Untitled Document

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

September 8, 2003

Contact: Sara Lang
Phone: (202) 225-4531

"Remembering 9/11"
A Guest Column by Congressman Bob Etheridge

Two years ago the promise of a sunny, crystal-clear day was shattered by the most devastating attack ever on American soil. The indelible images of smoke, fear, shock and loss continue to haunt us. But on that day and every day since, Americans have declared that we would not be cowered.

Today our thoughts again turn to those whose lives were taken by the cowardly terrorists and those who lost family, friends and loved ones. The heroes of 9/11, the firefighters, the police and the rescue workers, were ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. Though somewhat eased by the passage of time, the grief of a nation still smolders.

We remember too the many troops who have served at home and abroad in the continuing war against terrorism. Many of North Carolina's sons and daughters have served bravely and honorably. I join my fellow Americans in praying for the safe return of those who are still in harm's way and mourning those who have given their lives.

Over the past two years, I have been working to get North Carolina's first responders the tools they need to protect our people. In reality, homeland security is hometown security. Our local law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS workers know how to keep our hometowns safe. They know how to get the job done. But we must make sure they have the tools and the resources to do so.

I recently surveyed and met with first responders from around the Second District about their homeland security needs. Overwhelmingly, first responders told me they lack the resources to do their jobs effectively. Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, new responsibilities have been added onto their already heavy load, but the funding hasn't followed.

The American people deserve peace of mind. The American people deserve to know that the leaders of this country are taking effective action to keep our people safe. As North Carolina's only Member of Congress on the House Select Committee on Homeland Security, I will continue to fight to ensure the voices of North Carolina's first responders are heard and that hometown security is our foremost concern. The federal government has a lot to learn from our men and women on the frontlines.