[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 125 (Thursday, September 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1779]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            9/11 ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 2003

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, we come together to reflect on 
the anniversary of September 11, 2001, a day like none other in our 
history.
  Leading up to this anniversary, I have been thinking much about the 
tragic events of that day and their significance. At first, I felt I 
had a grasp on what happened two years ago, but now after going to 
memorials, visiting the sites, and watching the footage, I am not sure 
if any of us have fully absorbed the events of that terrible day and 
realize how they have changed our nation and our lives.
  This anniversary is important because it gives us an opportunity to 
consider the lasting impact of the events that altered the course of 
our nation.
  The shock of September 11 for those who witnessed the horrible events 
firsthand or lost a loved one remains incomprehensible.
  For me, the events of that day were extremely powerful at a personal 
level because my son, my daughter-in-law, and my grandson live in New 
York City. All I could do was hope and pray my family was safe. As a 
mother and a grandmother, there is no feeling worse than such 
uncertainty.
  To all of us, the threat of terrorism is still very real despite the 
relative normality of our lives.
  On this occasion, we should take a moment to ask the questions that 
still need to be answered.
  I ask today, Mr. Speaker: Have we properly prepared if another attack 
takes place? Have we harnessed the amazing energy and the great spirit 
that saw us through the days and weeks following that day? Have we 
mobilized our citizens to take on the other problems we as a nation are 
facing?
  I truly believe, as we look back and remember those who tragically 
lost their lives two years ago, that we take the time to really think 
about what those events mean to us.
  We also need to consider what the legacy of September 11, 2001 will 
be 10 years from now and even 100 years from now.
  Though it has been two years, I am still amazed at how our nation 
came together to cope with the crisis and to comfort those who suffered 
unimaginable losses.
  I think about the epic effort of the steelworkers and engineers 
working around the clock to clear rubble from the World Trade Center, 
and our brave service members who went to Afghanistan to hold 
accountable those who planned the attack.
  Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, though the Pentagon has been rebuilt and 
the steel beams and concrete cleared from the World Trade Center, the 
unspeakable acts of September 11 continue to impact several areas of 
our lives.
  Though we have made progress over the last two years, I believe we 
can build upon the energy and spirit we displayed after September 11 to 
become a stronger and more generous nation than before that day two 
years ago.
  Whether the cause is to create new jobs for Americans, improve 
education, fight poverty at home and abroad, or increase our 
understanding of foreign cultures and languages, we have missed some 
opportunities but it is not too late to build upon our resolve and 
better ourselves, our families, and our communities.
  I would like to conclude today, Mr. Speaker, by remembering those who 
were tragically killed two years ago. Those who lost their lives were 
truly the innocent, and because of the cowardly acts of a few, more 
than 3,000 loved ones were taken from their families. It is crucial 
that we remember them and continue to offer these brave families our 
support.

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