[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16941]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF TERRORIST 
    ATTACKS LAUNCHED AGAINST THE UNITED STATES ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

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                               speech of

                         HON. STEPHEN F. LYNCH

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 11, 2002

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to 
the victims of the tragic events of one year ago. Last year on 
September 11th Americans awoke to a brutal attack on our country on its 
own soil. Throughout the course of this one tragic day, something that 
at once seemed inconceivable became a horrific reality. No one feels 
the pain of this day more acutely than the families and friends of the 
more the than 3,000 people who lost their lives at the Pentagon, the 
World Trade Center and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. All of these 
people and their families are in our thoughts and prayers on this 
somber occasion.
  Although there is little that we in Congress can do to ease those 
families' suffering, by adopting this resolution, we are reaffirming 
our commitment to honor the memory of the people who were lost that 
day, while also paying tribute to those individuals who unselfishly 
risked their own lives to protect others.
  Mr. Speaker, September 11th was one of the most difficult days in 
American history. But in the darkness of that day, an incredible spirit 
of bravery and hope emerged. Hundreds of emergency rescue personnel 
descended upon the scene at both the World Trade Center and the 
Pentagon with the sole purpose of assisting others. At the same time, 
ordinary people demonstrated amazing courage by trying to help others 
escape while putting themselves in peril and in fighting back against 
the terrorists on United Flight 93. It is truly remarkable how many 
people gave their lives trying to protect others. The bravery and 
generosity of these people is a lasting mark of September 11th.
  In responding to these extraordinarily trying times, the true fabric 
of American society was illustrated to the world. Americans around the 
world came together and generously gave of themselves in a myriad of 
ways. Rescue workers spent countless hours at ground zero searching for 
survivors and then shuffling through the debris. Construction workers, 
ironworkers and other personnel tirelessly worked their way through the 
wreckage in an effort to cleanup the site. Their important task would 
not be interrupted by exhaustion, injury or inclement weather. However, 
far away from ground zero, and across the globe, people generously gave 
their time, energy, money and caring to help support the loved ones of 
the lost victims. Today, we honor these selfless contributions.
  As we gather now, one year later, it is my hope that we never forget 
the spirit that pervaded this country in the weeks and months following 
the attacks. As we continue to rebuild and to heal, we will need to 
draw upon that strength. The American people demonstrated amazing 
resolve and resilience in the last year, and it is a resolve that we 
must continue to maintain, day by day, week by week, this year and for 
many years, that we will preserve our freedoms, protect our families, 
and work to cleanse the world of the scourge of terrorism.
  Mr. Speaker, in the wake of September 11th, Congress rallied in a 
strong bipartisan manner to quickly pass legislative measures to 
protect our country. It was this remarkable unity of purpose that most 
struck me when I was sworn into this body in October of last year. Over 
time, this unity has dissipated some, but our goal should remain clear. 
We in Congress owe it to the American people to do all that we can to 
make sure that the necessary resources are available to protect our 
country. This is a serious responsibility and not one that should be 
burdened by partisan debate. In the coming months, we must act 
responsibly and decisively to ensure that the people of the United 
States once again feel safe in their own cities and towns. I commend 
the leadership of both the Republican and Democratic parties for 
recognizing this important anniversary and for introducing this 
thoughtful resolution.

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