[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18909]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



           TRIBUTE TO MISSOURI AIR GUARD'S 139TH AIRLIFT WING

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 4, 2001

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Missouri Air 
Guard's 139th Airlift Wing for its 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 139th Airlift Wing 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 139th Airlift Wing 
flew to McGuire Air Force base in New Jersey to bring back Missouri's 
Task Force One whose 65 volunteers had spent more than a week at Ground 
Zero in an effort to support the search and rescue effort. The 
patriotism and persistence of the 139th Airlift Wing 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 our nation has 
witnessed unspeakable horror, America's virtues, determination, and 
faith continues 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.

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