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




COMMEMORATING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 TERRORIST 
                                ATTACKS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 9, 2011

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 10th 
anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
  Ten years ago, our nation experienced unimaginable tragedy when 
terrorists turned airplanes into weapons and killed thousands of 
Americans. Although a decade has passed since that horrible day, the 
wounds of September 11, 2001, are still fresh. We continue to grieve 
for the men and women who were killed in those brutal attacks. They are 
not forgotten, and our sincerest sympathies remain with their families 
and friends.
  As Americans, that day has become a critical moment in our shared 
history. We all remember what we were doing on September 11, 2001; how 
our own lives paused in the face of national tragedy.
  As we mark the tenth anniversary of 9/11, we also pay tribute to the 
brave public servants--firefighters, policemen, EMTs, and volunteers, 
who rushed to the scene of destruction that day, many of whom lost 
their own lives in their efforts to help others. Men and women who, 
instead of fleeing the danger, ran into the flaming buildings in hopes 
of aiding survivors. In the days and weeks that followed, men and women 
came from the Chicago area and other cities and towns across the 
country to assist in the recovery efforts. These courageous men and 
women, together with the countless more who have since worked to keep 
our nation safe, deserve our deepest gratitude.
  They also deserve our support. Last December, I was proud to vote in 
favor of legislation to cover the cost of medical care for the 
thousands of 9/11 first responders and others who became sick from 
breathing in toxic fumes, dust, and smoke after their heroic rescue 
work. This July, the World Trade Center Health Program began providing 
full medical screening and treatment benefits to eligible World Trade 
Center responders, recovery and cleanup workers, building occupants, 
and residents who were directly impacted and adversely affected by the 
events of September 11, 2001.
  And this year, we remember those who were killed that day with the 
knowledge that Osama bin Laden will never again be able to threaten 
American families with terror, thanks to the brave leadership of 
President Obama, the careful work of our intelligence community, and 
the extraordinary courage of a team of Navy Seals. We can celebrate 
that in the past decade, al Qaeda has been repeatedly thwarted in its 
attempts to perpetrate another 9/11-style attack on our American 
homeland. And while we remain vigilant in the face of ongoing global 
threats, we cannot and will not live our lives in fear.
  In the hours and days that followed the horrific attacks, Americans 
from all different backgrounds came together in a remarkable display of 
unity in the face of unspeakable violence and hatred. In my own 
community of Chicago, hundreds of people of all faiths--Muslim, Hindu, 
Christian, Jewish, and Sikh--came together to walk down Devon Avenue. 
We stood shoulder to shoulder during this difficult time, to remember 
those who died and to pay tribute to the American values of freedom, 
equality, and tolerance. We stood together in solidarity, and stated 
that as a community that we would not allow terrorist attacks to turn 
us against each other.
  Ten years later, we should aspire to rekindle this spirit of unity as 
Americans. Today, we come together to remember those who were killed, 
thank those who have served our communities and our nation, and 
celebrate the resilience of the American spirit.

                          ____________________