[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 102 (Wednesday, July 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    FLIGHT 93 NATIONAL MEMORIAL ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 22, 2002

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, on the morning of September 11th, 2001 
passengers of United Airlines Flight 93 were getting ready for the long 
flight to California. Their thoughts may have been consumed with 
family, friends, or work. What was about to occur on that tragic 
journey was probably the furthest thing from their minds. As the mayhem 
of that morning unfolded in New York City and in our nation's capital, 
the passengers of Flight 93 were about to directly experience the 
horror for themselves. Four terrorist hijackers had moved all of the 
passengers to the rear of the plane and attempted to seize control of 
the cockpit and direct the plane to its destination of destruction.
  One can only imagine the fear that rushed through the veins of each 
passenger on that doomed flight. Like many people, I have wondered, 
``What would be going through my mind? What would I have done?'' The 
passengers and crew of Flight 93 provided us with their answers. 
Knowing of the chaos that was taking place on the ground below, these 
brave individuals decided to push fear aside and control their 
destinies and our futures for the last time.
  Although the outcome was fatal for the passengers and crew of Flight 
93, one could only guess at the countless number of lives they may have 
saved had those passengers not reacted with bravery, courage, and 
pride. September 11th was a day that showed us how vulnerable we as 
Americans can be, but the passengers and crew of Flight 93 reminded us 
of how the greatness of this country can still shine through us, even 
in our darkest hour.
  I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3917, which establishes a 
memorial at the crash site of United Airlines Flight 93 to honor the 
passengers and crew of Flight 93, to always remind us of what it truly 
means to be an American.

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