[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 152 (Friday, November 22, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




ON THE HISTORIC OCCASION OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS JOINT MEETING IN 
         NEW YORK TO COMMEMORATE THE TRAGEDY OF SEPTEMBER 11TH

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                    HON. JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 22, 2002

  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me as the 
Member of the United States Congress to convene here in New York today, 
September 9, 2002, on this historic occasion. It has been one year 
since the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11. It has been over 
two hundred years since Congress convened here in New York at Federal 
Hall to elect the first President of the United States and to ratify 
the Bill of Rights.
  We applaud the people of this great city and state for their resolve 
in light of the devastation thrust upon them. It is a credit to their 
perseverance and their total commitment to freedom that the 107th 
Congress stands proud today. We reflect with remorse on the past year, 
but also look forward with hope and optimism as we proceed in the 
healing of our Nation. On this historic day, the congress has convened 
to mourn the loss of families and friends during the September 11 
attacks, and to salute the heroism of our police officers, fire 
fighters, and emergency responders who performed with unbridled bravery 
and gave so selflessly on that tragic day.
  As I reflect on the tragic events of a year ago, I am reminded of the 
heavy hearts of so many great Americans who have grappled with this 
cowardly act and for those who had loved ones who perished in New York, 
Pennsylvania and the Pentagon. For those who lost friends and coworkers 
and who must now try to go on with their lives, our prayers are offered 
to these families and their friends and to all America and other 
Countries who lost loved ones.
  Today, we are expressing our gratitude to the fire fighters, police 
officers, healthcare workers and those individuals who, on that fateful 
day, performed heroic deeds and helped their fellow citizens and 
neighbors without regard for their own welfare.
  During the recent year, my colleagues and I in Congress have actively 
engaged in debate about how to develop an agenda that addresses the new 
world in which we now live.
  Though our country and the world have been shaken, we continue to 
build bridges toward progress and strengthen the bond of patriotism and 
the spirit of hope. I cannot express how important it is to map out a 
course for our future that will sustain, inspire and protect our 
children. We must provide our children with a sense of optimism and 
hope.
  Our domestic efforts and grief over the tragic events of September 11 
have heightened our appreciation for the pain of others around the 
world who have been subjected to the brutality and inhumanness of 
terrorism. That is why we have supported liberation and democratization 
efforts in Afghanistan and seek to assist in the rehabilitation of 
those persecuted and who are attempting to rebuild their lives and 
their country. We must complete our mission there.
  As we return to Washington, our nation and its Congress will never 
forget the victims of September 11. On this occasion of reflection, 
recommitment and rededication to freedom and democracy, we are 
affirming our commitment to remember and honor the men and women who 
paid the ultimate price--their lives. They will always be a part of our 
history and our hearts. Our nation shall continue to rise to meet the 
challenge of terrorism and the threats posed by terrorists who seek to 
derail freedom and a Nation of peace.

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