Mr. Speaker, yesterday was a day from hell. A day when terrorists who do not value human life engaged in a demonic act which has touched everyone in America and the world. Today over and over again, in contrast, we hear our colleagues express the exhortation "God bless America."
Indeed in the spirit of the American people, God has blessed America. God blessed us with the courage of the public safety workers including hundreds of firemen who plunged into a burning, crumbling building to help people escape. They sacrificed and risked their own lives to save others.
God blessed America with the compassion of the American people across our country. All over the country, Americans are giving blood and offering to help in so many ways. God blessed America with the determination of our public servants. In this building our Capitol Police, the military, and so many others are helping this country move forward. They are foiling the plot of these terrorists who want to create panic in our country and stop our government.
The magnificent city of New York, which has led our country, will rise from the ashes like the great Phoenix and will be stronger than ever. People across the country have a special fondness for New York. It is the center of commerce and the arts. It has a beautiful and magnificent diversity that is a source of strength to our great country.
The energy of New York will not be deterred. That will be our message. New York will rise like the Phoenix, leading the recovery of our entire country from this terrible tragedy. That is the message to the cruel, cowardly terrorists. God has blessed America.
