[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       COMMEMORATING SEPTEMBER 11

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2010

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, September 11, 2001, is a day forever 
etched into the memory of most Americans. On that day, over 3,000 
innocent people--including 48 men and women from the state of 
Maryland--died during the attacks on the Pentagon, the World Trade 
Center, and aboard Flight 93. We gather today to honor their memory and 
the sacrifice of the families of the victims. We also renew our 
commitment to honoring the sacrifice and service of the citizens who 
risked their lives to help the victims as well as the survivors.
  While 9/11 is a day of great sadness, it is also a moment of pride. 
Our reaction as a nation to those events--both as they were unfolding 
and afterwards--reveals much about us as a people. On that day, our 
enemies thought they could break our will, but they underestimated our 
resolve and resilience. They sought to divide us, but they misjudged 
the breadth of our unity and the depth of our commitment to freedom.
  As we look back on the 9 years since the attacks, we are reminded 
that the threat is not over--the United States still faces enemies who 
spread hate through violence. The federal government and Congress have 
an obligation and duty to protect our nation. We have made great 
progress since the attacks, but there is still much to be done.
  It is on this day that we also reflect on the way Americans from all 
backgrounds came together as one in the face of adversity. While every 
American should take a moment out of his or her day to remember those 
who were lost, we must continue to dedicate ourselves to giving back to 
our communities.

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