[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18115]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                TRIBUTE TO HEROES OF BROOKWOOD, ALABAMA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SPENCER BACHUS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 26, 2001

  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, this is a time of heroes for America. The 
world has applauded the heroism and dedication of the rescue workers in 
New York and at the Pentagon. Now, sadly, Alabama has its own heroes 
deserving of our recognition and applause.
  When three Alabama coal miners became trapped a mile underground last 
Sunday, ten of their colleagues--fully aware of the danger--rushed into 
the mine to rescue them. Tragically, all 13 miners died.
  We stand in awe of such demonstrated bravery, valor and personal 
sacrifice. But on the other hand, none of us should really be surprised 
because, after all, they were coal miners. Those who died trying to 
rescue their fallen comrades were upholding a proud tradition of 
American coal miners. They put their own lives at risk to save each 
other from disaster. Those who rushed to the aid of their fellow miners 
were doing what coal miners have done for ages.
  Our prayers and thoughts go out to their families. I am mindful of a 
James Michener quote contemplating American heroism--brave acts by 
Americans whose fate pulls them from ordinary lives and places them in 
extraordinary circumstances: ``Where do we get such men?'' Men at 
ground zero in New York, at the Pentagon, and in the mine in Alabama, 
grace us all by their response and sacrifice in times of peril.
  Mr. Speaker, this tragedy should give us renewed respect and 
appreciation for our nation's coal miners. They are true patriots. They 
literally provide the fuel for our economy and our strength. God bless 
them all.

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