Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Bill Guinn, Commander of

Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Colonel Guinn, a native of San Bernardino, California, will have served as Commander of Letterkenny for an unprecedented 3 years on July 18, 2005.

While most Commanders assume posts for only 2 years, Letterkenny has been fortunate to have Colonel Guinn as Commander for 3. On July 29th, 2005, Colonel Guinn will complete his command duty and pursue another endeavor to add to an already impressive career of service to his country. He has commanded the 123rd Main Support Battalion, 1st Armored Division in Bosnia, Croatia, and Germany. Highlights of his honors include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, the NATO Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.

Devoted to Letterkenny's mission of supporting the Global War on Terror, Colonel Guinn ensures the best equipment is available to field units throughout the world but especially in Afghanistan and Iraq. Colonel Guinn's concern and care for his soldiers enhances the effectiveness of their missions and has established a new level of commitment among the troops.

However, what makes Colonel Guinn remarkable is not only his outstanding military credentials and devotion to country, but also to his immediate community. He has taken personal interest in the economic growth of Chambersburg and the surrounding area of Franklin County Pennsylvania. As Letterkenny transitions into the 21st century it has ceded some of its unused land to Franklin County to be used for private enterprise. Colonel Guinn has been there every step of the way with a spirit of cooperation and mutual support for the developing Cumberland Valley Business Park.

Colonel Guinn takes his leadership beyond the gates of Letterkenny by personally participating in community events and pro-actively informing and educating the surrounding community as to the efforts of the Army Depot. A good neighbor in the truest sense of the word, Colonel Guinn ensures the community is welcomed onto the installation by way of annual picnics, Armed Forces Day activities, and provides recreational land for the Cub Scout Program.

I know Chambersburg and all of Franklin County join me in grateful thanks for the spirit of service, patriotism, and dedication Colonel Guinn, his wife Karen, and their two daughters have inspired and provided to so many. My best wishes to him on the completion of his tremendous service at Letterkenny Army Depot.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 3. It has been a long time coming. I want to commend the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young) and the ranking member, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), as well as the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri), and the ranking member, the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio), for their efforts on behalf of our Nation's transportation system.

As a Pennsylvanian who represents a broad geographic region, I know the issue of transportation is critical to all of our constituents. I am very pleased that the legislation before us today includes many initiatives to combat congestion on our Nation's highways and further relieve bottlenecks on our roads.

H.R. 3 contains innovative real-time and intelligent transportation initiatives that allow States to monitor and improve traffic flow and enhance safety. Building on these innovative programs, I also encourage support of an amendment that will be offered by my colleague, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kennedy), to create voluntary toll or fast lanes. Drivers who chose to use these fast lanes will be charged electronically, eliminating the toll booths that add to backups and congestion. It will allow for our States to collect the funds necessary to increase the capacity on our highways. Congestion is a tremendous drag on our economy today, and it needs to be addressed.

One concern, Mr. Chairman, I do have with this bill is the rate of return States will receive under this measure. It has been the wise practice in surface transportation reauthorization to take into account that some regions are saddled with greater needs than others and need a larger rate of return to maintain our national transportation system.

My home State of Pennsylvania is unique in that we have more miles of State highway to maintain than all of New England and New York combined. Additionally, the Commonwealth ranks third in the amount of through truck traffic that neither originates nor terminates in the State. Pennsylvania receives little benefit from such commerce traveling through our State, yet States such as Florida, which is able to get its goods to the large Northeastern markets, benefit, while we still suffer from the constant pounding and damage caused by this through traffic.

As we move forward to conference, I would encourage my colleagues to continue returning funds to States based on needs so that we can continue to have a safe and efficient national highway system.

Lastly, Mr. Chairman, I want to take a minute to address an issue that has become of increasing concern to me and many of my fellow Pennsylvanians on the committee.

In recent weeks, the Governor of our State has continued to flex funds designated for highway projects to bail out the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia transit systems to the tune of $412 million, which is roughly one-third of what Pennsylvania will receive from the Federal Government in funding next year.

Mr. Chairman, transferring funds set aside by the government for highway projects to bail out troubled transit systems is wrong. The transit system in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia has continually had problems meeting its financial responsibility, and it is out of the pockets of rural Pennsylvanians that the funding shortfalls are met.

Critical highway projects in our region are put in jeopardy when highway moneys are transferred to transit. Our highway system weaves a thread of viability through our State and between our urban areas. Quite simply, you cannot travel from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia without going through rural central Pennsylvania.

To this end, I am pleased that included in the bill is language directing the Government Accountability Office to review this transfer authority and how it is being used. I want to thank my colleagues, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gerlach) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent), for their support on our effort on this issue.

