WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Xavier Becerra (CA - 30) spent the one-year anniversary of the worst attack ever waged on American civilians by attending this morning's ceremony at the Pentagon and subsequently submitting his thoughts and reflections on the day for the Congressional Record. His statement not only commemorated the victims of September 11, but also was a show of support for House Concurrent Resolution 464, expressing the sense of Congress on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on September 11, 2001.
H.Con.Res. 464 was sponsored House Majority Leader Dick Armey (TX - 26) and House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt (MO - 3). Rep. Becerra was a co-sponsor of the resolution, which unanimously passed tonight 370 to 0.
Below is Rep. Becerra's statement that has been submitted for the Congressional Record:
"Mr. Speaker, a year ago I stood on this same floor of the people's House as the ruins still smoldered, the families still prayed and hoped, and all of us searched for ways to explain and prepare for the events that were to unfold. I will never forget that feeling of collective will which permeated this Congress to act to bring to justice those who committed these heinous crimes.
"America will never forget September 11, 2001. In its tragedy, in its despicability, and in its lessons and impact on our way of life, it represents a singular moment of history. But what really do we remember about this event? And for today, the first anniversary of 9/11, perhaps the best question is: What should we remember?
"Mr. Speaker, my answer to that is: Let us remember the mothers and sons, the brothers and sisters, who perished on September 11, by remembering, today, to touch our own mother or son, our brother, our sister.
"We will never forget the firefighters, police officers, and volunteers - the heroes of September 11. Let's prove that by not forgetting to extend a hand to our heroes in uniform, who protect us today.
"And let us commemorate 9/11 and honor our fallen by forever defending and living up to the ideals embodied in our Constitution. Our way of life may have been challenged, but it has not been compromised. We can prove to the world that in triumph or tragedy, we shall be a nation of laws.
"As I stood on the Floor of the House a year ago I asked: How do we explain this barbarous act of terrorism to our children? I did not believe then, nor do I believe now, that it is possible to really explain - to make sense of what happened - to our little ones. But I remember my words that followed and they ring so very true to me today: 'From my words and my deeds, from the way our country prosecutes this unconscionable crime, I hope [our children] will learn and they will remember how this country lives and breathes its freedom and relentless search for justice. Perhaps, then, as our children grow older and wiser, they will be better prepared to preserve life and defend America's values.'
"So, Mr. Speaker, as we move forward to complete the unfinished business of 9/11, let us remember our fallen, let us reflect on our tenacity and perseverance, and let us be the heroes in life that the victims of that day are in death.
"I remember that feeling of hope and justice back then, and I believe it will guide us through our mission now. May God bless America."