[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21288]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             REMEMBERING THE ATTACKS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 9, 2009

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, eight years after 
the attacks of September 11, 2001, we remember one of the bloodiest 
days in our nation's history with heavy hearts and tragic regret. I am 
once again reminded of the heroes that selfishly gave their lives so 
that others could make it to safety, and today we mourn their passing. 
We remember, too, the victims who were so sadly ripped from our lives 
by one of the most senseless acts of violence our country has even 
seen. Today, I share in the grief of a country and extend my deepest 
condolences to the friends and family of those that passed on that 
solemn day.
  As I think back to that painful morning, I remember how a sunny 
Tuesday unfolded into a series of events that has shaped our national 
conscious and affected us in ways that we had no longer thought 
possible. We were reminded that there is still hate in the world. We 
were reminded that there still exists the possibility of great tragedy 
in our country. And we were reminded that we were vulnerable to the 
problems that exist beyond our shores.
  However, on that grim day, we saw an America that stood proudly and 
bravely and an America that came together under difficult 
circumstances. We must not forget that liberty, justice, and fairness 
are some of our greatest ideals, and we must continue to strive towards 
these goals, even in the face of tragic situations.
  I would like to remember, too, a constituent of mine who lost his 
life in the attacks. Michael E. Tinley happened to be working in the 
World Trade Center on that morning, and I offer my deepest condolences 
to his friends and family. Truly, I mourn with you.
  Today, I join my fellow colleagues in honoring the victims who died 
on September 11, 2001. We remember these events with great sadness but 
new resolve, and as we continue our work, we will never forget the loss 
that we felt that day.

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