[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 134 (Tuesday, September 11, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 11 AS A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

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                               speech of

                           HON. ED PERLMUTTER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 10, 2007

  Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the anniversary of 
September 11, 2001. It was a day that our enemies had hoped to show 
America's weakness, but instead showed our enormous strength and our 
enduring commitment to the values on which this Nation was founded.
  The tragedies that unfolded in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania 
on September 11 took the lives of nearly 3000 individuals, Americans 
and others. These men, women, and children were killed because they 
lived in a country where toleration, freedom, and compassion are 
guiding principles. Many of those lost were brave first-responders who 
entered burning buildings, selflessly placing the interest of strangers 
above their own. All those who were killed that day left voids in the 
hearts of their families and communities. But their memory and spirit 
continue to endure in us all, and reinforce our commitment to the 
freedoms and ideas for which they died.
  Moreover, everyday since September 11, tens of thousands of Americans 
work tirelessly in our communities to prevent terrorist attacks from 
happening again. Our hospitals, fire departments, and law enforcement 
officials all have redefined their mission to protect, prepare, and 
respond as part of the War on Terror. Meanwhile, overseas the brave 
members of the American military and intelligence community continue to 
pursue and destroy terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda and the 
Taliban.
  Mr. Speaker, September 11 was a defining day in the history of the 
United States. Although we lost many great Americans, our Nation united 
in a cause to honor their memory and win the long-term struggle against 
terrorism. And in this struggle, we will win while protecting the 
freedom and way of life for which our enemies fight us. We continue to 
honor the memory of those lost and we strive to do them justice.

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