It is critical that Congress address this issue and examine the possible

need of limiting Governors' ability to shift funds in the future. Rural Pennsylvanians, rural Americans should not have to continue to foot the bill for transit riders in the large metropolitan areas of this country.

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the chairman again, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Chairman Petri), and the committee staff for all their hard work and efforts in getting H.R. 3 to the floor today.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the underlying legislation, known as the ``REAL ID Act'' H.R. 418. There is no greater responsibility placed upon myself and my colleagues than providing for a safe and secure homeland for America's citizens. We must and can do better to secure our borders, this legislation takes necessary and reasonable steps toward that goal.

I strongly support this legislation because it will close current loopholes in our laws that terrorists have been taking advantage of to gain entry and have free reign within our borders. Every measure within the REAL ID Act is present because it closes a loophole a terrorist has used previously. For example, the September 11th the hijackers had within their possession at least 15 valid drivers licenses and numerous state issued identity cards with a large variety of addresses allowing them to get on U.S. airliners. This legislation includes a number of common sense measures aiming to establish minimum document and issuance standards for federal acceptance of drivers' licenses and state-issued personal identification cards and would require applicants to provide proof they are in the country legally. Additionally, this measure would require identity documents to expire at the same time as the expiration of lawful entry status which will prevent individuals who have illegally entered or are unlawfully present in the United States from having valid identification documents.

The REAL ID Act will also strengthen and clarify our process for granting immigrants asylum within our borders. While America has always been and always will be a safe harbor for those being persecuted by tyrannical governments we must be vigilant to ensure those individuals are not taking advantage of America's generosity and good will. Our first responsibility is to protect the American people and we cannot put on blinders to expect that everyone who seeks asylum does so in good faith. This legislation closes one of the most egregious loopholes that currently exists--the REAL ID Act would prevent liberal judges from granting asylum to aliens on the basis that their governments believe they are terrorists. It is only reasonable that our laws do not force our country to provide safe harbor to those individuals that are being sought out by their governments due to their terrorist ties.

I have given just a few examples of why this legislation is so important to further our ability to strengthen our border security and increase our ability to remove illegal aliens from our country. There are numerous other provisions within this bill that work toward those goals as well. I strongly encourage my colleagues to join me today in voting in support of this important border security legislation because it will help better defend our homeland.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sir Raymond A. Long, in honor of his dedication a commitment to the well being of his community and the Jaffa Shrine. For the past 43 years, as Colonel of Units for the Shrine, Sir Long's guidance has been the source of security and stability and his impact has been widely respected.

Since the beginning, Sir Long has consistently exhibited the qualities to which he is committed, sharing with his community a moral code based upon honesty, strength of character, and the highest standard of ethics. His values go hand-in-hand with the Shrine's creed and his vision for a greater, more influential brotherhood has been adopted by the Shrine with open arms. Through the Jaffa Shrine's community outreach initiatives, countless children have benefitted from orthopaedic, burn and spinal cord care free of charge and the quality of life within the community has improved because of its effluence of optimism.

Sir Long has connected with citizens in the area in a way that few are able. Since 1938, when he first joined DeMolay, Sir Long has worked diligently to make positive changes throughout the community so that the area would grow and prosper. Having taken the reigns as a strong leader since his youth, he has been a pillar of strength within his community, and his ceaseless dedication to the Jaffa Shrine is unparalleled. In the 43 years that Sir Long has had a significant hand in the Shrine's operations, it has become a driving force of service in the area by implementing new and improved health care technology in its hospitals, expanding the temple's infrastructure, and increasing the laughter and happiness among everyone involved.

It was during the 1980s, a period in which Sir Long held significant positions within the Shrine, that Shrines all across North America experienced the greatest expansion in their history. The hospitals treated unprecedented numbers of children in need, Temples and Shrines expanded both in physical structure and in membership, and the feeling of brotherhood spread even further. His uncompromising sense of duty to the community in which he lives has been a source of inspiration, and the impact he has had is immeasurable.

For his incomparable generosity, service to the Jaffa Shrine, and unabated commitment to excellence, Sir Raymond A. Long deserves the highest recognition. Throughout his tenure within the Shrine, Sir Long has not only enriched the lives of the other members, but of those in the surrounding communities who have undoubtedly benefitted from the charity, education and service that they have repeatedly provided. The legacy he has created is one that every American should emulate, and his contributions will not go unnoticed by the organization for which he has served nor the community in which he lives. I would like to congratulate Sir Long on his many accomplishments, and I wish him the best of luck as he continues his admirable service to the people of Blair County.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 315) to designate the United States Courthouse at 300 North Hogan Street, Jacksonville, Florida, as the ``John Milton Bryan Simpson United States Courthouse''.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 315, introduced by my colleague, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Corrine Brown), will designate the United States courthouse located at 300 North Hogan Street in Jacksonville as the ``John Milton Bryan Simpson United States Courthouse.''

