Joel Hefley: “yesterday's devastating terrorist attacks will forever be seared on our individual and national memories. It was an…”

“yesterday's devastating terrorist attacks will forever be seared on our individual and national memories. It was an unreal and incomprehensible assault on our people and our Nation. When I awoke this morning, it was with the sad realization that the attacks of yesterday actually occurred and claimed so many innocent lives. Mr. Speaker, I passed the Pentagon on my way to work just a few minutes before the plane hit. This morning when I drove by the Pentagon, it was a very real and very different scene. The smoke was still pouring out, and the water was pouring in; but in a glimmer of hope, the American flag continued to wave on the grounds of the Pentagon. The American spirit will not be disabled. It is shameful that thousands of American civilians gave their lives for a cause they did not know, for an issue they were not concerned. An attack against civilian targets of women and children, mothers and fathers, peaceful and without prejudice is beyond comprehension in our modern day, civilized world. I mourn for the dead and extend my sympathy to the families of the afflicted. In this hour of bereavement, I extend my gratitude and praise for the men and women who risk their lives and continue to risk their lives to find the victims and rescue the injured. The men and women who serve to protect our society cannot pause to grieve, for their job is far from complete.”