Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding me this time. One year ago today, the lives of all Americans were forever changed. For the terrorists, the story of the September 11 attacks is one of immense hate, a hatred for the principles of freedom, liberty, and equality for which our great Nation stands. For Americans, however, the story of September 11 is a story of immense love, a love of country, a love for human life.
Firefighters, police officers, and everyday citizens were heroic in rescuing victims of the attacks, and later in recovering the remains so as to properly honor those lost. Countless other citizens volunteered to assist and encouraged relief workers. Across the country, flags waved, hands were clasped in historic unity, and voices joined in prayer and in patriotic song.
In response to the attacks, America has been made stronger. Americans better appreciate the sacrifices that police officers, firefighters and emergency personnel make every day to ensure our safety. And we certainly have a much deeper admiration for the courageous devotion to duty of our servicemen and women, our men and women in uniform, who fight to defend our precious freedoms throughout the world.
President Bush so profoundly captured the enduring spirit of America when he stated last year, ``We will not tire. We will not falter. We will not fail. United we stand.''
God bless those who lost loved ones in the attacks of September 11 and those who gave their lives seeking to save the lives of others, and certainly God bless the United States of America.
