[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       COMMEMORATING SEPTEMBER 11

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2010

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today, I joined Congressional 
colleagues at a bipartisan ceremony in commemoration of the victims of 
the September 11, 2001 attacks.
  Nine years ago, our great country experienced the tragedy of a 
generation. Nearly 3,000 people were taken from this world too soon 
when violent extremist terrorists in Al Qaeda hijacked four planes and 
attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Among those who died 
that fateful day were hundreds of brave first responders who risked 
everything to save others.
  I join my fellow Americans today in remembrance. As our battle with 
Al Qaeda continues, on this day, it is our responsibility as proud 
Americans to honor those who have perished by recommitting ourselves to 
the values of our great Republic.
  On 9/11, we lost thousands of men and women across ethnicities, 
national origins, religious perspectives, and ideologies. Our country 
includes the rich tapestry of the world, and our success has always 
depended on our willingness to embrace everyone who is willing to work 
hard and play by the rules.
  We cannot allow cruel acts of terror to divide us. We are the United 
States of America, but Al Qaeda wants us to be the Divided States of 
America. There is no more appropriate day to demonstrate to the world 
that we refuse to back down from our shared civic values. Today, let's 
stand together, united as Americans, in somber mourning for those we've 
lost and in hopeful yearning for the bright future we can forge 
together.

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