Alcee Hastings: “America changed yesterday, and it is changed for all time to come. My overwhelming sense of horror, grief and, yes…”

“America changed yesterday, and it is changed for all time to come. My overwhelming sense of horror, grief and, yes, vulnerability cannot adequately be put into words. Obviously, my thoughts and fervent prayers are with the friends and families that have been touched most personally by these cowardly, cunning attacks. My heart aches for them. My heart aches not only for them but for all America today. We were all victims yesterday. But we stand here today to say to the citizens of our Nation and the world at large, America is taller than the World Trade Center, bigger than the Pentagon, and mightier than any destructive device. America is an idea. This idea will never be extinguished by despicable acts of terrorism. Indeed, the resolve of every American to recommit ourselves to our ideals will be strengthened forever. This is the spirit of America, today, tomorrow and in perpetuity.”