Born in Kissimmee, Florida, John Simpson progressed through what would be called by any reasonable person a long, distinguished, and publicly oriented career. After receiving his law degree from the University of Florida, and 7 years of private practice, John Simpson would begin what would result in a career in public service spanning 54 years. He began as an Assistant State's Attorney, served 2 years in the United States Army during World War II, and was a State judge for 9 years before being nominated to the Federal bench in 1950.

On the Federal bench, Judge Simpson was not content to just serve out his time. He served as Chief Judge for three different courts, the Southern and Middle District Courts of Florida, and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. He served on the Conference of Chief Judges for 3 years and was willingly reassigned twice, first from the Southern to Middle District Courts of Florida, and again from the Fifth to Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, each time to fit the needs of the judiciary.

During his tenure on the bench, he was also instrumental in moving towards desegregation in Northern Florida during the late 1950s and early 1960s. His record of service and dedication to the judiciary are both commendable and make him worthy of this honor.

I support the legislation, and I encourage all of my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Crenshaw).

Mr. Speaker, I just want to say I appreciate the gentleman's remarks on Judge Simpson. He personalized it and once again pointed out that only in America could somebody come from such humble beginnings and rise through the ranks of the American judiciary, and today we are naming a Federal courthouse after him.

So I have no further speakers. I encourage all of my colleagues to support H.R. 315.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 548) to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 200 West 2nd Street in Dayton, Ohio, as the ``Tony Hall Federal Building and United States Courthouse''.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to bring before the House H.R. 548, introduced by my colleague, the gentleman from Springfield, Ohio (Mr. Hobson), which designates the Federal building and United States courthouse at 200 West 2nd Street in Dayton, Ohio, as the ``Tony Hall Federal Building and United States Courthouse.''

Tony Hall's record of service to the United States and the world is well documented. He has served as a teacher of English in Southeast Asia, a member of the Ohio State legislature, a member of the House of Representatives and, now, as an official with the United Nations.

During each of these endeavors, Tony Hall worked to make life better for those less fortunate, whether it was educating a single child who may not otherwise have attended school, or as an administrator of an international organization bringing food to the hungry worldwide.

This is an appropriate honor that has the support of the entire Ohio delegation. Unfortunately, this is the third time that this matter has come to the Floor. During the 107th and 108th Congresses, my predecessor, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette), brought this matter before the House and each time it passed by voice vote, but was never considered by the Senate.

As a new subcommittee chairman, it is my pleasure to continue his efforts to get this bill enacted into law. I hope the results of our consideration this year will be more positive.

I support this legislation and encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hobson).

Mr. Speaker I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus).

(Mr. BACHUS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf).

(Mr. WOLF asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula).

(Mr. REGULA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, we have no more speakers at this time. Again, Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to support H.R. 548 in honor of Tony Hall and for what he has done for this Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 548 and H.R. 315, the measures just considered by the House.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Victor O. Woy for his 32 years of committed service to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. His presence with the Commission will be sorely missed.

A lifelong resident of Everett, PA, Victor began his journey through the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission as a clerk. After proving himself as a capable worker and quietly earning recognition for his incomparable performance on the job, Mr. Woy's distinguishing loyalty was acknowledged as he became a Construction Manager. Working tirelessly to overcome the obstacles of having to learn and master continually changing technology, Victor flourished in this position, where he remained until December 9, 2004, and was awarded the Senior Inspector-in-Charge of the Year award in 1999.

To the enjoyment of local citizens, Mr. Woy's spirit and dedication has translated into every aspect of his life. He remains actively involved with his church and various projects in and around Everett, as well as spending time with his wife, five children and five grandchildren. His uncompromising sense of duty to the community in which he lives has been a source of inspiration.

In the 32 years that Mr. Woy has had a significant hand in the operations, the Turnpike Commission has become a more efficient organization, making a strong impact on the State. He has demonstrated an unyielding enthusiasm and care for the Commission which he has served. For his incomparable generosity, service to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, and unabated commitment to excellence, Victor O. Woy deserves the highest recognition. He has left behind a legacy as an outstanding manager, incorporating leadership skills, innovative solutions to problems, and an efficient work ethic.

As a pillar of strength within his community of Everett, Mr. Woy has been a role model and leader who is admired by many. His contributions will not go unnoticed by the business for which he worked nor the community in which he lives. I would like to congratulate Mr. Woy on his accomplishments, and I wish him the best of luck in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Flash Gordon Quarry for his 35 years of committed service to AMTRAN. His knowledge and experience have made the transportation organization the efficient machine that it is today.

