[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 133 (Friday, September 9, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1578-E1579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   9/11 PATRIOT DAY MEMORIAL CEREMONY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 9, 2011

  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, September 11, 2001, is a day forever 
etched into the memory of the American people. On that day 10 years 
ago, over 3,000 innocent people, including nine Texans, died during the 
attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93. 
We gather now, on Patriot Day, to honor both their memory and the 
sacrifices of their families. We also renew our commitment to honoring 
the sacrifice and service of the citizens who risked their lives to 
help all those impacted on that terrible day. Firefighters, police 
officers, and first responders saved thousands of victims, and nearly 
350 rescue personnel gave their lives in the service of others. It is 
because of their bravery that many of us knew 9/11 would not be the 
downfall of our great nation, despite what those who attacked us 
intended.
  While 9/11 is a day of great solemnity, it is also a moment of pride. 
Our reaction as a country to those events--both during the events and 
afterward--reveals much about us as a people. Our enemies thought they 
could break our spirit and crush our will, but they failed to realize 
our resolve and resilience. As President George Bush said only days 
later, ``America today is on bended knee, in prayer for the people 
whose lives were lost here, for the workers who work here, for the 
families that mourn.'' They sought to divide us, but they mistook the 
strength of our convictions for the inability to act and the wisdom of 
liberty for frailty of arms. And they certainly failed to understand 
the breadth of our unity and the depth of our commitment to freedom 
both here and around the world.
  As we look back on the 10 years since the attacks, we are reminded 
that the United States still faces enemies who spread fear and hate 
through terrorism and brutality. Congress, the Presidency, and the 
Federal Government have an obligation and duty to protect our nation. 
We have made great strides since that terrible day, but there is still 
much to be done. May we be strengthened through the Grace of God as the 
Coppell firefighters remind us how Americans have always moved forward 
from national tragedy--together, with our local, state, and national 
communities, our heads raised high.

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