[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 12010]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           PAUSE AND REFLECT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Lance) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as we approach the somber 
anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, to honor the memory 
of the innocent people who perished on that terrible day and extend our 
continued prayers and sympathy to their loved ones.
  For 15 years, I have stood at firehouses and schools, churches and 
veterans halls, and heard the stories of bravery and heroism from that 
morning that forever changed America. New Jersey lost more than 700 
residents in the attacks, 81 of them from communities I represent here 
in Congress.
  Each personal story is remarkable in its own way, offering a 
different memory or perspective on the events of September 11. In 
hearing stories from that day, Americans relive that morning, recalling 
where they were when they heard the news of the planes that struck the 
World Trade Center, the sickening realization that our Nation was under 
attack, and the tremendous heroism and self-sacrifice of so many in New 
York, at the Pentagon, and on a plane over Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
  Many of these stories are not new but need to be retold as a younger 
generation comes of age, that their neighbors--innocent people in their 
communities--were targeted in an act of war upon this Nation, and from 
such heinous acts came brave first responders, courageously initiating 
rescues, knowing their lives were in great danger, friends and 
coworkers helping each other to safety, and many young Americans who 
then answered a call to service to protect and defend the United 
States.
  It is our duty to instill in the generations that follow respect and 
honor for the lives lost that terrible day and the lives lost in 
defense of our Nation in the years that have followed. It is our duty 
here in Congress to protect this Nation, to provide for the common 
defense, and vividly to recall the pain of a wounded Nation so that we 
be aware always of what it takes to keep this Nation safe and free.
  The lives lost in the ensuing battles abroad have continued to try 
the foundation of our will. We have proven steadfast in the commitment 
to our values. Our freedom and liberty have been protected by brave men 
and women who selflessly answered the call of service by volunteering 
for military service.
  No matter the challenges we face, we must remember that our Nation is 
truly blessed. I ask all Americans today to pause and reflect on the 
tragedy of September 11, 2001. Please pray for the victims and honor 
their memory. Please pay tribute to the men and women who serve and 
defend us today against the dangers we still face. May God bless them, 
and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

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