[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 125 (Monday, September 30, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

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                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 2002

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, on September 11, 2001, America awoke to the 
worst terrorist attack in history. As we went to work and school, we 
left with a feeling of security that we have long since forgotten. By 
the time we returned to our families, our lives and our Nation had 
forever changed. It had been many years since America felt so insecure, 
so vulnerable. On that morning, the American people's resolve was put 
to the ultimate test. Everything appeared to be so uncertain that day. 
Who would do such a thing? Why would they do it? Is there more to come? 
How can I protect my family?
  But there was much that was certain that day. America made a promise 
to the victims and their families, to future generations of Americans, 
and to the world. The American people promised that this action would 
not go unanswered. We promised that this action would only strengthen 
and unite us, not divide us. We would respond forcefully to those who 
were responsible while tending to our neighbors, our fellow countrymen. 
Together, you and people across northwest Missouri and our Nation 
donated blood for the victims, and donated money for their families. 
Together, we prayed for those who lost so much that day. We prayed for 
our soldiers who stood ready--preparing to defend our freedom.
  As we stop to remember that terrible day, some of the pain and fear 
has subsided. But our determination to defeat those who seek to 
terrorize us must never fall victim to the passage of time. In the 
coming months, the American people will face a choice: Live up to our 
responsibility by making tough choices and sacrifices to continue our 
assault on terrorism, or quit now and hope that they choose to stop 
planning future attacks. The American people should never have to 
endure such a tragedy again. As we have learned over the past year, we 
can do something about it. We must never mislead ourselves that we have 
to wait to be attacked again to continue our defense from terrorism. 
The more than 3,000 lives lost is all the justification we need to have 
to defend against a certain threat of terrorism. The United States must 
remain vigilant and prepared, so that we remain forever free.

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