ADDRESS
by the
Honorable Nydia M. Velázquez
Roofers Recognition Ceremony at the Pentagon
June 25, 2002

Thank you, John Irby, for bringing us here to express our appreciation on behalf of a grateful nation. I want to thank Bill Good of the National Roofing Contractors Association and I especially want to thank all the roofing professionals here today --- and the many more who could not be here --- for your heroic and patriotic volunteer service to put a roof back on the Pentagon.

This day belongs to the men and women who have worked hard these past nine months since our country was attacked, and I would like to take a moment to tell you about how these small businesses from all across the country came to make their extraordinary contribution.

After that awful second Tuesday of September, Americans searched deep within themselves for ways to give back after we lost so many and so much. Some gave blood. Others donated to charity. Many of our young joined the armed services. And millions more simply went to work to heal the nation.

That's exactly what the roofers here did. But it took one family with a generous idea to get that work going. Kimberly Francis and her husband, John, of Northern Virginia Roofing in Falls Church, Virginia, watched what happened after American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into this historic headquarters. Jet fuel ignited a fire that destroyed more than an acre of its roof beyond the immediate crash area.

The Francises believed they could repair this breach --- so they decided to "give a roof to the Pentagon."

This idea created a groundswell. Soon, roofers all across the country signed up to volunteer --- prepared to come by car, camper and airplane to work on the roof. With this group, Bill Good and the National Roofers Contractors Association sought out the best slate roofing company in the Washington area for their lead contractor --- the James Myers Company.

Jim and Ellen Myers founded their company almost a quarter century ago, and they employ 125 workers. They have experience working on historic buildings and understand the respect and tradition they embody, such as the Naval Academy in Annapolis, the Pentagon, and the Howard Hughes Medical Center in Bethesda.

Working with other roofers across the country to volunteer their services --- and with generous donations from building suppliers --- together they replaced 60,000 square feet of hard slate sloping roof over the Pentagon.

These selfless acts, united in a common purpose, are what America is all about. It is important that today we recognize and reward the contributions of these small businesses. That is why we are here. And why, later today in Congress, we will adopt a resolution to show the gratitude of the nation for your hard work and personal sacrifice.

Americans do not rest on their laurels. Even after a hard week's work, we look around to see what we can do to improve our neighborhoods and communities. We have an abiding belief in "giving back". Americans give like no other nation. We value the volunteer who contributes to the communities that shape us --- and to the country that rewards hard work with prosperity.

I'd like to say one final thing. A great American poet wrote 150 years ago that "there is no trade or employment but the young person following it may become a hero." This is a very American sentiment. And it is absolutely true today.

Hundreds of roofers --- following the trade they know well and love --- have become heroes by volunteering their skill and labor in our country's hour of greatest need.

At this time, I am pleased and honored to present on behalf of the Chairman, myself, and all the Members of the Small Business Committee, a copy of the resolution we will adopt later today in Congress to:

· The NRCA, for bringing everyone together
· Kimberly and John Francis, for your original idea
· and the James Myers Company for leading this team of volunteers.

I hope you will accept this resolution for all the professionals you worked with in the spirit of your accomplishment.

On behalf of a grateful nation, we thank you. Your work is what makes America great, and your example should be an inspiration to millions.

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