On the recordSeptember 14, 2010
I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I commend Leader Hoyer and Leader Boehner for their leadership in presenting it to the House, as I fear that time and events have dulled some memories. It was 9 years ago this past Saturday that our Nation changed forever, as violent international extremists struck in the streets of Lower Manhattan, the fields of Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon. But we also saw good rise in the face of evil, and heroes rise in the face of danger. In Lower Manhattan, many of our brave first responders knew the risks they were taking, but they were determined to do their job. Police officers and EMS personnel calmly escorted workers out of burning buildings as firefighters raced up stairwells to rescue those trapped high above. When the day was over, and as we learned more about the tragic, and yes, murderous attacks and loss of nearly 3,000 Americans, including 700 New Jerseyans, we witnessed neighbors and friends consoling one another and watched as Americans from all walks of life stood united, side by side waving the Stars and Stripes, and lighting candles to honor those missing or lost.
