[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 145 (Wednesday, September 11, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H7599]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            AND STILL I RISE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Green) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, and still I rise on this 9/11, a 
day that will live in the annals of history eternally, a day when there 
were more questions than answers, a day when we thought that our 
country was--and, indeed, what we thought was correct--under assault.
  I remember the day because I was at work, and as the judge of a small 
claims justice court, we were so moved by what was happening that we 
paused to sing God Bless America. I remember at least one person 
sobbing. It was a day when people within that courtroom were faced with 
uncertainties unlike we had seen before, a day when all of our first 
responders were challenged.
  But allow me, please, for just a moment, to talk and say a few words 
about those who were there at the site of the Twin Towers.
  We could see on television the cloud of dust as it started to emerge 
and settle, people rushing, bodies covered. It was intuitively obvious 
to the most casual observer that this was not a place to run to. As a 
matter of fact, you could see people running away.
  But there were those who took their duties and responsibilities 
seriously, and as others were rushing away, as fear would have us do, 
they were rushing in. These were the people, many of whom lost their 
lives trying to save the lives of others. These were the people, many 
of whom still suffer today because they were bound by duty to do that 
which most of us would not.
  These are the people whom we must never forget. Their lives have been 
changed and altered forever. But we have a duty and a responsibility 
here to share our thoughts and our feelings with them, but also to make 
sure we take care of their health issues.
  There is something to be said about this term, ``in the line of 
duty.'' Until you have had the opportunity to visit one of the memorial 
services, it just may not impact you as it can. It will never impact me 
the way it impacts the family members.
  But I want this country to know that those who lost their lives in 
the line of duty on that day will never be forgotten, and those who 
served and still serve will always be remembered.
  So I take this moment for my personal privilege, and I will lower my 
head for a moment of silent prayer.
  God bless the United States of America.

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