[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 125 (Monday, September 30, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             THE NEW YORK SPECIAL JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 2002

  Mr. NADLER. Mr President, Mr. Speaker, today marks a historic 
occasion for New York and for the United States Congress. This is the 
first Congress that has convened here in New York since the First 
Congress convened here to watch President Washington take the oath of 
office and to pass the Bill of Rights.
  We join here today not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans. 
The symbolic gesture of our joint meeting is both solemn and 
celebratory.
  It is solemn because we come here today to honor a city devastated by 
the most terrible single attack on American soil in our history, and 
the thousands of innocent people lost in that attack. As the elected 
Representative for the area of New York most directly impacted by the 
attacks of September 11, 2001, I can tell you that my constituents are 
grateful for the act of solidarity with New York that we show here 
today. I can also tell you that they are even more grateful that 
Congress has rallied to help this City for the past year.
  Our joint meeting today is also celebratory. One year ago, a group of 
vicious and heartless terrorists sought to cripple this city and this 
country by obliterating one of its great landmarks. It was their hope 
that not only would thousands be rendered lifeless, but that our way of 
life, our democracy, would be extinguished. Today, we celebrate the 
life and vibrancy of our democracy that still lives--and do so in a 
city that remains the most lively, diverse, and mighty on the face of 
the earth, despite the worst efforts of those terrorists.
  It is only right that we seek out those who sought to destroy us. But 
bombs and bullets are merely the tools we use in our self-defense. 
Revenge against our foes will come not through bloodshed, but through 
acts defiant of their goals. For the last year, despite the aim of the 
terrorists to kill our national spirit, this nation has proudly and 
defiantly displayed the flag from our homes, our cars, our community 
centers, and our houses of worship. Despite the murderous foes who 
sought to divide us, our people have joined in concerts celebrating our 
country and its ideals, and vigils marking our unity.
  Over two centuries ago, after stumbling through a government under 
the Articles of Confederation, with most of the world wishing to see 
our demise, we gathered here, defiant of the world and its wishes, 
resolved to make our great democratic experiment work. It is only 
fitting then, that we stand here again defiant of those who wish for 
our demise. Let there be no doubt, today we are telling the world that 
New York lives on, America lives on, and her ideals live on!

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