[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18153]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING THE HEROES 
                                OF 9-11

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. TODD RUSSELL PLATTS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 13, 2006

  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, September 11, 2001 remains a day of both 
indescribable tragedy and awe-inspiring heroism in our Nation's mind. 
We mourn for the victims of the terrorist attacks that day, and keep 
their families in our prayers. But we also remember the heroism 
displayed by so many.
  No one will forget, not ever, the courage seen on 9-11. Courage seen 
in the actions of firefighters and police officers, Pentagon employees, 
and everyday citizens. Courage seen by the choices these heroes made--
to rush to the aid of others, to enter into burning buildings, to 
resist the hijackers of Flight 93. Many who work in the Capitol 
Building, both Members of Congress and staff, remember well that this 
symbol of democracy was most likely a target too--a target avoided only 
because of the heroes of Flight 93. We owe these heroes more than words 
can provide. We owe all these heroes more than words can provide.
  We are fortunate that five years have passed without another 
terrorist strike on our own soil. We owe this to all those on the front 
lines of the War on Terror--in the military, law enforcement, and 
intelligence agencies. We should remember them, and their service, on 
this day too. We should ensure they are well-equipped, have the tools 
needed for their mission, and are properly recognized. They stand on 
the line for us--on behalf of life and hope, against an ideology that 
embraces death and hate.
  The heroism of 9-11 is now part of what Lincoln called ``the mystic 
chords of memory.'' As time passes, the partisan disagreements of our 
day will fade into obscurity. But the heroism seen on 9-11 will not. 
Future generations of Americans, committed to the promise of a better 
world, united by the sacrifices of previous generations, will remember 
the heroes of September 11.

                          ____________________