[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18904]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 18904]]

                          EXTENSION OF REMARKS

 RECOGNIZING THE KANSAS CITY FORD ASSEMBLY PLANT AND THE UAW LOCAL 249

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 4, 2001

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Kansas City 
Ford Assembly Plant and the UAW Local 249 for their work and sacrifice 
in honor of all the people who both survived and who lost their lives 
in the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, their families and 
their friends.
  These terrorist attacks mark a solemn moment in America's history. 
American men and women, civilians and soldiers, firefighters and 
police, mothers and fathers, were slain for a cause so terrible, so 
heinous, and so despicable that we find it unimaginable and 
indescribable. United, Americans seek to find meaning and hope in a 
seemingly hopeless and meaningless act. In the days since these 
terrible terrorist attacks, America has been shoulder-to-shoulder in a 
struggle to meet the challenges of a world that is a little less safe, 
a little scarier, and far less predictable. The efforts of 
organizations like the Kansas City Ford Assembly Plant and the UAW 
Local 249 signify the commitment and concern of Americans everywhere. 
Our nation's strength does not lie in her military might but rather in 
the collective compassion of its people.
  Since the September 11th terrorist attacks, the Kansas City Ford 
Assembly Plant and the UAW Local 249 have raised more than $67,000 to 
support the nationwide relief effort to provide for the grieving 
families and rescue workers. The patriotism and persistence of the 
Kansas City Ford Assembly Plant and the UAW Local 249 is a lasting 
memorial to the thousands of victims who perished in New York, 
Washington, and Pennsylvania.
  Through the days, weeks, and months ahead, all Americans must come 
together and do what they can to assist the nation's war effort. 
Whether it is giving blood, sending donations, praying for the 
thousands of grieving families, or simply saying thanks to the brave 
men and women who put their lives on the line each and every day so 
that we may be free, it is important that the American people are 
vigilant in their efforts to overcome this evil. Though the nation has 
witnessed unspeakable horror, America's virtues, determination, and 
faith continue to shine brightly on the world.
  I am confident that the United States will seek out those that harbor 
hatred, terror, and depravity in their hearts; and we will defeat them. 
This is a war that we must, can, and will win. May God bless the 
families and children grieving across this great nation and may God 
bless America.

                          ____________________