Reflections on September 11

Floor Speech

* Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia, Mr. CANTOR for offering this resolution regarding the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and urge my Colleagues to pass it without delay.

* For the families of the over 3,000 victims of the murderous attacks of September 11, 2001, every day is painful. This Sunday marks the tenth anniversary of the events that changed our Nation forever, as violent international extremists struck in the streets of Lower Manhattan, the fields of Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon.

* In addition to making the collective pledge to join together to protect our communities, we should never forget that on September 11, 2001, we saw good rise in the face of evil, and heroes rise in the face of danger. Many ran into the face of danger to help others escape it.

* When the day was over, and as we learned that 700 New Jerseyans lost their lives, we witnessed neighbors and friends consoling one another and watched as Americans from all walks of life stood united, side by side waving the Stars and Stripes, and lighting candles to honor those missing or lost.

* As America rebounded, we responded to these acts of terrorism with the skill and spirit of our military and our intelligence community. The war we continue to fight abroad began without provocation and without warning. It was not a war of our choosing but it became our priority. It was the slaughter of innocents by people with a twisted sense of religion who play by no rules.

* So many of our heroes currently fighting terrorism across the globe put their lives on hold on September 11, 2001, to join the National Guard and Reserve, serve our country, and defend our freedom. They serve side by side as we speak with the active duty military, all volunteers, all dedicated, all courageous, all Americans. We are grateful for their service and sacrifice, and that of their families, each and every day.

* May God bless those who continue to defend our freedom, and may God continue to bless America.

* I urge adoption of the resolution.

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