STATEMENT OF CONGRESSMAN LARSON ON THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11, 2003

STATEMENT OF CONGRESSMAN LARSON ON THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Congressman John B. Larson today made the following statement in the Congressional Record on the second anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the men and women from Connecticut and throughout the nation who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

"I know that many people throughout my district and state are taking time today to remember those who died that day two years ago, as well as the families and friends that they left behind. No matter how much time passes from that day forward, the ache that we as a nation felt in our hearts will never fade. The sorrow and grief we felt on behalf of the country and our fellow Americans is unwavering, as is our sense of outrage at the despicable acts and the vicious few who perpetrated them on peaceful, innocent people.

"As we recall the tragedy of that horrible day, I hope that in addition to remembering the pain, sadness and anger that this brutal act of terrorism caused for our nation, we also take time to remember the brave, selfless men and women who desperately worked to save others in the World Trade Towers, the Pentagon, and Flight 93. Let us remember the fire fighters, police officers, emergency medical responders and others that unflinchingly confronted terror and chaos. There were many heroes that day, and many of them are no longer with us.

"We should take time on each anniversary of September 11, 2001 to honor the dead, their families and those that continue to serve on the nation's front lines of defense against acts of terrorism and disasters.

"Let us also be grateful: Grateful for our lives, our freedom and our Democracy - the foundation that this nation is built on. Terrorists throughout the world, much like those who committed those terrible acts two years ago, would most like to take from us these things we so value. We must remain defiant in the face of danger and adversity and take every measure to ensure that in our efforts to be secure, we do not deprive ourselves of our greatest strength: our liberty. As we continue to safeguard our communities and our borders, we must also safeguard the rights and freedoms that make this nation what it is. To do otherwise would be a disservice to the memory of September 11.

"May we never forget those who died or the members of the United States Armed Forces who have given their lives since that day. In their memory, we must work to protect our homeland and our liberty, defeat terrorism, and build lasting peace throughout the world. God bless those who lost their lives two years ago, and God bless America."

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