[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 117 (Tuesday, September 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1591]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATIVE JOINT MEETING OF THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES IN 
  REMEMBRANCE OF THE VICTIMS AND HEROES OF SEPTEMBER 11 2001, AND IN 
RECOGNITION OF THE COURAGE AND SPIRIT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, FEDERAL 
             HALL, NEW YORK, NY, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2002

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 6, 2002

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, it's hard to believe that it's been 
almost a full year since that awful day. On September 11, 2001, all the 
world saw the very face of evil. And on that day and every day since, 
we have felt the heartbeat of America.
  For me, the most enduring image of 9/11 was the sight of the Pentagon 
on fire after the terrorists crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into 
our nation's military headquarters. A thick black smoky cloud oozed 
from the Pentagon and hung over the banks of the Potomac River. I will 
never forget seeing with my own eyes that proud building engulfed in 
flames. Then the whole world watched TV in stunned disbelief as the 
twin towers of the World Trade Center came crumbling down in a fiery 
wreck of twisted steel.
  On that day, America was changed forever. But, the test in life is 
not whether or not you ever get knocked down. The true test is whether 
you have the courage, pride and determination to get back up again. 
Every day since September 11, the people of this country have gotten 
back up.
  We Americans from all walks of life have pulled together like never 
before. We have stood united to tell our enemies that the spirit of 
America will never be broken. We will not rest until we have eliminated 
Osama bin Laden and his terrorist network.
  In the year since 9/11, we have come to treasure the service and 
sacrifice of ordinary Americans and extraordinarily heroic. The 
selfless devotion of the firefighters, police, EMS and other public 
servants in New York City and the Pentagon have given us new 
appreciation for our hometown heroes whose everyday service does so 
much to strengthen our communities. The dedicated professionalism of 
our men and women in uniform renew our pride in our country and make us 
thankful for our many, many blessings. And the incredible story of the 
passengers of the hijacked plane who fought back and prevented the 
tragic events of that day from being even worse inspires us all to take 
charge and give back to our country.
  September 11 taught us anew the immeasurable strength of the uniquely 
American ideal of ``We, the people.'' As we memorialize the lives lost 
one year ago, let us also celebrate the renewed spirit of America that 
has been reinvigorated by the service and sacrifice of so many ordinary 
citizens and inspirational heroes.

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