Remembering September 11th
On September 11, 2008, the House passed H. Res. 1420, a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on September 11, 2001. We remember the horror that befell our nation seven years ago, and the heroism that so many brave Americans demonstrated.
Speaker Pelosi spoke in support of the resolution:
Among its numerous whereas clauses, the resolution points out that:
-- Thousands of innocent men, women and children were brutally murdered in the attacks of September 11, 2001;
-- Seven years later, the United States still mourns their loss and honors their memory;
-- The United States remains steadfast in its determination to defeat, disrupt, and destroy terrorist organizations and seeks to harness all elements of national power, including its military, economic, and diplomatic resources, to do so;
-- Immediately following September 11, 2001, the United States Armed Forces moved swiftly against al-Qaeda and the Taliban, which the President and Congress had identified as enemies of the United States; and
-- Seven years later, many servicemen and women remain abroad, defending the nation from further terrorist attacks and continuing to battle al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
What This Bipartisan Resolution Does:
This bipartisan resolution resolves that the House of Representatives:
- Recognizes September 11 as a day of solemn commemoration;
- Extends its deepest condolences again to the friends, families, and loved ones of the innocent victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks;
- Honors the heroic service, actions, and sacrifices of first responders, law enforcement personnel, state and local officials, volunteers, and others who aided the innocent victims and, in so doing, bravely risked and often sacrificed their own lives;
- Expresses gratitude to the foreign leaders and citizens of all nations who have assisted and continue to stand in solidarity with the United States against terrorism in the aftermath of the attacks;
- Asserts in the strongest possible terms that the war on terrorists and terrorism is not a war on any nation, any people, or any faith;
- Recognizes the heroic service, actions, and sacrifices of United States personnel, including members of the United States Armed Forces, the United States intelligence agencies, the United States diplomatic service, and their families, who have sacrificed much, including their lives and health, in defense of their country against terrorists and their supporters;
- Vows that it will continue to take whatever actions are appropriate to identify, intercept, and defeat terrorists, including providing the United States Armed Forces, the United States intelligence agencies, and the United States diplomatic service with the resources and support to effectively and safely accomplish this mission; and
- Reaffirms that the American people will never forget the sacrifices made on and since September 11, 2001, and will defeat those who attacked our Nation through our shared determination, spirit, and embrace of democratic values.