[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10654-S10655]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     AMERICA'S STRENGTHENED RESOLVE

  Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, this year, we did not wait passively for 
September to arrive; we began preparing weeks ago to greet this month 
with offerings of memorial in hand. At services across the Commonwealth 
and in remembrances around the country, last fall's attacks have again 
drawn the focus of our Nation. There is a new sentiment this time 
around, though, one that is hopeful, grateful, more determined, and 
less confused.
  For all of us, it has been a week of reflection on the losses and 
lessons of the attack that changed our history and our lives. The 
destruction wrought by a hateful few was intended to unravel America's 
strength, but it has only made us stronger. And from this strength, we 
have come to understand that the tragedy of last September 11 has in 
fact blessed us with an opportunity. The attacks are still tangible in 
Pennsylvania, and so we take this opportunity very seriously, proud to 
have a part in creating a positive legacy for 9/11. It was aboard the 
plane that crashed in Shanksville that America's response to terrorism 
first began.
  Somerset County, for this reason, will be a symbol of the heroism and 
sacrifice that a few brave, ordinary citizens chose to exhibit when 
faced with the most difficult and dangerous situation of their lives. 
Shanksville, the World Trade Towers, and the Pentagon can all be 
reminders of what the American spirit is capable of overcoming, of what 
Todd Beamer meant when he said, ``Let's roll,'' if we as a Nation 
choose to make it so. The anniversary of September 11 should, 
therefore, be about the resolve to honor the memories of all those lost 
to the terrorist attacks by living to make ourselves, our communities, 
and our country better.
  Looking back over the past twelve months, the most inspiring aspect 
of the national recovery effort was the compassion, cooperation, and 
concern that citizens across the country shared with one another. 
Through the charity of time, prayer, blood, consolation, money, and 
other expressions of support, Americans exhibited a goodwill that is 
rarely seen so universally, but comes so naturally to us all at times 
of crisis. As we settle back into our normal, peaceful lives, however, 
this goodwill tends to steal away from us. As a result, our collective 
awareness of a common humanity and a world view larger than our own 
back yards also begins to fade. In the aftermath of 9/11 and the years 
to follow the shock of terrorism on our soil, we must renew

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the commitment we have to our neighbors, our communities, and our 
Nation. Across the country, we can make the courage and responsibility 
displayed by the heroes at Ground Zero endure. In this way, we will 
triumph over evil and devastation, and we can try to make sense out of 
all that we have suffered.
  When I first visited the cratered field in Shanksville, and when I 
returned to that crash site this week, I was struck by the importance 
of our continued hope. I was also inspired by the strength of those 
Flight 93 family members, now carrying the torches of their loved ones 
who gave their last measure of bravery for our nation. I have resolved 
to make every day a memorial to September 11th by working to keep the 
bigger picture in mind and a better world in sight. I hope you will 
find your own way to keep and exhibit this renewed American spirit in 
your lives. May God bless you and our great country.

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