[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18978]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 5, 2001

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I wish to explain my absence 
today, which resulted in my being unable to vote my strong support for 
the Emergency Appropriations Supplemental bill. I have been in lower 
Manhattan, where I have observed what can only be described as wreckage 
from a war zone. More moving, and more powerful, than the images of 
shattered skyscrapers and exploding airplanes, though, is what else I 
have seen. In New York, I have seen bravery and heroism that has 
transformed by deep sadness into a far more profound sense of pride. 
This may be America's darkest hour, but in many ways it is also her 
finest.
  Much has been said regarding the cowardly nature of these attacks, 
which were perpetrated largely against unarmed civilians. And yet 
September 11 was a day of heroes too, because of the heroism of 
everyday Americans. The terrorists struck the innocent because they 
thought they would be helpless, but the opposite proved to be true.
  Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, speaking of the Battle of Iwo Jima during 
another great American crusade, said famously, ``Uncommon valor was a 
common virtue.'' Such was the case on September 11. On that day, a 
fourth plane, perhaps intended for the White House or the Capitol 
itself, was brought down in the fields of Pennsylvania through the 
courageous deeds of determined Americans, ordinary Americans, who knew 
they were near the end, and that their story would never be told. 
Uncommon valor was a virtue demonstrated in abundance by the passengers 
on United Airlines Flight 93.
  In New York I also saw the rubble which entombs the bodies of perhaps 
three hundred firemen. Many of these souls perished attempting to 
rescue others from the doomed World Trade Center, charging up stairways 
filled with people fleeing downward. Their sacrifice is astounding when 
one considers the fact that we lose an average of 100 firefighters each 
year nationwide. 300 were lost in one day, in one city block. We also 
lost a staggering number of police officers on Tuesday, individuals who 
gave their lives while serving and protecting the people of their city. 
We will not forget them.
  In New York, I brought word that the House of Representatives, the 
people's house, mourns with the rest of the nation. I brought word that 
help is on the way. Let is be heard by all of those who were touched by 
this tragedy that the United States Congress will give whatever aid is 
necessary to respond to this disaster. The Congress will also stand 
behind the President, united with one voice, as he pursues those 
responsible for this barbarity.
  The terrorists underestimated the spirit of America on September 11. 
While they must have known of the devastating military retaliation that 
would follow inevitably from their actions, they clearly did not 
anticipate how the average American would react that day. Terrorism did 
not inspire terror but instead courage, selflessness, and sacrifice. 
Many thousands were unable to defend themselves. However, those who 
were able to act did so with magnificent valor. America drew strength 
from these people as we stared together into the abyss. During our 
darkest day, these Americans gave us hope.

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