In Memory of September 11th

IN MEMORY OF SEPTEMBER 11TH -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 11, 2008)

SPEECH OF
HON. JOE WILSON
OF SOUTH CAROLINA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2008

* Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I would like submit the following editorial published today in the Times and Democrat newspaper of Orangeburg, South Carolina on September 11, 2008. It eloquently conveys the dedication we all feel on this seventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11th. I appreciate their sentiment, and believe that we must never forget those who lost their lives on that terrible day, never forget the enemy we face, and never lose faith that our nation will prevail in this Global War on Terrorism.

SEVEN YEARS LATER: ``WE WILL NOT FORGET''

Today is Sept. 11, 2008, seven years after the worst attack against America in its history. Second District Congressman Joe Wilson has since that day made a point of referencing remembering 9-11 in every speech before lawmakers. He's offered more than words, too, with his children serving in the war on terrorism and the congressman being an active supporter of the war and the military waging it.

The Times and Democrat's continuing series of memorial posters today focuses on Ð9-11. ``We will not forget.'' The message has not changed.

Innocent people in the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon, and aboard an airliner in Pennsylvania, died when terrorists brought their hatred for our nation and its people to our shores. The images of airliners crashing into the very symbols of our Nation are forever etched into Americans' minds.

On this anniversary date, our Nation remains under attack. We continue to be the target of terrorists, either directly or through attacks on our allies. Extremists contending they are acting in the name of Islam continually vow to punish our nation for its perceived evil role around the world.

Defeating the threat, on the surface, appears impossible. We cannot score definitive military victories against forces that are committed only to recruiting soldiers to die while killing as many Americans as possible. There seemingly always will be another recruit.

Our forces fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan face constant threats. Our enemies boast of killing the American invaders who have come to seize holy lands. Thousands have died. Their deaths must not be in vain. The sacrifices of the thousands on Sept. 11, 2001, must not be forgotten. Our nation will stand tall, we will determine where and how to continue the fight against terrorism. Just as older generations passed the test in World War II and wars before, the generations of our time are facing their tests. We cannot afford to fail.

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