[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 21927-21928]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              SEPTEMBER 11

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 2003

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, on September 11, the 
world watched in horror as nearly 3,000 Americans lost their lives in 
the terrorist attacks on World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and on 
Flight 93, that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
  September 11 is one of the defining events of an entire generation. 
Each of us vividly remembers where we were and how we heard the news of 
the attacks. Like so many others, I watched as the second plane slammed 
into the World Trade Center, and then as the two towers came crashing 
down. I heard the reports of the attack on the Pentagon, then the news 
that the last plane had crashed in Pennsylvania. And like all 
Americans, I sat in shock and horror worrying about the safety of my 
loved ones.
  I was lucky enough to find out that everyone I knew was safe. Many 
were not so lucky. The events of September 11 helped me to take stock 
in my life and to appreciate the enormous sacrifice of ordinary 
Americans.
  This tragic moment in our history produced a new definition of the 
word ``hero.'' You could see this exemplified on Halloween in 2001 when 
children across America traded in their Superman and Spiderman costumes 
for those of fireman, policeman and paramedics. On September 11th 
children witnessed real heroes--the firemen who rushed into the burning 
Twin Towers, the police who did everything possible to rescue those in 
need, and the medical personnel who tirelessly worked to save lives. It 
has been said before, but should be remembered everyday--these ordinary 
people did extraordinary things without hesitation and with enormous 
sacrifice.
  There were also heroes in the sky that day. The brave passengers of 
Flight 93 saved the lives of others by forcing their plane to the 
ground. What an incredible act of self-sacrifice! And let's not forget 
the workers who came to ground zero day after day to sift through the 
rubble, looking for survivors, and eventually looking for the remains 
of the victims. They are heroes.
  On the 2nd Anniversary of September 11th, I think again of my loved 
ones and I want to say to all the families and friends who lost someone 
on this heartbreaking day--you are heroes. You have endured an 
unthinkable loss and yet everyday find the strength to go on. I admire 
your courage and resilience. You are a great inspiration to all 
Americans.
  Let us honor the valor and sacrifice of these heroes by living life 
to the fullest. Let us reflect on their actions and lives and be 
inspired to build a better America.

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