[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]




             SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE SEPTEMBER 11 ATTACKS

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                       HON. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 2003

  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Second 
Anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
  This week we commemorate the Second Anniversary of the September 11 
attacks. A day that will forever remain in our memories as we endured 
the loss of over 3,000 innocent people in New York, Washington, D.C. 
and Pennsylvania. Despite this tragedy we continue to press on 
rebuilding our communities and renewing our spirits.
  I would like to share with you a poem written by one of my 
constituents and a dear friend, Ms. Danita Harris, news anchor for Good 
Morning Cleveland on WEWS News Channel 5 in Cleveland. It reads:

     On September 11, 2001 . . .
     our hearts were pierced by the loss of our fellow Americans 
           in the terrorist attacks

     On September 11, 2001 . . .
     we held on to the one thing that stands when all else fails, 
           our faith in God

     On September 11, 2001 . . .
     there was a rebirth, an awakening, a national acknowledgement 
           of the power and love of Almighty God

     On September 11, 2001 . . .
     in the midst of mourning the loss of a mother, a father, a 
           sister, a brother, someone found Jesus--a comforter, a 
           friend, a saviour

     On September 11, 2001 . . .
     knees bowed down and tongues cried out ``HELP US GOD!''

     On September 11, 2001 . . .
     the salt of our tears fell on the earth giving our country a 
           new flavor of freedom and pride

     On September 11, 2001 . . .
     hatred and ignorance showed its ugly face as terrorism 
           penetrated America's front door

     On September 11, 2001 . . .
     we put aside our differences, our prejudices, our isms, and 
           our schisms

     On September 11, 2001 . . .
     the only race was the human race, not connected by blood but 
           united by spirit

     On September 11, 2001 . . .
     our voices sang God Bless America, but in our spirits we were 
           all singing Amazing Grace

     Because if it wasn't for God's grace
     it could have been you
     in that building
     it could have been you
     on that airplane
     it could have been you.

  May we remember those families who lost loved ones during this tragic 
event during this time and continue to renew our spirits.

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