[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18420]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                      HONORING FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 2, 2001

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Resolution 
to honor the brave men and women who lost their lives while shielding 
others from fire. Everyday at firehouses across America, thousands of 
men and women shelve fear and self-interest, strap on boots, and await 
the alarms or cries for help. They form the frontline of our homeland 
defense. They enter blazing buildings and risk their lives to save 
strangers--knowing full well that each day at work could be their last. 
These heroes are the veterans of domestic tragedies.
  On September 11th, while thousands of workers raced from the blazing 
twin towers, hundreds of New York City's bravest stormed in--pushing 
aside fear and clearing paths to free those trapped inside the rubble. 
For many of New York's firefighters, their service during the fires of 
September 11th was their last heroic acts. Their lives of courage and 
selflessness exemplify the meaning of compassion and concern for 
others.
  September 11, 2001 is a day in history that all of us wish we could 
erase. The visions of our symbols of capitalism and security ablaze are 
permanently etched in our memories. We cannot wipe out these horrific 
images, nor can we forget the tragic tales of lost loved ones. But we 
can choose to move on and carry with us the memories of bravery and 
brotherhood that so embody the American spirit. The fallen firefighters 
leave behind a legacy of valor and an unyielding commitment to the 
common good.
  Mr. Speaker, it is only fitting that we lower our nation's flags each 
year in honor of these individuals so that we never forget the 
sacrifice they made for the betterment of the rest of us. As a result 
of the egregious attack on our nation many fathers, mothers and 
children were killed. Our burning tears of sorrow will never be 
forgotten. We will be eternally grateful for the courageous sacrifice 
of these men and women.

                          ____________________