[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 133 (Friday, September 9, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1588]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SEPTEMBER 11TH REMEMBRANCE DAY 
                          IN PEORIA, ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. AARON SCHOCK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 9, 2011

  Mr. SCHOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the City of 
Peoria, Illinois' establishment of September 11th Remembrance Day on 
September 10th this year. In recognition of the 10th anniversary of the 
tragedy of September 11, 2001, the citizens of Peoria are dedicating 
September 10, 2011 to remember those who lost their lives on that day 
and the brave men and women who, despite the dangers, rushed to help 
others.
   The images of the attacks on September 11th are seared into our 
national memory. Those who lived through that terrible day, in New 
York, Washington, DC and Pennsylvania, as well as in cities and towns 
across the nation, will always remember where they were when they heard 
that the United States was under attack. Two thousand eight hundred 
nineteen people lost their lives on that tragic day, and the citizens 
of Peoria honor them with this Day of Remembrance.
   The tragedy of September 11th will never be forgotten, but neither 
should the spirit of unity brought about by countless acts of heroism 
on that day and in the days following; acts of ordinary Americans who 
found themselves in extraordinary circumstances and answered the call 
to help. It is in honor of those who died, but also of those who rushed 
into burning buildings, sacrificed themselves to protect countless 
others, and came from all across the country to offer assistance that 
residents of Peoria pause on the Day of Remembrance.
   Abraham Lincoln, who once represented Central Illinois in this 
chamber, said on the battlefield at Gettysburg, ``it is from these 
honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they 
gave the last full measure of devotion.'' We as Americans renewed our 
devotion to our national values in the wake of September 11th, values 
that unite rather than divide us. Through the establishment of this Day 
of Remembrance, Peoria residents continue their dedication to that same 
cause. This nation has endured many challenges, but the American people 
have always joined together to overcome them.
   Therefore, in honor of the victims and heroes of September 11, 2001, 
I recognize Peoria, Illinois' establishment of September 11th 
Remembrance Day.

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