For Immediate Release
September 11, 2008
Media Contact: Meghan Snyder
(202) 225-2676
Rep. Jordan Honors 9/11 on House Floor
Washington, DC -- This afternoon, Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Urbana) delivered the following remarks on the House floor in remembrance of 9/11/01, Patriot Day:
Madame Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in strong support of this important resolution. Today we pause to remember the nearly 3,000 who were killed—and thousands more who were injured—on that fateful morning seven years ago. We remember the unspeakable evil we saw that morning and the terror that confronted us on our own shores. But we must also remember the heroism of countless ordinary Americans who did extraordinary things on that tragic day and in the weeks and months that followed. Like the firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and other first responders who rushed into crumbling, burning buildings, disregarding their own safety to do their duty and save lives, many giving their own. And the millions of Americans who gathered in churches to pray, in community centers and schools to organize relief for victims, and lined up around corners to give blood. When evil confronted America that day, we did not flinch, we did not back down, and we did not surrender.
In the seven years that have passed since that day, our nation has remained on offense against the threat of radical Islamic extremism. It is a struggle that will define our generation and shape the next American century. We did not choose this battle, but we will meet it—as Americans always have—and we must be victorious. I would like to again express my gratitude and thankfulness to the United States Armed Forces. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines have answered the call of their country in her hour of need. They and their families have made countless sacrifices. Over 4,500 have given what President Lincoln called the fullest measure of devotion to their country. As long as this threat exists and American troops are deployed in harms way, they must have the full support and confidence of this Congress.
On this day when we look back and remember, let us gain strength from the examples of bravery and courage we have seen over the last seven years. We must honor the legacy of the fallen and stand united against the continued threats to our country. I ask my colleagues to join me in renewing our commitment to these principles that have made us the home of the brave and will continue to keep us the home of the free.
