[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 108 (Monday, September 13, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1607]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   EXPRESSING SENSE OF THE HOUSE ON ANNIVERSARY OF TERRORIST ATTACKS 
          LAUNCHED AGAINST UNITED STATES ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

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                               speech of

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 9, 2004

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the anniversary 
of perhaps the worst day in U.S. history, September 11, 2001.
  No one will ever forget where he or she was on that tragic morning. 
No one will ever forget the selfless and hardworking members of our 
firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and emergency response 
workers when the two towers of the World Trade Center collapsed and 
when the Pentagon was hit by a hijacked plane. No one will ever forget 
the gallant acts of heroism that occurred on United Airlines flight 93, 
as the actions of several individuals saved the lives of thousands.
  September 11th unified America and reawakened a spirit of patriotism 
and unity because it was on that day we were reminded that freedom is 
not free--that there is a price. With time to reflect on the terrible 
losses suffered that day and the threat of terrorism still present 
throughout the world, we realize now more than ever the debt of 
gratitude that we owe to those who place themselves in harm's way to 
protect our country and our people.
  As I stand here before you today, we mourn for those we lost. Our 
prayers are dedicated to the heroic firefighters, police officers and 
emergency first responders, our military men and women and other 
ordinary Americans who have answered the call for freedom.
  Again, as our country mourns and continues to heal, I know my 
colleagues join me in expressing our deepest sympathies to the families 
of our heroes. America continues to be tested but we are strong and 
will persevere!

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