[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 144 (Thursday, September 11, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H8023]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 THE OLD GUARD--AND SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

  (Mr. POE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, on that bright sunny day in September 2001, 
when America was attacked, there were many heroic responses.
  Next to the Pentagon is Arlington National Cemetery, where America 
buries its war dead. In sight of the Pentagon is the Tomb of the 
Unknown.
  This tribute to our warriors has been guarded continuously, 24 hours 
a day since 1930, by the oldest active duty infantry unit in the Army, 
the 3rd U.S. Infantry, known as the Old Guard.
  These soldiers that guarded the tomb on 9/11 already knew about the 
suicide attacks against America in New York. And when that third plane 
roared low and fast near Arlington Cemetery and crashed into the 
Pentagon killing 189 people, these remarkable soldiers did not seek 
cover or safety before or after the assault on the Pentagon. They 
continued to do their duty, and stayed on vigilant guard at their post, 
not forsaking their dedication to the Tomb of the Unknown or to 
America. In fact, after the news of the New York attack, the Old Guard 
brought in reinforcements to protect and guard the tomb.
  Amazing soldiers, these people of the Old Guard that never leave 
their post.
  And that's just the way it is.

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