John Boehner - 8th District of Ohio

Share This Page Slashdot Del.icio.us Google Digg Reddit Newsvine Furl Yahoo Facebook

Sep 11, 2008

Washington - Following are remarks as prepared by Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) for delivery at a bipartisan congressional remembrance ceremony held today to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks:

“In 1776, our Founding Fathers began building a new nation founded on liberty and freedom.  In the last 232 years America has prospered and flourished.  We have fulfilled the vision of our Founders that America would be a beacon of hope against tyranny.

“The attacks of September 11, 2001 were aimed not just at buildings or people.  They were aimed at the things we hold in the highest esteem: our liberty and our freedom.  The attacks that day took many lives, and too many family members, even today, feel the pain of loss.

“But despite the scars, the attacks of 9-11 failed.  They failed…and today freedom and democracy are taking root in parts of the world where they were once only a far off dream.

“Today we remember those we lost.  We honor the memory of public servants who willingly gave their lives to save others.  We also honor those we lost in Afghanistan and Iraq defending our country and pursuing those still dedicated to our destruction.

“Benjamin Franklin once said ‘There is no little enemy.’  And if the dreams of our radical enemy come true, it would spell the end of our freedom.

“Americans will never let that happen.  America is a great nation, and we remain a beacon of hope to those living under the thumb of tyranny.  And so this day, we say with one heart and with one voice that we will not forget.  And we will not walk away from the defense of our freedom and liberty.”

Boehner represents Ohio’s 8th District, which includes all of Darke, Miami and Preble counties, most of Butler and Mercer counties, and the northeastern corner of Montgomery County.  He was first elected to Congress in 1990.