[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 133 (Thursday, September 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1907]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  DEDICATION OF THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY MEMORIAL TO THE VICTIMS OF THE 
                          SEPTEMBER 11 ATTACKS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 2003

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, just a short time ago, the sunlight 
shone from the heavens and brightened and warmed the names of the 
eleven beloved members of our county who perished in the awful attacks 
two years ago. That moment reflected how we will remember them: as 
eleven individuals, men and women who warmed the lives of their family 
and friends and brightened our entire community.
  This beautiful memorial allows us--each in his/her own way--in 
solitude or in the company of others, to remember the eleven 
individuals who gave their lives to our country that day.
  And as I read the beautiful passages inscribed on the benches, I was 
filled with great hope and great faith. For the inscriptions make clear 
that those who took the lives of the eleven souls two years ago utterly 
failed in their ultimate purpose. For where they sought to divide us, 
they have only strengthened our bonds. Where they sought to instill 
fear, they have seen resolve. Where they sought to sow despair, they 
have been met with faith. Where they sought to poison our hearts with 
hate, they have seen the strength of love.
  And as the sun shining down on those eleven names has shown, where 
they first brought darkness, remembering them has brought light and 
warmth. And America will never forget.

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