[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 141 (Wednesday, September 11, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E886]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING FLAGS FOR HEROES IN ORANGE PARK, FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. AARON BEAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 11, 2024

  Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, when I was a boy, I thought that 
heroes were imaginary characters who wore capes or masks that hide 
their secret identity. As I grew older, I came to realize that there 
are heroes around us every day: police, firefighters, first responders, 
and of course, our men and women who serve in the armed forces.
  Twenty-three years ago today, when our Nation and this city were 
attacked by pure evil, the world saw that America is made of heroes, 
The world watched as we came together to search, rescue, pray and 
grieve together. Heroes by trade and heroes by choice answered the call 
across the land.
  That's why today, in the town of Orange Park in the free state of 
Florida, you will see hundreds of Star-Spangled Banners flying to 
recognize the heroes who protect us every day.
  Flags for Heroes is not just an event, it's a movement. The Rotary 
Club of Orange Park Sunrise, led by President Duane Mallicoat, has put 
together this incredible display to honor men and women who know the 
true meaning of being a hero.
  Each of these flags is individually dedicated to a hero who has 
personally touched the life of someone in our community.
  Today, as we remember one of the great tragedies in American history, 
I encourage my colleagues to honor the heroes who protected us then and 
protect us still today.

                          ____________________