Janice Schakowsky: “I rise in support of H.R. 3054, a bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the heroes of September 11. I hope that…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 3054, a bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the heroes of September 11. I hope that this small token of appreciation will symbolize America's appreciation for the endless bravery that was shown on that day. There are some, for whom there is no sacrifice too great when the call to duty sounds. There are some, in a world wrapped in a shroud of self-promotion, who see beyond the ``me'', the ``my'', the ``mine'' and the ``I''. There are some that so regard their brothers and sisters that they disregard their own safety, their own well being, and even their own lives, to lend a hand. there are some, which in a split second make a decision to forget themselves and do what it takes to save others; they are heroes. For heroes, there is no room to think or to rationalize. It is never practical to endanger ones existence in the hope of promoting the survival of others, but they do. It goes beyond what is logical. The hero possesses an innate and instinctive ability to respond to extreme situations with others in mind. By nature, the hero defies the basic human impulse for self-preservation. The hero is selfless. On September 11, many Americans heeded the call to action.”