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




   ANNIVERSARY OF THE SEPTEMBER 11TH TERRORIST ATTACK--SPECIAL JOINT 
                  MEETING OF CONGRESS IN NEW YORK CITY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN ELIAS BALDACCI

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 2002

  Mr. BALDACCI. Mr. Speaker, like every American, I will always 
remember September 11th. Today we gather to mourn our nation's losses 
and to demonstrate our resolve that America will not be slowed or 
diminished by terrorist attacks.
  September 11th was an unsettling day for each of us, wherever we 
were. Nearly 3000 Americans lost their lives that day. All of us lost 
the sense of security that we as Americans had long taken for granted.
  The victims came from all across the country and every walk of life. 
They had one thing in common--they were simply going about their 
business. It was a crisp, clear, sunny morning. I will never forget the 
contrast between the beautiful weather and the acrid smoke, dust and 
rubble at each of the impact sites.
  Each of us shares the grief of families who lost loved ones. Each of 
us mourns the loss of innocence that resulted from the attacks.
  Even in those darkest hours, however, America's light shined through. 
Millions of us joined together to donate blood and money to help the 
victims and their families. I visited the Pentagon to encourage rescue 
workers, and worked with the FAA to ensure that medical supplies would 
continue to arrive at Maine hospitals during the shutdown of airline 
service. Maine businesses and individuals donated food and supplies for 
workers and displaced families.
  The great irony of September 11th is that the terrorists sought to 
drive America apart, but instead brought us together as a nation. Our 
people have once again shown an incredible resilience and an ability to 
come together in times of need. America is, indeed, one nation, under 
God, indivisible.
  The acts of terrorism perpetrated against our country have reminded 
us of the precarious nature of life and of the lives of those around 
us. We will always carry in our hearts the memories of those who were 
lost on September 11th. May we also always remember the patriotism and 
unity that we have experienced in its aftermath.
  We stand together today as Americans, united in mourning and also in 
our resolve to triumph over factions that would tear us apart. 
Together, we will ensure that hope, freedom and justice will prevail.

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