[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 109 (Thursday, September 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1674]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              REMEMBERING THE HEROES OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2006

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today upon the 5th anniversary of 
September 11, 2001, in solemn remembrance of those who lost their lives 
as a result of the terrorist attacks that befell our beloved country on 
that tragic day. Americans awoke that day to witness sudden, 
deliberate, unconventional and planned attacks on our country and on 
the ideals of freedom and democracy that we cherish and hold dear to 
our hearts. On Guam, we were ending our day due to the time zone 
difference. We tuned to the live television news coverage of the 
attacks and watched in disbelief as the events unfolded.
  The scenes from the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York 
City and on the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the crash of 
United Airlines Flight 93 in the fields of Shanksville, Pennsylvania, 
are etched into our memories. Many of us remember where we were that 
day when we first learned of the attacks, who we were with, where we 
first sought refuge and consolation, and where we turned in the days 
that followed to offer our support to those that lost loved ones, to 
donate blood, or to simply lend a helping hand in a remembrance 
project.
  On this anniversary we recall the 3,031 innocent individuals whose 
lives were lost as a result of these terrorist attacks. We remember the 
valor of those who came face-to-face with the terrorists on the 
hijacked commercial airplanes, the courage of those trapped inside the 
targeted buildings, and the bravery of the first responders who came to 
their rescue. We remember the dedication of the personnel from the Port 
Authority of New York and the Federal Aviation Administration who 
worked under extreme pressure that day to safeguard our transportation 
networks and to protect the lives of passengers, pilots, and flight 
crews en route and in the air. Their professionalism brought control 
and command in an environment threatened with chaos and distress.
  On Monday, September 11, 2006, the people of Guam will join the rest 
of the country in remembering and mourning the innocent victims of the 
terrorist attacks, as well as the brave men and women who gave of their 
lives trying to save others in the aftermath.
  The events of September 11, 2001, have helped strengthen our country. 
Today, we are more resilient, stronger, and especially proud of our 
first responders and law enforcement community. Our commercial aviation 
industry has rebounded and commercial flight today inside the United 
States is safe as a result of the professionalism and dedication of 
airport and airline employees.
  We must continue to denounce those who would do evil against our 
country, and to our allies around the world, and we must continue to 
support our men and women, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, 
who fight terror abroad today.
  God Bless the families who lost loved ones to the heinous attacks on 
our country on September 11, 2001, God Bless those who lost their lives 
fighting terror on foreign shores and those who continue to fight, and 
God Bless Guam, and God Bless our great country, the United States of 
America.

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