[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 125 (Thursday, September 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          REMEMBERING THE TRAGIC EVENTS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 2003

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in observance of the tragic 
terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
  We must never forget the character of these attacks. Nor can we 
forget the many innocent victims on the ground and in the air, or the 
heroic efforts of the many firefighters, police officers and emergency 
personnel who sacrificed their lives while attempting to save others.
  Our American ideals and values have survived and sustained us through 
this difficult time. Ultimately, with this tragedy behind us we are a 
stronger nation. Throughout history we have always grown stronger after 
facing great national challenges. This is a time of national unity. We 
survived the onslaught of September 11 and demonstrated once again the 
greatness of our nation.
  The sacrifice of Americans continues. As we memorialize the victims 
of that awful day, we are reminded that thousands of young Americans 
are overseas--away from their country, their homes, and their loved 
ones--fighting the real War on Terror in the mountains and deserts of 
Afghanistan. Our nightly news brings daily reports of American 
sacrifice in Iraq, and we need to ensure that our soldiers have our 
unwavering support during this difficult time.
  In large measure, the strength of our nation lies in its diversity 
and its commitment to democracy. As we remember these events and our 
fallen friends and family, we must honor their memory by upholding the 
values that have made our country great and ensure that those who 
perpetrated these attacks did not succeed in defeating our fundamental 
values. In particular, we must not assault the civil liberties of any 
group of Americans. Our past efforts to restrict the liberties of 
German-Americans, Italian-Americans, African-Americans, and Japanese-
Americans are scars on our history. We must not let history repeat 
itself. Indeed, depriving any group of Americans of their liberty 
undermines the liberty of all Americans and hands a victory to those 
who attacked us.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all of my colleagues join me in 
remembering the victims and heroes of September 11 and in wishing their 
loved ones a safe and prosperous future.

                          ____________________