Sam Gibbons: “Mr. Speaker, today America remembers. America just 1 year ago witnessed three heinous and senseless terrorist attacks…”

“Mr. Speaker, today America remembers. America just 1 year ago witnessed three heinous and senseless terrorist attacks that will be forever etched in our minds and memorialized in our history. May I say that no American will ever forget the horrific images of September 11, 2001, and no American will ever forget the thousands of innocent victims, or the hundreds of courageous heroes who will always have a place in our history and in our hearts. Yet since that fateful day, the American people have persevered and established a new sense of normalcy. May I say to the cowards who targeted our great country last year, let me recite that terrorism against the United States, our freedom, and our people will never be tolerated. The United States stands strong, and we will fight terrorism wherever it lurks. No corner of this world will be safe for them or those who want to attack freedom, destroy liberty, and instill fear. America's fight will not be won quickly or easily; however, it will be won. I have seen firsthand the bravery and the patriotism of the men and women in our Armed Forces, and may I say that they will not settle for anything less than victory. They are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our liberty. They deserve our strongest support and our deepest gratitude. Americans have answered the call to help their fellow man and to defend freedom and to serve their Nation. We will not retreat.…”