[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 134 (Monday, September 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1593]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            REMEMBERING 9/11

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JAIME HERRERA BEUTLER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 12, 2011

  Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, we all remember ten years ago on 
September 11; where we were, and what we were doing when we learned of 
the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers and Pentagon.
  We all felt fear and confusion at the images of horror we saw on the 
news. But this is America. What makes this country great is the courage 
and bravery that emerges during our darkest times. Later that evening, 
the President recited the 23rd Psalm in his address to Americans:
  ``Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I 
fear no evil for you are with me.''
  A few months after 9/11, I was working with a small group of 
volunteers in a Red Cross shelter next to Ground Zero in New York. We 
were filling a simple role--serving eggs and providing blankets to 
those conducting the cleanup. It was a round the clock task and when 
the police, firefighters and construction workers needed to come in 
from the freezing weather, some would come in and attempt to rest. The 
scene was grave. Rubble that had been a pile was slowly turning into a 
pit as more was removed and cleaned up each day. Remains of victims 
were still being unearthed. But playing this small part in the healing 
process galvanized my desire to work in service to our communities. 
Like many Americans, my love and respect for our country and her 
citizens soared.
  We take this ten year anniversary of the September 11 attacks to 
offer our heartfelt gratitude to our first responders, and the men and 
women of our military, who stepped forward to respond to this tragedy. 
And we remember those who have died for our country. May we also never 
forget the demonstrations of bravery or the spirit of service that 
resulted from 9/11.

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