officially known as Patriot's Day as a result of legislation 
that I passed in Congress. I chose this name because I thought it best 
described the victims of September 11th--men and women who loved their 
country and who died in its name. While they were not soldiers, they 
certainly were patriots.
  Indeed, no one among us will ever forget the indelible images of 
brave firefighters, police officers and other emergency services 
personnel entering the burning towers bound by honor, duty and courage. 
Or the pictures of ordinary Americans leading their friends, coworkers 
and even strangers out of the rubble because they were taught to help 
those in need. In an age when the word heroism is bandied about much 
too often, we watched true heroes in action.
  And so today, we remember these patriots--to recall their smile, 
their laugh, their kindness. Their loss is an injustice to humanity. 
And while they can never be replaced, they must be remembered and 
honored for making the greatest of all sacrifices.
  The American story is far from finished. Indeed, the best chapters 
are yet to come. We must believe that, for I know in my heart that it 
is our destiny.
  We also must believe that there is a just God directing our people in 
a just cause of liberty. That cause, like others before, which crushed 
fascism and communism, is now to forbid the tyranny of terrorism. The 
terrorists sought to destroy America by crushing brick and twisting 
steel. They didn't understand that the source of America's strength is 
its people, and that its people embody a spirit of optimism and hope 
that can never be destroyed. Our hearts may still be heavy, but our 
soul is stronger and more vibrant than ever. The values of America will 
forever stand firm and resolute.
  My prayers go out to every family that lost a loved one on September 
11th. My words cannot ease your suffering, so I simply tell you that 
you remain in my thoughts. God Bless you and God Bless America.
  I ask unanimous consent that this statement be printed in the 
appropriate part of the Congressional Record.

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