Kendrick Meek: “let us pray for America. Let us stand behind our President and our leaders. Mr. Speaker, being here on the floor today…”

“let us pray for America. Let us stand behind our President and our leaders. Mr. Speaker, being here on the floor today as a representative in Congress really humbles me. I am a very patriotic person. I was brought up with great respect and love for our country. On December 7, 1941, I was a young student when I heard about the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, the feelings I felt then, frustration and helplessness, sadness for those whose lives were cut short, and for their spouses, their children and their families, anger against those despicable persons who would inflict such unspeakable pain and suffering on so many innocent and helpless people. Mr. Speaker, I feel today just as I felt after Pearl Harbor. But this country is changing, Mr. Speaker; and I feel personally bound, as all of my colleagues do, to take action and to stem the flow of violence in this country and around the world. I feel more determined than ever to protect our democratic ideals. I have sympathy for the families of those who are sick and dying. Thanks to the brave firemen and law enforcement people. Thank God for America.”