Nick Rahall: “While the text of this legislation refers to a memorial intended to honor anyone who has ever been the victim of a…”

“While the text of this legislation refers to a memorial intended to honor anyone who has ever been the victim of a terrorist attack on the United States, our hearings on this measure focused on the victims of the September 11 hijackings and attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Those events are the catalysts for this legislation. While it has been said often, it cannot be said often enough: our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to those affected by the events of that awful day. While we as a nation have attempted to go on with our lives, the tragedy and loss of that day are never far from our hearts or minds. The scope and severity of that terrible tragedy make it difficult to know how best to memorialize those who were lost. Mr. Turner's bill is one approach and we will support it, but there may be others. It is our hope that, over time, we may all gain the wisdom and perspective to devise a memorial, or series of memorials, that will tell the story of these attacks, the people who were lost, their families and our resulting efforts to end the threat of terrorism, in such a way that future generations will never forget these events.”