[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13867]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE 11TH ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

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                           HON. DAN BENISHEK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 11, 2012

  Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize the 11th anniversary 
of the September 11 attacks to commemorate those who perished as well 
as the first responders, volunteers and bystanders who acted so 
valiantly on that day we will never forget.
  Eleven years later, the events of that tragic day are still vivid. It 
was a day marked by fire and ash. By dust and smoke. By tears and 
sorrow. But it was also a day that showed the world what type of people 
call America home.
  While we witnessed the great evil which man is capable of producing, 
we also saw the great heroism and good nature of America's citizens. It 
showed the selflessness of our first responders who rushed into burning 
buildings to save the lives of people they never even met, or the 
countless people, including residents of Northern Michigan, who stood 
in long lines to give their own blood or donate their time or materials 
to rescue workers and the recovery effort.
  There were certainly countless other acts of heroism and bravery on 
that day that the world will never know. Terrorists may have been able 
to knock down our biggest buildings, but they have never been able to 
diminish the kindness and generosity that the American people and 
millions of our neighbors around the globe have in our hearts. On that 
sad day, residents from all corners of our country reaffirmed what it 
means to be an American united with our neighbors across this vast 
land. It is my hope that all Americans can continue to represent the 
spirit of those who perished through our actions and conduct towards 
one another.
  On behalf of the citizens of Michigan's First Congressional District, 
I wish to recognize the extraordinary actions of ordinary Americans on 
that fateful day and express my condolences for those who were lost on 
September 11, as well as those who lost their lives in the military 
conflicts that stemmed from this attack. Their heroism and sacrifices 
will never be forgotten.

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