[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 125 (Thursday, September 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1781]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 2003

  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, today marks the second year 
since one of the most devastating attacks occurred on United States 
soil in our history.
  Many of us remember exactly where we were when we first received news 
of the two planes flying into the World Trade Center complex in the 
borough of Manhattan.
  We also remember the unimaginably horrible sight of both towers 
crashing downward, and the residents of New York running for their very 
lives through the streets and over bridges leading away from the site.
  On this day, we also remember the dedicated workers of the Pentagon 
who perished, and the brave men and women of United flight 93, who 
sacrificed their own lives to prevent another horrific incident.
  This devastating act of terrorism has affected the lives of every 
single American living in this country today.
  Thousands of Americans lost their lives on September 11. These were 
ordinary, hard working people, who had no knowledge that they would be 
on the front lines of a cowardly act that would forever represent a new 
battle, the ``war against terrorism.''
  Mr. Speaker, America is a special place. Despite differences in race, 
culture, creed, and faith, we hold certain ideals close. Americans 
believe the words of the patriots who met at the Second Continental 
Congress, ``that certain truths are selfevident, that all men are 
created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain 
inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit 
of Happiness.''
  Americans believe that all people, in the words of Martin Luther 
King, Jr., ``will bow before the altars of God and be crowned 
triumphant over war and bloodshed, and nonviolent redemptive goodwill 
will proclaim the rule of the land.''
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, Americans believe that we are one nation, 
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
  Mr. Speaker, the war against terrorism continues to this day, but the 
resolve and spirit of the American people can never be defeated, our 
thirst for peace and democracy never quenched.
  On this day, let us remember the victims, their families, and all who 
were touched by the tragic events of 2 years ago. God bless them all, 
and God bless America.