[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 125 (Monday, September 30, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1676-E1677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN MEMORY OF THE TRAGEDY OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEBORAH PRYCE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 2002

  Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, just over one year 
after the tragic events that touched the life of every American, to 
give solemn remembrance to that darkest of days.
  As do all Americans', my heart continues to ache when I think about 
the countless victims and families struck by the sad and shocking 
attacks of September 11, 2001. But, there is also pride in my heart for 
our great nation and the men and women who have responded so resolutely 
and valiantly to this challenge to our very way of life.
  The stories of tragedy, and the compelling stories of heroism, that 
emerged from the smoke and shattered buildings will forever be a part 
of our memory that day.
  When I rose to the House floor one-year ago filled with so many deep 
and powerful emotions, I pledged that we would not let the days that 
followed be remembered just for our sadness and anger, but for our 
national resolve. As a nation, we have pulled together in so many ways 
to overcome the vicious attempt to break our national spirit.

[[Page E1677]]

  We are living in historic times, and I have been so proud of the 
American people. New York City has been the personification of American 
strength and resiliency.
  I have also been proud of our work here in Congress to put aside 
politics to provide our armed forces and law enforcement officers with 
the resources and tools they need to fight the war on terrorism, and to 
make this nation safer than it was on September 10, 2001. This war is 
not an issue of politics, it is an issue of patriotism.
  Those responsible for last year's horrific events seriously 
miscalculated the strength and resolve of Americans. Our sense of 
security may have been temporarily unsteadied, but our unity is 
unwavering. Our bonds of liberty, our bonds of freedom, our bonds of 
democracy are stronger and run deeper than any individual, than any 
building, than any monument. No act of violence, no sharpened razor, 
can sever them.
  America has been committed through this last year to the difficult 
realities of living in the shadows of war. We have gone on living our 
lives because to do otherwise would be giving in to the evil behind 
September 11. But there should be no doubt that we will remain 
committed until those responsible learn the steep cost of taking 
innocent lives--innocent American lives--on American soil. We will 
never stop working to make America safe and secure.
  The flame of liberty remains bright and will continue to shine upon 
the world, casting deep into the dark shadows of violence, intolerance, 
and extremism. This is a time of remembrance. But it is also a time to 
renew our dedication to fighting until America is free from the threat 
of terrorism.

                          ____________________