[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 141 (Wednesday, September 11, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H5163-H5164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            REMEMBERING 9/11

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Espaillat) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ESPAILLAT. Madam Speaker, September 11 serves as a reminder to 
each of us and our allies across the world, across the planet, of the 
tragic loss of nearly 3,000 innocent Americans. It also serves as a 
reminder of our strength as a nation to stand united in the face of 
terrorism.
  Yes, 23 years ago, we remember and will never forget the lives lost 
that fateful day as we witnessed the strength and bravery of 
individuals who sacrificed everything to help their fellow New Yorkers, 
colleagues at the Pentagon, and fellow passengers and crewmembers of 
United Airlines Flight 93.
  We remember, Madam Speaker, Port Authority Police Officer Bruce 
Reynolds, who raced from the George Washington Bridge south to the 
towers to give his life in support of New Yorkers. Today, we honor him 
with Bruce's Garden in Inwood, along with 22 other members of the 
Inwood community who were either raised or lived in that community and 
gave their lives on that fateful day.
  We remember Yamel Josefina Merino, a 24-year-old emergency responder 
who raced down to the southern tower to try to help people and was one 
of the first victims of that attack.
  Since 2001, we have worked to increase the benefits for those who 
have been affected in the aftermath. I am a proud cosponsor of the 9/11 
Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act, which will 
provide additional funding to the program that provides treatments to 
9/11 responders and survivors.
  September 11 is a solemn day in our Nation's history. It brought our 
Nation together. We remember how churches in my district had 
processions in the street. Thousands of local residents participated.
  We have heroes from Harlem, East Harlem, the Bronx, Washington 
Heights, Inwood, and Hamilton Heights who gave their lives for our 
Nation. While 23 years have passed since the attacks, we remember and 
mourn the lives we lost and reflect on the sacrifices and heroism of 
our first responders, and we vow to never forget. I know many young 
people who were not there on that day perhaps have forgotten or the 
memory has faded.
  We will never forget the heroism of the men and women who gave up 
everything for our country, for democracy. We will never forget 9/11 
and cannot ignore the magnitude of emotion and remembrance as we 
reflect on the lives of survivors, their families, and first 
responders.
  May God continue to bless our 9/11 families and first responders, and 
may God continue to bless these United States of America.

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