[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18910]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                     ALBANY FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 4, 2001

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Albany First 
Christian Church 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 churches 
like Albany First Christian Church 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 Albany First 
Christian Church has collected relief supplies from the congregation 
and community to assist grieving families and rescue workers. The 
patriotism and persistence of the Albany First Christian Church 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 thousand 
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 witnesses 
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.

                          ____________________