[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 132 (Thursday, September 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    RECOGNIZING THE BROWN CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT IN HONOR OF THE 10TH 
                          ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 8, 2011

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for this 
opportunity to recognize and acknowledge a special event occurring in 
the 10th Congressional District this upcoming Sunday, September 11, 
2011. For many, this is a solemn time because our Nation is preparing 
to remember the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 and pay tribute to the brave 
men and women who lost their lives on that tragic day. I think it's 
important to note Americans across this land share in the grief felt by 
all who lived through and witnessed that horrendous attack on the 
United States of America.
  I too share in that sorrow and want to commend and applaud the Brown 
City Fire Department for standing up to honor the innocent lives lost 
10 years ago--just as they have done each of the past 9 years. Located 
in rural Sanilac County, Brown City started on this journey almost 
three years ago to obtain a piece of the World Trade Center by 
submitting an application to the New York Port Authority. To the 
delight of the fire department and the entire community, the 
application was approved and a piece of the I-Beam from the World Trade 
Center would become the foundation of a memorial in memory of the 343 
firefighters lost that horrific day.
  Mr. Speaker, I have the distinct privilege to represent Brown City 
and coincidentally I have visited to New York City as well. Despite 
ending in the word ``city'', one could easily state this is where the 
similarities end. However, I would argue the few things they do share 
in common build a unique and solid bond which far exceeds the 
differences. I remind you no matter where we call home; we are all 
Americans first.
  Like the NYFD, the Brown City Fire Department is comprised of men and 
women who have answered the call of duty to serve and protect. 
Firefighters are cut from the same cloth which is sewn with courage, 
bravery and fortitude always putting other citizens ahead of their own 
safety and well-being. Their love of country, honor and service 
diminishes any geographical disparities.
  Although America was shocked by the events of 9/11, it ultimately re-
affirmed and proved once again that the American spirit, resolve and 
character are full-proof and can withstand any damage a terrorist 
attack tries to inflict. Just as Brown City has done, and continues to 
do, we will always stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Americans 
no matter what our differences may be. Liberty and freedom will always 
prevail.
  Lastly Mr. Speaker, I ask every American to take a moment to reflect 
upon and remember those who lost their lives in this senseless act. We 
all should also say a prayer of thanksgiving for those who gave their 
lives on that day and for those who since then have fought and 
sacrificed on battlefields across the globe.
  Our great Nation was born in a revolution against tyranny. It has 
stood since that time as a beacon of hope for countless individuals who 
have come with a yearning to be free. We have sent our sons and 
daughters to defeat fascism, communism and to protect our freedom and 
spread it to hundreds of millions across the world. Today we continue 
that fight against yet another enemy of freedom, and once again freedom 
will triumph. The world should know that America will never surrender 
in the fight for liberty and will remain eternally vigilant to the 
simple statement in our Pledge--``One nation, under God, with liberty 
and justice for all.''
  I want to commend the Brown City Fire Department for their hard work 
and commitment to honor their brothers and sisters from New York City 
by constructing this 9/11 monument. This is a testament to the 
community's leadership to ensure future generations always remember and 
never forget. I thank them for their service and I appreciate this 
opportunity to acknowledge their exceptional work to see this project 
come to fruition.

                          ____________________