On the recordSeptember 11, 2013
Today, on September 11, I want to take a moment to reflect on that fateful event on the day of 2001 at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, the fields of Pennsylvania, and again in Benghazi in 2012, and ask that we always remember the resilience and strength of the greatest Nation on Earth. Mr. Speaker, there are moments in time when we cease to be Republicans and Democrats; politics and punditry melt away, divisions close and differences fade. We come together as Americans, regardless of race, creed, or religion. September 11, 2001, and again in 2012 were and will always be such occasions. On those days, our Nation came together. That is what makes our Nation great and unique. Not only do we come together to celebrate in triumph, but we stand together in tragedy. {time} 1030 It is in the face of adversity when our resilience is truly tested, and as Americans, time and time again, throughout history, we have passed that test. Throughout the course of those days heroes ran into buildings and stormed a cockpit, went into burning embassies. They donated blood when it was needed and the clothes off their back. That, Mr. Speaker, is the true America. Not partisan gridlock, not tension-building punditry, not games of ``gotcha'' or smoke-and-mirrors legislation. The rallying cry of that day was simple in phrase but monumental in meaning: ``U-S-A.'' Country was first. Everything else was second.…
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