A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the victims and heroes of september 11, 2001.
Whereas, on September 11, 2001, the nation and world reacted in horror as two planes hijacked by terrorists crashed into the World Trade Center, a third into the Pentagon, and a fourth into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania; and
Whereas, hundreds of emergency service personnel, police officers, firefighters, port authority personnel, clergy members, and ordinary citizens rushed to the scenes of these horrific events without regard to their own safety to try to rescue, aid, and comfort victims; and
Whereas, despite their heroic efforts, thousands of people died on September 11, 2001, including some of those who tried to assist the victims; and
Whereas, in addition to Americans who were killed that day, people from more than 30 different countries also lost their lives in the World Trade Center, thereby making the attack on our country an international tragedy; and
Whereas, three North Carolinians lost their lives during this tragedy: including Sandra W. Bradshaw of Greensboro, a flight attendant aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and Lt. Commander Eric Allen Cranford of Drexel and Christopher Lee Burford of Hubert, both members of the United States Navy who were killed at the Pentagon; and
Whereas, almost immediately after the attack on America, citizens, businesses, and people from around the world who were moved by the horrific events of the day began to make donations to the Red Cross and other charitable organizations to support the surviving victims and their families; and
Whereas, the nation stood firm against the cowardly acts of terrorism perpetuated against us and bravely hung flags from their homes, businesses, and automobiles to show the world that America would not be defeated; and
Whereas, the events of 9/11 not only impacted families but also had a devastating impact on the economy of New York City, the airline industry, and the entire country; and
Whereas, in response to the acts of terrorism, the United States and its allies declared a war on terrorism, and in October 2001 launched an attack on the Taliban government in Afghanistan and the al Qaeda organization to whom the Afghanistan government had given shelter within its borders; and
Whereas, many Americans, mostly military, have lost their lives in this war as they fought to defend the freedom of the people of this nation and the world; and
Whereas, on the anniversary of the attack on America, it is important to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and to express sympathy to their families; and
Whereas, it is also important to pay homage to the heroes of 9/11, including the men and women aboard United Airlines Flight 93, and the firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency service personnel, volunteers, and others who selflessly gave of their time, resources, strength, and courage; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly extends its deepest sympathy to those who lost loved ones as a result of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, including the families of three North Carolinians:  Sandra W. Bradshaw of Greensboro, Lt. Commander Eric Allen Cranford of Drexel, and Christopher Lee Burford of Hubert.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly wishes to commend the heroes who showed remarkable courage and bravery on 9/11 and in the many months that followed.
SECTION 3.  The General Assembly urges Congress to consider making September 11 a national holiday.
SECTION 4.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to each member of North Carolina's congressional delegation.
SECTION 5.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.