[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 124 (Thursday, September 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1666-E1667]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRAGIC EVENTS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. HENRY E. BROWN, JR.

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 25, 2002

  Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I will never forget the 
tragic events of September 11, 2001. Although this unprovoked attack on 
our nation by faceless cowards sought to damage American will, there 
can be no doubt that we are more determined than ever to fight for our 
freedom and preserve our way of life. We have sent our sons and 
daughters into battle in Central Asia and throughout this world to 
bring the perpetrators to justice and to eradicate the scourge of 
terrorism from the face of the earth. I know that we will succeed.
  During the past year, we have pulled together as Americans with a 
renewed sense of patriotism and pride in all of our institutions. Each 
of us has made a tremendous difference in so many ways like donating 
blood or food to relief efforts and flying the American flag outside 
our homes as a sign of solidarity. In the Congress, members of both 
parties worked together in a bipartisan fashion like never before to 
demonstrate our resolve to the world community and to care for the 
victims and their families. When we sang “God Bless 
America” on the Capitol steps that same night, it was an 
incredibly emotional moment that truly touched my soul.
  It was a true honor to be in New York City at the special joint 
session of Congress. A couple of weeks after the attacks, I went to 
ground zero with other members to witness

[[Page E1667]]

firsthand the devastation that had been wrought. The heroic 
determination of the firefighters, police officers and rescue workers 
will be etched into my mind for the rest of my life. When I returned to 
New York City, I was amazed of the progress that the people of this 
great city have made in the area where the Twin Towers once stood. It 
is truly a testament to the strength and heart of the citizens of New 
York and all Americans. It makes me proud to serve in the Congress.
  Like so many other members of Congress, constituents from the first 
district of South Carolina and their families were among the victims on 
that tragic day. They will be sorely missed, but we will never forget 
them. As we commemorate the unity of this great nation on the first 
anniversary of these terrorist attacks, I pray for these families and 
all Americans. The foundation of this great land is strong, and we will 
never waiver from our cause. God Bless America.

                          ____________________