[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 16]
[Senate]
[Pages 22726-22727]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



          HONORING MONTANANS FACING THE SEPTEMBER 11TH TRAGEDY

  Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, some time has passed since the tragic 
events that took place in New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania. 
Nevertheless, I want to reflect upon the events of that day and draw 
attention to the tremendous good that has evolved in the face of evil. 
Since that time, it has become evident that the American public is the 
most patriotic and resilient group the world will ever see. Those who 
may have been strangers are now confidants, those who were 
acquaintances are now considered family.
  During this trying time, I want both to express my heartfelt 
condolences to all those directly involved in this tragedy, and to 
commend and honor those who have devoted their soul to working to 
restore tranquility and normalcy to the Nation. From firehouses to 
schoolhouses, from New York City to San Francisco and everywhere in 
between, Americans have repeatedly demonstrated their capacity for 
compassion.
  I want to begin by addressing the families of those who lost their 
lives on United flight 93. I cannot begin to comfort them in their 
grief, but I must say that they have every reason to be extremely proud 
of the bravery shown by those on Flight 93. Their efforts are commended 
by all who stand here in Congress. As Americans, we all recognize, that 
we owe your family a debt that cannot be repaid.
  Montanans have been deeply affected by this tragedy; they have 
contacted me with their grief, their hope for victory, and their desire 
to aid in the relief effort. Tragically, Adam Larson of Choteau, MT, 
was an employee of Aon Corp., located on what was the 103rd floor of 
the World Trade Center. In the midst of the attacks, he phoned his wife 
Patti and told her the building was being evacuated and he was on his 
way to safety. He was last seen by his co-workers following them down 
the stairs to exit the building, a building he never escaped. Adam 
Larson was 37 years old, and senior vice president for Aon. Many think 
that because of his outwardly giving personality, he may have stopped 
to help someone in need. I, along with Montanans everywhere grieve with 
the Larson family, pray for hope, and express our sincere support in 
enduring a set of circumstances that is difficult to comprehend.
  In addition to grief, Montanans have also displayed the 
characteristic resolve that has defined us since our statehood. From 
Libby to Great Falls to Alzada, Montana has joined together to show 
patriotism and support for the American effort. Blood drives are going 
on at Malmstrom Air Force base in Great Falls, MT, as I speak today. 
Percentages of all sales in the town of Conrad, MT, are being 
designated for the relief effort.

[[Page 22727]]

  I also want to point out the efforts of Burlington Elementary School 
in Billings. The motivation of one 3rd grade cub scout named Jim Rubich 
to raise pennies for the recovery of the WTC and the Pentagon has spun 
into a full scale effort on the part of many Montana elementary 
schools. Jim, in true Montana spirit, marched up to his teacher's desk 
with a bag full of pennies and demanded that an effort be enacted to 
raise pennies for the victims of this terrible attack. His message was 
heard loud and clear, and now what began as a penny drive, started by 
the innocent and unwavering patriotism of one little boy, is on pace to 
raise $18,000. This is the next generation of American workers, 
soldiers, carriers of freedom, and already in their young life they are 
strong contributors. I think the promise that is displayed here speaks 
for itself. We must protect these young people so that they may pick up 
the torch when it is their time. We cannot and will not fail them. I 
pledge to Jimmy Rubich that 20 years from now, his great Nation, the 
United States of America, will still be the beacon of freedom that it 
is today.

                          ____________________