[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 11, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H5484]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            E PLURIBUS UNUM

  (Mr. BENTIVOLIO asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BENTIVOLIO. Mr. Speaker, peace is a fragile thing. It means more 
than just the absence of war. The standard for American peace is in our 
foundational documents: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 
Those values are universal. They serve as a beacon of hope in times of 
war and an example to a world filled with oppressors, dictators, and 
terrorists.
  With the creation of the Bill of Rights, our Founding Fathers knew 
that, in this place, the world's people would come together and live in 
peace.
  In this place, anyone with a good idea can succeed and thrive. In 
this place, if you can dream it you can do it.
  The openness of our society serves as our Nation's greatest strength. 
The enemies of peace and freedom do not care what we look like, they do 
not care who we vote for, and they do not care in what part of town you 
live.
  On that fateful September day they attacked us as a whole. We 
responded by helping our neighbors in their distress and turned lonely 
strangers into heartfelt friends as our Nation grieved together.
  Today, in solemn remembrance of those who lost their lives working to 
follow their American Dream, we must also remember what we truly 
represent.
  Out of many, one: the last, best hope of mankind.

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