[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 119 (Thursday, September 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




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

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 13, 2006

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, today the House considered House 
Resolution 994, to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the tragic 
events of September 11, 2001. Most of us were here in Washington on 
that fateful day, and after the attacks we knew our lives had changed 
forever. Although I may not agree with every provision of this 
resolution, I voted for it to support our troops and to commemorate 
that tragic day.
  House Resolution 994 is an effort to honor those thousands of 
innocent people who lost their lives that day as well as remember the 
bravery and sacrifice of the fire fighters, law enforcement officers 
and rescue personnel who worked feverishly to save them.
  This resolution also recognizes the brave men and women of our armed 
services who responded with authority, precision and when needed, 
force, to root out the cowardly perpetrators and protect Americans and 
our interests both here and abroad.
  Although we pause on September 11th to reflect and say thanks, on 
this day we must also renew our commitment to securing the homeland and 
protecting our values every day.
  It is our responsibility to remove bureaucratic roadblocks and 
provide our Nation's first responders with the interoperable 
communications equipment they so sorely need.
  We must seek the correct balance between securing our Nation and 
protecting the civil rights that serve as the basis of our enduring 
democracy.
  And we must honor our commitment with continued support of our troops 
overseas.
  It seems like only yesterday when this Nation joined together in 
recognition that the forces that divide us from one another can never 
overcome the transcendent unity we have as Americans.
  Five years ago Members of Congress stood shoulder to shoulder on the 
step of this Capitol and pledged to work together to remember this day 
and honor the sacrifice of the fallen.
  This is a pledge we should remember every day and not just once a 
year.

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