Introduced By:  Speaker John Harwood and Senate Majority Leader William Irons

 

     Date Introduced:   September 19, 2001

 

WHEREAS, On the morning of September 11, 2001, thousands of innocent Americans and hundreds of foreign visitors were killed or injured due to the cowardly, barbaric and evil acts of a group of terrorists when they hijacked four commercial airliners with intentions of using them as weapons of mass destruction; and

 

WHEREAS, In addition, countless Americans and foreigners have been affected directly by the loss or injury of a loved one; and

 

WHEREAS, It was the intent of these terrorists to intimidate, humiliate and paralyze the United States in front of the world community by their attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and other symbols of our Government and our people; and

 

WHEREAS, These terrorists have gravely miscalculated and underestimated the will of the American people. We stand united as a Nation, not only to begin the process of healing and rebuilding, but to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice; and

 

WHEREAS, This nation has been awed and inspired by the bravery and courage exhibited by the heroic actions of the rescue workers, police officers, firefighters, volunteers, and federal, state and local officials who responded to these tragic events with determination, resolve and compassion; and

 

WHEREAS, During this time of immeasurable travail, we as citizens of this great nation, should reflect upon the values and freedoms we hold so dear to our hearts. America stands as a beacon of liberty and freedom to the world, where people are free to speak as they wish, practice the faith of their choice, and to assemble and associate with whomever they choose. It is precisely these cherished freedoms that some evil cowards in the world fear and hate so much that they resorted to the barbaric acts of September 11, 2001; and

 

WHEREAS, The spirit of America cannot and will never be broken. Just as the greatest generation endured the attack on Pearl Harbor, we today gladly accept the torch of liberty, freedom and democracy that our forefathers have passed to us. We will defend those freedoms and prevail over our enemies. The raising of the flag at Ground Zero by our brave firefighters shall inspire this generation of Americans to defeat terrorism and all enemies of freedom; now therefore be it

 

RESOLVED, That this Grand Committee of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby:

 

(1) condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorists who planned and carried out the September 11, 2001 attacks against the United States as well as their sponsors; and

 

(2) extends its deepest condolences to the victims of these heinous and cowardly attacks, as well as to their families, friends and loved ones; and

 

(3) commends the heroic actions of the rescue workers, police officers, firefighters, volunteers, and State and local officials who responded to these tragic events with courage, determination, and skill; and

 

(4) stands in solidarity with all Americans in support of the President and the Congress as our Nation begins the process of recovering and rebuilding in the aftermath of these tragic acts; and be it further

 

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the President of the United States of America, and the entire Rhode Island Congressional Delegation.