Xavier Becerra: “a year ago I stood on this same floor of the people's House as the ruins still smoldered, the families still prayed and…”

“a year ago I stood on this same floor of the people's House as the ruins still smoldered, the families still prayed and hoped, and all of us searched for ways to explain and prepare for the events that were to unfold. I will never forget that feeling of collective will which permeated this Congress to act to bring to justice those who committed these heinous crimes. America will never forget September 11th, 2001. In its tragedy, in its despicability, and in its lessons and impact on our way of life, it represents a singular moment of history. But what really do we remember about this event? And for today, the first anniversary of 9/11, perhaps the best question is: What should we remember? Mr. Speaker, my answer to that is: Let us remember the mothers and sons, the brothers and sisters, who perished on September 11, by remembering, today, to touch our own mother or son, our brother, our sister. We will never forget the firefighters, police officers, and volunteers--the heroes of September 11th. Let's prove that by not forgetting to extend a hand to our heroes in uniform, who protect us today. And let us commemorate 9/11 and honor our fallen by forever defending and living up to the ideals embodied in our Constitution. Our way of life may have been challenged, but it has not been compromised. We can prove to the world that in triumph or tragedy, we shall be a nation of laws.”