[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 132 (Thursday, September 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE MEMORY OF THE VICTIMS OF THE 9/11 TERRORIST ATTACKS

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                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 17, 2009

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of the 
terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. On this day 
eight years ago, those attacks struck a heavy blow to American citizens 
in an effort to crush the American spirit of freedom. The attacks were 
the first significant attacks on the continental United States since 
the burning of Washington in 1814 and the deadliest attack on American 
soil in our nation's history. On that day, nearly 3,000 people lost 
their lives in a senseless act of hatred and cowardice.
  Today, let us remember those whose lives were lost. Let us remember 
the people who were trapped when the Twin Towers fell and the brave New 
York firefighters, policemen, policewomen and rescue workers who 
sacrificed their lives to help them. Let us remember the passengers 
onboard flights American 11, United 175, American 77 and United 93. Let 
us remember those who died in the attack on the Pentagon.
  This horrible event filled us with outrage, loss and fear; outrage at 
the idea that our enemies would attack us while we went about our daily 
lives, loss as we remember those who did not survive, and fear that we 
were no longer safe. Instead of being consumed by fear and doubt, we 
remained strong and determined. Since that day eight years ago, we have 
worked hard to secure our country from those who would do us harm. 
Through our actions, we have returned the sense of security the attacks 
took from us.
  Although these attacks left us shaken, they did not destroy us. We 
were able to rebound and grow stronger. We put aside our differences 
and banded together as a nation. On that day, we were not concerned 
with past disagreements or misunderstandings. This year, on September 
11, let us not only remember those we lost with moments of silence and 
memorial ceremonies. Let us also commemorate them by once again setting 
aside our differences and banding together as Americans.

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