[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 127 (Thursday, September 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 11 AS A NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 9, 2009

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the first-ever 
federally-designated National Day of Service and Remembrance for 
September 11, 2001.
  Yesterday, as I stood in Statuary Hall with members of Congress and 
President Obama in the Ceremony of Remembrance for the more than 2,000 
people who lost their lives as a result of this act of terror, I was 
overwhelmed by a sense of sadness, but also a sense of pride. Although 
the world was irrevocably changed by these senseless acts of violence, 
tomorrow as Americans we have decided to honor those who died not with 
anger and violence, but by serving others through the Edward M. Kennedy 
Serve America Act--which was supported by the 9/11 families--and 
designates each September 11 as a National Day of Service and 
Remembrance.
  The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009 is bipartisan, 
landmark legislation that will triple volunteer opportunities across 
the country and create a new service corps for education, health care, 
energy, and veterans. It is through this bill that the United We Serve 
initiative was born to encourage Americans to give back to their 
communities through continuous community service.
  September 11th is a somber day, but the service work inspired by this 
legislation has and will continue to celebrate West Virginia and our 
great Nation, a country that has not and will not sink to a level of 
hatred and violence. Instead, our nation will face forward and choose 
to make a positive impact by donating our time to better our 
communities and our fellow citizens while truly honoring the victims 
who died eight years ago.
  On September 11, 2001 two hijacked passenger planes were flown into 
each tower of the World Trade Center, while a third plane was flown 
into the Pentagon. The fourth and final hijacked plane crashed into a 
field in Pennsylvania after the heroic efforts of passengers to take 
back control of the plane. These events had a profound impact across 
southern West Virginia. Not only because of the monumental damage and 
loss of life caused by the attack, but also because one of our own, Dr. 
Paul Ambrose a Cabell County native and Marshall University School of 
Medicine graduate, died in the terrorist attack on the Pentagon.
  In West Virginia we truly do know our neighbors and the death of this 
West Virginian deeply affected our community. However, each year we 
gather in his honor to celebrate the great things about our state and 
its people. This year Fit Fest '09 will be held to honor Paul Dr. 
Ambrose, and will feature fitness activities including kids races, and 
a 5k walk/run.
  Other activities to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks include a 
Day of Service, sponsored by the Rahall Transportation Institute, in 
cooperation with the Citizens Conservations Corps and the Greater 
Huntington Park and Recreation District at St. Clouds Commons, which 
will help bring attention to the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health, as Dr. 
Ambrose was passionate about improving the health of his community and 
the Nation.
  Today, I commend the incredible bravery and patriotism of the 
families and friends of the victims of 9/11, who have been working for 
years to make September 11th a national day of both remembrance and 
service. Their unending contributions to honor their loved ones' 
memories and unfulfilled promises continue to enhance the lives of 
others. I also want to recognize Dr. Ken and Sharon Ambrose, whose 
constant vigil has enriched their son's legacy and the livelihoods of 
countless West Virginians.
  This day is truly a tribute to the loved ones that we all have lost 
and the spirit of freedom that this great Nation holds so close to its 
heart.

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