[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 146 (Monday, September 11, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4357-S4358]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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SENATE RESOLUTION 334--RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 11, 2023, AS A ``NATIONAL 
                    DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE''

  Mr. COONS submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 334

       Whereas, on September 11, 2001, the United States endured 
     violent terrorist attacks and events (referred to in this 
     preamble as the ``attacks'') in New York City, Washington, 
     DC, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, leading to the tragic 
     deaths and injuries of thousands of innocent United States 
     citizens and others from more than 90 different countries and 
     territories;
       Whereas, in response to the attacks, firefighters, 
     uniformed officers, emergency medical technicians, 
     physicians, nurses, military personnel, and other first 
     responders immediately rose to service in the heroic attempt 
     to save the lives of the individuals in danger;
       Whereas, in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, 
     thousands of recovery workers, including tradespeople, iron 
     workers, equipment operators, and many others, joined with 
     uniformed officers and military personnel to help search for 
     and recover victims lost in the attacks;
       Whereas, in the days, weeks, and months following the 
     attacks, thousands of individuals in the United States 
     spontaneously volunteered to help support rescue and recovery 
     efforts, braving both physical and emotional hardship;
       Whereas many first responders, rescue and recovery workers, 
     volunteers, and survivors of the attacks continue to suffer 
     from serious medical illnesses and emotional distress related 
     to the physical and mental trauma of the attacks;
       Whereas hundreds of thousands of brave individuals continue 
     to serve every day, answering the call to duty as members of 
     the Armed Forces, with many having given their lives or 
     suffered injury--
       (1) to defend the security of the United States; and
       (2) to prevent further terrorist attacks;
       Whereas the people of the United States witnessed and 
     endured the tragedy of September 11, 2001, and in the 
     immediate aftermath of the attacks came together under a 
     remarkable and inspiring spirit of unity, service, and 
     compassion;
       Whereas, in the years immediately following the attacks, 
     there was a marked increase in volunteerism and national 
     service

[[Page S4358]]

     among the people of the United States, which continues to 
     this day;
       Whereas, in 2009, with the support of members of the 
     communities affected by the attacks, Congress passed, and 
     President Barack Obama signed, the bipartisan Serve America 
     Act (Public Law 111-13; 123 Stat. 1460), which--
       (1) established Federal recognition of September 11 as a 
     ``National Day of Service and Remembrance'' (commonly 
     referred to as ``9/11 Day'') as a way to annually and forever 
     encourage all people of the United States to remember and pay 
     tribute on the anniversary of the attacks through acts of 
     service, including volunteerism, and to keep the promise to 
     ``Never Forget''; and
       (2) charged the Corporation for National and Community 
     Service (commonly known as ``AmeriCorps''), the Federal 
     agency for community service and volunteerism, with leading 
     the annual day of service; and
       Whereas, since the establishment of September 11 as a 
     National Day of Service and Remembrance, millions of 
     individuals in the United States have observed that date by 
     uniting together across differences and engaging in a wide 
     range of service activities and private forms of prayer and 
     remembrance: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes, commends, and honors the self-less 
     dedication to fellow citizens displayed through the heroic 
     actions of first responders and other citizens in New York 
     City, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania;
       (2) calls on the Members of the Senate and the House of 
     Representatives, and all people of the United States, to 
     observe September 11, 2023, as a ``National Day of Service 
     and Remembrance'', with appropriate and personal expressions 
     of service and reflection, which may include performing good 
     deeds, displaying the United States flag, participating in 
     memorial and remembrance services, and engaging in volunteer 
     service or other charitable activities--
       (A) in honor of the individuals who lost their lives, were 
     injured, or continue to be medically ill as a result of the 
     terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001; and
       (B) in tribute to the individuals who rose to service--
       (i) to come to the aid of those individuals in need; and
       (ii) in defense of the United States; and
       (3) urges all people of the United States to continue to 
     live their lives throughout the year with the same spirit of 
     unity, service, and compassion that was exhibited throughout 
     the United States following the terrorist attacks of 
     September 11, 2001.

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