SCHAKOWSKY JOINS COMMUNITY IN HONORING EVANSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
SCHAKOWSKY JOINS COMMUNITY IN HONORING EVANSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
EVASNTON, IL -- I would like to thank and honor Chief Frank Kaminski and Chief John Wilkinson for their efforts to keep the City of Evanston safe. As a 30-year Evanston resident, it is a special honor for me to have the opportunity to pay tribute to you, our men and women in uniform, who protect and serve the Evanston community everyday. Everyday you don your uniforms, you are risking your life for our protection, your well being for our safety, and your present for our future.
You are the "traditional and pioneering" police department-you are partners in our community and the protectors of our neighborhoods, schools, and families. We recognize the innovative efforts of the Evanston Police Department, through their Youth Services Bureau, their Victims Services Bureau, their seniors support services, and many other programs aimed at improving the lives of all members of the community. We applaud your efforts to bridge the gap between law enforcement and those you serve. The men and women of the Evanston Police Department and the Evanston Fire Department are dedicated to protecting our community, the Evanston family.
Tonight we pay tribute to our police officers and firefighters, just as today New York City held a ceremony to mark the end of the cleanup of Ground Zero and honor its heroes. All Americans join New York and Arlington, VA, to reflect on the events that changed our world on 9/11. In the pain of reflection, I am reminded of that day's tragedy. I am reminded of the horrific scenes, the terror that was experienced by the American family. I am reminded of the uncertainty, the destruction, the sadness, and the loss.
I am also reminded of the hope that was born by the sight of police officers and firefighters who rushed against the current of human instinct- against the innate will to survive that is the driving force of human life-in their fight to save lives. I am reminded of police officers and firefighters who served their country and communities with absolute disregard for their own safety, and with regard only for those who might be saved. Those men and women rushed against the odds of death, to save and preserve life. Those police officers and firefighters are American heroes-and so are each of you.
As the dust settles and the last pillars of concrete and steel are removed from ground zero, we continue our search for normalcy, but our reality has been forever altered by the events of that day. We are 8 months and 19 days from the horror of 9/11, but only a memory away from its' terror and pain.
On that beautiful morning, ordinary people woke to start the day, to go about their normal routines with smiles, frowns, traffic, and cups of coffee. The Pentagon was still an impenetrable fortress and the skyline of New York was still intact; the morning proceeded as usual. In the hours to come, a generation blanketed by the quilt of peace and tranquillity was awakened to an uproar of destruction and turmoil.
On that day life was stolen from ordinary men and women. Workers of every religion, race, culture and creed went to work and many never returned home.
On September 11, 2001, I sat in my office in Washington, DC, shocked by what I saw. My heart sank as I watched the second plane slam into the tower. Then came news of an explosion at the Pentagon. From my office window, I watched the black smoke rise in the distance.
As our building was evacuated, we rushed down flights of stairs uncertain of the danger approaching our nation's capitol. I watched as flocks of confused lawmakers, veteran staffers, young aids and interns, many fresh out of college, made their way in an orderly, but fast pace toward the exits.
As I rushed for daylight, I was amazed by what I saw. Before me, the unwavering Capitol police stood their ground. With no idea whether terrorists had picked the United States Capitol to share the fate of the World trade Center and the Pentagon, they stood their ground, to protect and preserve life.
As I made my way through the doors, I made room for police officers who entered the building from which I was fleeing, rushing against the grain to ensure that no one else was in the massive complex. I asked one when he would leave and he replied, "It's my job to be here until everyone is safe."
As the black, suffocating smoke rose about the Pentagon, and as the steel frame of the World Trade Center melted, firefighters scurried throughout the giant buildings in search of survivors, in search of those trapped, or incapacitated. As so many ran for their lives to reach safe ground, those heroes ran directly into danger, they ran into harms way, trying to save one more life.
Those, fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers-those providers for families, those everyday people, stood steadfast facing unknown peril, to protect me and so many others. As I drove away from the Capitol, I left behind heroes who stood their ground, waiting for whatever might come.
On that day, the gleaming towers fell and the walls of Pentagon crumbled. Our nation was changed forever, and the pre September 11 world that we knew-died. But on that day, with all its death and horror, a new America was born. Conceived by the blood, sweat, and tears of men and women committed to protect the lives of others. On that day, America understood that we have heroes among us everyday.
For those heroes, there is no sacrifice too great when the call to duty sounds. In a world wrapped in a shroud of self-promotion, these heroes see beyond themselves. Heroes so regard their brothers and sisters that they disregard their own safety, their own well being, and even their own lives. In a split second, heroes make a decision to forget themselves and do what it takes to save others.
For brave public servants, there is no room to think or to rationalize. It is not natural to endanger ones existence in the hope of promoting the survival of others, but they do everyday. Heroes are selfless.
For heroes, there is no reward other than the satisfaction of knowing that their sacrifice may allow others to live. Thanks to those heroes, America has learned so much. We have been schooled in selflessness and courage. We have learned what it means to sacrifice. And we have come together as a community and an American family. We can only honor and thank them for these lessons and for the lives that they saved, and the lives they gave.
On September 11th, America was afforded an opportunity to look into the eyes of the heroes we take for granted. We were reminded why we roam freely without fear of violence, of terror or death. We saw firsthand that in a moments notice a man or woman entrusted with the duty of protecting and serving, may be called into action. In one horrible day, we glimpsed into the everyday life of people who prepare for work every morning-facing the risk of not returning to their homes and their loved ones-so that you and I can rest assured that we will.
For them, heroism is not the goal. They do not seek recognition. They seek only to protect and serve. On a daily basis, our heroes show a courage that is rare to modern times. They fight hatred and malice with compassion, courage and selflessness.
It is difficult to find good in such a tragic event. However, we can look to the many men and women who worked tirelessly and who died courageously to save life. Through them, we know that even in the face of death and terror, the good in humanity prevails. We move forward more vigilant, more aware, and more determined. We forge ahead as a new America, pressing forward with comfort because of the men and women who are committed to protecting our lives
As we pay tribute to the Evanston police officers and firefighters here today, and those no longer with us, we stand with a new pride in America. Our hopes and prayers go out to those who are on our streets, even now, carrying the torch in the fight for freedom. We honor the men and women who protect us every day and preserve our way of life.
On behalf of a grateful community and on behalf of my family, thank you.