[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 171 (Saturday, November 22, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E2389]]
IN RECOGNITION OF THE PORT AUTHORITY EMPLOYEES WHO LOST THEIR LIVES ON 
 SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 ON THE OCCASION OF THE DEDICATION OF A MEMORIAL AT 
                      McMANUS PARK IN ASTORIA, NY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 21, 2003

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the 75 employees 
of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey who tragically lost 
their lives in the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 
2001. In recognition of the ultimate sacrifice they made while striving 
to rescue others, these fallen heroes have been honored with the 
dedication of a memorial in McManus Memorial Park in Astoria, New York.
  I attended the dedication of the memorial and was deeply moved by the 
heartfelt testament to these fallen heroes by friends, family, and area 
residents. This park will bear witness that their courage and 
selflessness will never be forgotten, while offering a quiet and 
tranquil oasis amidst the busy city that affords an opportunity for 
reflection upon the terrible losses borne on that tragic day.
  I ask that the following speeches given at the dedication ceremony be 
entered into the record:

                 The United Community Civic Association

                  (By Rose Marie Poveromo, President)

       Good evening ladies and gentleman. Tonight's memorial 
     dedication ceremony is a joint effort shared by the United 
     Community Civic Association and our neighbor, the Port 
     Authority of New York and New Jersey.
       This living memorial of ``A Grove of Trees'' is to 
     specifically honor the 75 Port Authority employees as well as 
     all the other innocents who so tragically lost their lives in 
     the 9111 shattering, horrific attack on, and total collapse 
     of, the twin towers.

               Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

                           (By Bill De Costa)

       I am grateful to be here to dedicate this memorial to the 
     75 Port Authority employees, and neighbors who lost their 
     lives in the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 
     11, 2001. This ceremony also honors the memory of all the New 
     York City police officers, firemen and all the other citizens 
     who gave the ultimate sacrifice that day.
       Any event is always more meaningful when you receive 
     acknowledgment from your family, so we are particularly 
     honored that our neighbors and friends represented by the 
     United Civic Community Association have been so thoughtful 
     and considerate in their recognition. Thank you Rose Marie!
       Yes, whether we are Port Authority or New York City 
     employees, we are all actual members of this vibrant and 
     wonderful community.
       As we stand here today and view the McManus Vietnam 
     Memorial at one end of the park, and now this Port Authority 
     memorial at the other end of the park, we should always be 
     reminded of the words of President Harry Truman: ``Freedom is 
     still expensive. It still costs money. It still costs blood. 
     It still calls for courage and endurance, not only in 
     soldiers, but in every man and woman who is free and who is 
     determined to remain free.''
       Seventy-five Port Authority employees, including 37 police 
     officers, made the ultimate sacrifice that September morning. 
     Always remember these people who were our neighbors, family 
     members and friends. The greatest testimony that we can now 
     give them is to continue our resolve for security and freedom 
     and to continue to work and live in this spirit.
       Thank you all for attending and remembering them.

  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me honoring the Port 
Authority employees, the police officers and firefighters, and all 
those who paid the ultimate price on September 11, 2001 and to 
recognize those who planted a beautiful memorial grove of trees in 
their honor. It aptly serves as a living tribute to the brave men and 
women of the Port Authority and all who lost their lives on that tragic 
day.

                          ____________________