[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 137 (Monday, September 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            FIRST RESPONDERS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 12, 2016

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, fifteen years ago yesterday, we all 
remember where we were when we first heard a plane had hit the North 
Tower of the World Trade Center. We also remember that solemn moment 
when we saw the second plane hit. We knew instantly that our country 
would never be the same. As we were just beginning to understand the 
gravity of what had happened, there were men and women who already were 
in action to prevent further loss of life. Air traffic controllers took 
the unprecedented action of clearing our nation's airspace of over 
4,452 aircraft. Within hours, the FBI had determined who was 
responsible for perpetrating the terrible acts. Passengers on Flight 93 
forced their own plane into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania to 
avoid it being used as a weapon against the White House or the Capitol 
building.
  The most powerful images we saw that day were the first responders. 
As people were running from the World Trade Center towers and the 
Pentagon toward safety, men and women in uniform were heading in the 
opposite direction to save as many people as possible from burning and 
collapsing buildings. At that moment, their bravery, instinct and 
training took over. Those professionals knew that they may be giving 
their lives to save others. It is fitting that this tribute to the 
first responders of Brentwood is dedicated on this most somber of days. 
Brentwood Fire and Police first responders are no different than the 
men and women we witnessed sacrificing themselves on 9/11. Their 
bravery, training and character is no different. They help keep us 
safe. Through doing so, they protect our freedom.
  Thank you to the City of Brentwood, Leadership Brentwood and the 
businesses who have made this Honor Garden possible. It will serve as a 
constant reminder of the service and sacrifice of a few who protect so 
many.

                          ____________________