[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 115 (Thursday, September 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  DEDICATION OF THE SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL IN ORADELL, NEW JERSEY AND 
                   PRESENTATION TO MRS. TRACY WOODALL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 2002

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call to the attention of 
my colleagues the dedication of a memorial in Oradell, New Jersey to 
honor and commemorate those who lost their lives in the tragic events 
of September 11, 2001.
  Let me say first, Mr. Speaker, that I have been deeply moved by the 
outpouring of support and dedication that we all have seen throughout 
our Nation over the past year. In the days and weeks after the tragic 
events of September 11, we heard and read the stories of countless 
family members, neighbors, and friends who went to work on that day and 
never came home.
  In my own district, our Bergen County community was particularly 
hard-hit. We all know someone who was lost. Their stories are heart 
wrenching . . . and still remain nearly unbearable in their sadness.
  Over the past year, I have spoken to many families in my District in 
an attempt to bring them some consolation. Even though there are no 
words to relieve their anguish, I have told each family that they 
should take some comfort in the knowledge that the hearts and prayers 
of the entire Nation were with them.
  As we dedicate this memorial in Oradell this evening to all of those 
who lost their lives on that tragic day, we pause to remember each of 
the men and women whose lives were so tragically cut short by a brutal 
and senseless act of terrorism.
  In particular, we commemorate the tragic loss of one of Oradell's own 
residents, Brent Woodall.
  In their deaths, the victims of the World Trade Center attack have 
come to symbolize all that we love in America. The terrorists attacked 
the Towers because they represented America's democracy, freedom, 
diversity, and economic prosperity.
  Brent Woodall embodied these ideals in his work and in his life. 
Whether in his work in the stock market--the nerve center of America's 
economic freedom--or as a talented athlete, or simply as a man deeply 
devoted to friends, family, and those whom he loved, Brent's life 
exemplified the American values which have made our country great.
  The loss of every life that day was tragic. The loss of Brent touches 
each of us, as he and Tracy were just beginning so much of their life 
together. They had just bought a home, and were beginning a family 
together.
  I did not know Brent personally, so I will not presume to elaborate 
upon his life and times beyond that. But as I have come to know the 
nearly one hundred residents of my Congressional District who never 
came home on September 11, so I have come to know Brent Woodall.
  In every way, Brent's life was a life that is easy to celebrate.
  This evening, we will commemorate our losses, and send a message of 
heartfelt sympathy and support to Brent's family and friends, 
particularly his wife, Tracy, and their son, Pierce Ashley, who came 
into this world on April 22, 2002, only after a few short months after 
his father had perished. How proud Brent would have been of his son . . 
. and how proud Pierce will someday be of his father, whose good 
nature, humor, and zest for life live on in him.
  At tonight's memorial, I will be honored to present to Tracy Woodall 
an American flag, which was flown over the United States Capitol in 
Brent's honor.
  Our flag has long stood as the symbol of our core values of freedom 
and liberty. It now stands also as a symbol of our national resolve to 
bring those responsible for this atrocity to justice, and, tonight, as 
a tribute to Brent, and all of those who lost their lives in one of 
America's darkest hours. Let it serve also to let Tracy, Pierce, and 
all of their family know that the support of extended family, friends, 
community, and the Nation, are with them now and always.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in asking that God bless 
Tracy and Pierce Woodall, the rest of their family, and all those who 
lost friends, family, or loved ones in this national tragedy. And, as 
Brent Woodall would have wanted, we ask that God bless the United 
States of America.

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