[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 18]
[House]
[Pages 24825-24826]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 SALUTING OUR MILITARY ON THE 3-MONTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SEPTEMBER 11 
                                ATTACKS

  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, today we come upon the 3-month anniversary 
of the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11. Numerous ceremonies 
will be conducted in remembrance of this day, reflecting upon the loss 
of life and the senseless attack against our freedom. What also 
deserves reflection, recognition, and honor is the response of those 
tasked to defend our country and right the terrible wrong that occurred 
3 months ago.
  On September 14 the Congress authorized the President to use all 
necessary and appropriate force in retaliation for the attacks of 
September 11. That same day the President began a partial mobilization 
of our forces for homeland defense, later dubbed ``Operation Noble 
Eagle,'' with additional Guard and Reservists being called up over the 
next 2 months. Our response abroad became Operation Enduring Freedom. 
Upon the ruling Taliban's refusal to cooperate and hand over Osama bin 
Laden, our military sent a message, one that is being trumpeted by the 
administration today: if you provide aid and support to terrorists, you 
will find yourself on the wrong side of a very irate, heroic giant.
  On October 7, our aircraft and warships, along with assistance from 
our allies, began systematically to eliminate suspected terrorist 
camps, air defense assets, and command and control installations. These 
attacks continued almost daily, which included the use of Special 
Forces aircraft such as the AC-130 gunship, providing devastating air-
to-ground fire against Taliban military units.
  Our Special Forces groups were on the ground early in October, 
assisting anti-Taliban fighters and calling in air strikes on frontline 
Taliban units. The dedication of our forces, the overwhelming firepower 
used, and the assistance of our allies has resulted in every major 
Taliban stronghold falling into the hands of the anti-Taliban forces.
  The Taliban lost the pivotal town of Mazar-I-Sharif, and the capital 
city of Kabul fell to Northern Alliance forces by mid-November. The 
last Taliban stronghold in the north, Kunduz, fell by the end of 
November.
  By December 7, despite Taliban promises to ``fight to the death,'' 
the last major Taliban stronghold fell and remaining Taliban forces 
fled the city.
  Our forces are now working with local fighters to root out the 
remaining Taliban and al Qaeda forces in the cave complexes in Tora 
Bora. This is an extraordinary achievement.
  The success of Operation Enduring Freedom has enabled the United 
States to begin reestablishing a diplomatic presence, 12 years absent 
in Afghanistan, with Marine forces securing the former American embassy 
in Kabul. During the Taliban's rule, only three countries legitimately 
recognized the government and have eventually severed their ties.
  Now, with Afghanistan under new leadership, several countries, 
including Britain, Russia, France, and India, are beginning the process 
of reestablishing diplomatic relations.
  As the President has stated, this campaign against terrorism will not 
be a war of ``instant gratification.'' Though our forces have succeeded 
in toppling the Taliban and ending its capability both as a military 
force and ruling authority, we are still engaged in action against 
remaining forces in the Afghan mountains. Further actions abroad to 
root out terrorism may well be necessary.
  Our military has performed admirably. Our professional forces 
continue to demonstrate that they are the best in the world. Sadly, as 
with any military action, we have suffered casualties.

[[Page 24826]]

  The success of our forces serves as a warning for those groups and 
governments that continue to harbor and support terrorism. The demise 
of the Taliban is an example of the resolve of the United States and 
the might of its cause. Terrorism and those that support it will no 
longer be allowed to flourish in this world.
  So, today at 8:46 a.m., the President led a memorial to grieve the 
deaths of more than 3,000 people in suicide hijackings. He vowed to 
``right this huge wrong.'' Secretary Rumsfeld, speaking at the Pentagon 
ceremony said, ``We will remember until freedom triumphs over fear, 
over repression, and long beyond.''
  Eighty countries around the world are also recognizing this tragedy 
and renewing commitments.
  Mr. Speaker, I too stand here to recognize these events and to also 
stand here to salute the men and women of our Armed Forces, both at 
home and abroad, in their extraordinary service and success to this 
country, to their families, and to our fellow citizens.

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