Mourning 9/11 Victims

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I don't believe there is one American that will forget where they were onÐ 9/11, that crisp morning with the bright sun shining. I was here in the United States Capitol when the unimaginable occurred. We could not have fathomed that the homeland would be attacked.

I rise today to acknowledge the brave men and women who risked their lives and those that lost their lives, along with the families that still mourn. It is particularly important, now that we are in the backdrop of another terrorist act and another President has to rise to defend America. This Congress must also do so.

But we must recognize, as well, that peace is an important value that Americans love. We are peace-loving. We must do that in the name of those who lost their lives on United Airlines Flight 93, American Airlines Flight 77, American Airlines Flight 11, and United Airlines 175.

We must recognize that we were unsuspecting of this diaster. Therefore, our pledge to those who still mourn--those who have lost their father, mother, husband, wife, child, or friend--as we debate these serious times is we are reminded that there must be no one that terrorizes us and causes us to do the wrong thing.

Whether we are Republicans or Democrats, I ask that on this day we hold a moment of personal silence, one that will reflect our love for those who were lost. Then, to take the words of George W. Bush, the President at that time:

Whether terrorists are brought to justice or justice is brought to the terrorists, justice will be done.

A firm hand, yes; but we must be reminded of the humanitarian aspect of this and realize that, as we stand with the President and debate our further steps, we honor those who are in mourning. Let's remember 9/11 as a tribute to the Americans who sacrificed their lives.

I mourn this day.

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Mr. Speaker, on this, the 13th anniversary of the attack launched against the United States on September 11, 2001, I rise to remember the victims of that horrific tragedy and those first-responders who risked, and in too many cases, sacrificed their lives to rescue the occupants of the besieged World Trade Center Towers.

The morning of September 11, 2001 is, and will always be, a day like no other. It is a day all living Americans will remember because not since Pearl Harbor had there been such a dastardly and deadly attack on American soil.

As I stand here today, my heart still grieves for those who perished on flights United Airlines 93, American Airlines 77, American Airlines 11, and United Airlines 175.

When the sun rose on the morning of September 11, none of us knew that it would end in an inferno in the magnificent World Trade Center Towers in New York City and the Pentagon and in the grassy fields of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. I stand here remembering those who still suffer, whose hearts still ache over the loss of so many innocent and interrupted lives.

My prayer is that for those who lost a father, a mother, a husband, a wife, a child, or a friend will in the days and years ahead take comfort in the certain knowledge that they have gone on to claim the greatest prize, a place in the Lord's loving arms. And down here on the ground, their memory will never die so long as any of the many of us who loved them lives.

Mr. Speaker, as hard as it is to believe, out of a tragedy so overwhelming and horrific, something good and great emerged in the aftermath of September 11. On that day there were no Republicans or Democrats. There were no Northerners or Southerners or West or East Coasters. We were not Red State or Blue State. We were all simply Americans.

On that day, we were united in our shock and anger and sadness. We were united in our resolve to defend our country and protect the freedoms that has made America the greatest country in the history of the world.

We lit candles, held hands, helped neighbors, and prayed for our country and its leaders. A united America can never be defeated as Operation Enduring Freedom showed.

The brave and valiant armed forces of the United States swiftly toppled the Taliban and liberated Afghanistan.

As President George W. Bush announced to the American people and to the world: ``Whether the terrorists are brought to justice or justice is brought to the terrorists, justice will be done.''

And though he ran and hid for almost ten years, Osama bin Ladin could not hide forever and evade the long arm of American justice, which, under the leadership of President Barack Obama, caught up with him on May 2, 2011.

Mr. Speaker, Americans take care of their own. Americans cherish freedom. Americans cherish liberty. And Americans want peace. Not just for themselves alone, but all persons in every corner of the globe.

Mr. Speaker, ensuring that America is safe and secure and protected from another attack on American soil is the least we owe to the heroic passengers on Flight 93 and to the brave firefighters of the FDNY and officers of the NYPD and the officers and civilians we lost in the Pentagon who gave faithful service to our nation.

I believe all Americans want their country to remain safe, free, and invulnerable to another cowardly attack like the one we witnessed thirteen years ago today.

We owe that much to the Americans who lost and gave their lives. We owe it to them to ensure that their children and loved ones will never again experience such pain, suffering, and loss.

We can do this. We must do this. After all, we are Americans.

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