[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 149 (Thursday, September 11, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H4252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING 9/11 CIVILIANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS

  (Mr. VINDMAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. VINDMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of the brave 
civilians and first responders who answered the call 24 years ago on 
September 11 and the servicemembers who died in the ensuing wars that 
followed.
  On that morning, ordinary individuals displayed extraordinary 
courage, not only through their service but also through their 
sacrifice.
  Mr. Speaker, 24 years ago, I watched in horror as the events of 
September 11 unfolded. 9/11 changed my life and the entire country. 
Less than 30 days later, I was activated as a reserve soldier, training 
soldiers to deploy to Afghanistan to defend our Nation abroad.
  I went on to continue my service in Active Duty, forever changed by 
9/11. Two decades later, my thoughts remain with the families of those 
who lost their lives that tragic day and the wars that came after 9/11.
  We will always honor and remember the mothers, fathers, children, 
first responders, and all those senselessly slain in that devastating 
attack on our Nation.
  September 11 changed the course of history, but in our sorrow we 
found unity. In crisis, we found resilience. We will never forget that 
terrible day 24 years ago.

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