America's Strength Through Diversity

Floor Speech

* Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, over the weekend of the Tenth Anniversary remembrances of the attacks of September 11th, I saw the strength and diversity of the people across the Midlands of South Carolina which is underestimated by our evil enemies.

* The diversity of America by heritage, race, religion, gender, and politics makes America strong.

* At the request of President Mary Peña, I spoke to the Filipino-American Association of Greater Columbia citing the special contribution of Filipino-Americans for over 100 years in defense of America into the Global War on Terrorism.

* For our family, this September 11th began with participation in the Memorial Service sponsored by the West Metro Rotary Club, West Metro Chamber of Commerce, Lexington School District Two, and Pine Press Printers at the West Columbia River Walk Amphitheater. The passionate patriot Joe Pinner presided over tributes to our military, military families, and first responders highlighted by Sheriff James Metts and Irmo Fire Chief Mike Sonefeld.

* Proof of the resolve of the New Greatest Generation was the Change of Command Ceremony of the Headquarters Support Company of Sumter's 351st Aviation Support Battalion. Before a fully staffed complement of all volunteers, Cpt. Julian D. Wilson relinquished command to Cpt. Michael W. Jones. Wilson had enlisted in the S.C. Army National Guard in December 2001 in the tradition of service as the namesake of Marine Major Julian D. Dusenbury who was awarded the Navy Cross for his successful capture of Shuni Castle on Okinawa in April 1945. Both Captains are symbols of military families with Cpt. Jones supported by his wife Terry and their six children, Michael, Jr., Megan, Nathaniel, Summer, Shan, and Brooke and Cpt. Wilson encouraged by his wife Joy and son Julian, Jr.

* As a 31-year veteran of the Army Reserves and the S.C. Army National Guard, I have never been prouder of their committed members and their capabilities for domestic and overseas service. Due to the success of America's military more countries today have been liberated from totalitarianism in the history of the world living in freedom and democracy from Estonia to Thailand and South Korea to Bulgaria.

* Due to the vision of Dan Hennigan, a 9/11 First Responders Remembrance Memorial featuring two New York World Trade Center steel beams were unveiled at the base of the State House in front of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center with Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin and Governor Nikki Haley.

* At the Remembrance, it was very appropriate on the front row of special guests were Hampton and Jane Caughman, proud parents of SPC Thomas W. Caughman who was killed June 9, 2004, Iraq. SPC Caughmnan was mature beyond his age concluding his letters with the adage, ``Freedom is not free.'' He understood we were in a long war to protect American families at home.

* The weekend concluded with a moving Service of Remembrance at Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church named in recognition of the community's original German Swiss farming settlers. Heartfelt leadership was provided by pastors Dr. Jim Glatz, Dr. Helen Harrison Coker, and Dr. Bill Johnston. Dr. Glatz recounted the extraordinary heroism of Todd Beamer on Flight 93. After reciting together The Lord's Prayer with air phone operators, Beamer stated to his comrades the immortal ``Let's Roll,'' which successfully stopped the jihadists from their murderous destruction of the U.S. Capitol Building. This was the first successful counterattack in the Global War on Terrorism. The service was enhanced by a Color Guard of the Lexington Police Department along with the Lexington County Choral Society and the Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra.

* The positive message of Dr. Glatz was clear that the American people will prevail with faith, hope, and love.

* In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

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