Flash began his journey through AMTRAN as an operator 35 years ago. He quickly proved himself as a capable worker and quietly earned recognition for his incomparable performance on the job. Mr. Quarry's distinguishing loyalty was acknowledged as he became a Director of Transportation in only 10 years. Working tirelessly to overcome the obstacles of having to learn and master continually changing technology, Flash flourished in his position as Director and for his continually professional performance he was awarded the very first Superstar of Transportation award in 1999.

Mr. Quarry's spirit and dedication to AMTRAN remains unparalleled. To the enjoyment of his family, friends, and coworkers, Flash has proven to be reliable and dependable time and time again. He willingly shoulders every major responsibility and handles the most difficult problems with patience and ease. Amongst all of his demands at work however, Flash always finds time to spend with his family, teaching his children and grandchildren to be exemplary citizens.

In the 35 years that Mr. Quarry has had a significant hand in the operations, AMTRAN has become a more efficient organization, making a strong impact on the Altoona area. He has demonstrated an unyielding enthusiasm and care for the organization which he has served. For his incomparable generosity, service to AMTRAN, and unabated commitment to excellence, Flash Gordon Quarry deserves the highest recognition. He has built a legacy as an outstanding director, incorporating leadership skills, innovative solutions to problems, and an efficient work ethic. His uncompromising sense of duty to AMTRAN has been a source of inspiration, and the organization would definitely not be the same without the guidance, leadership, and expertise that Flash offers.

As a pillar of strength within his community, Mr. Quarry is a role model and leader who is admired by many, and he will undoubtedly continue to surprise all who know him. His contributions will not go unnoticed by the business for which he works nor the community in which he lives. I would like to congratulate Mr. Quarry on his accomplishments, and I look forward to the future of AMTRAN under his guidance.

Mr. Speaker, I've been rather mystified over the reaction to the recent election by many Democrats. Since the November election, when a political opportunity

arises, some on the other side of the aisle shout out words like ``fraud'' and ``sham.'' If they aren't doing that they demean what the people in the red states did on Election Day and call them insulting names.

If this all seems to be the reaction of a shell-shocked party who has lost any vision and has moved to a vicious attack cycle--it is. The hard truth is that 58 million people voted for President Bush. And the even harder truth is that the majority of this country voted for President Bush, no matter how you try to confuse it. No proven allegations of fraud. No reports of widespread wrongdoing. It was, at the end of the day, an honest election.

My concern with this protest, is its overtly partisan nature. I notice that my colleagues are quick to criticize the vote in Ohio, a state that the President carried. Yet we have heard little about potential problems with voting in states that Senator Kerry won. Rumors of voter problems have been reported in states other than Ohio, including my own state of Pennsylvania. But the focus today seems to only be on a state carried by President Bush; and that leads me to believe that today's protest is about the outcome not about the process.

I believe a good deal of the reason for the last election is the failure of the left to produce a vision. And with an opportunity to regroup, take responsibility and work hard; they have walked away to the comforting shoulder of smear attacks.

I say let's move on to do what we were elected to do, make positive change in this country. It's time we put partisan politics behind us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Epworth Manor for its service to the community, and to congratulate all those involved with the facility on its celebration of 85 years in operation.

Throughout this nation's history, taking care of the elderly has never been more critical to our progress than it is now. With so many citizens reaching the age of retirement while having the ability to live longer due to advances in medical science, the services that care centers provide have become vital to a community's subsistence. The legacy of consistent service that the Manor as built throughout the last 85 years has helped to earn people's trust, making them more willing to seek medical help when in need. Facilities like Epworth Manor allow a region to thrive because of the assurance that quality health care is available, and its impact has been invaluable.

Established in 1919 when the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Church purchased the S.S. Blair Mansion, the facility, formerly known as the Methodist Home for the Aged, initially housed fourteen residents. After numerous expansions, extensive remodeling, and investment in new technology, Epworth Manor has expanded into a 144-bed comprehensive health care facility.

Epworth Manor has demonstrated an unyielding enthusiasm and care for the public which it serves, and its employees have worked diligently throughout its tenure, instilling a sense of pride and comfort into the area's citizens. The center has not only enriched the lives of its residents, but of those in the surrounding communities who have undoubtedly benefitted from the outstanding service that they have repeatedly provided.

For its incomparable generosity, service to the community, and unabated commitment to excellence, Epworth Manor deserves the highest recognition. The center continues to grow and maintain a high level of quality, providing an example that all businesses should follow. I congratulate Epworth Manor on its 85th anniversary and eagerly await its future progress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Waynesboro Lions Club on its 75th anniversary and to recognize the club's invaluable service to the community.

In America, unlike most countries throughout the world, the culture of charitable giving thrives. This is a nation in which freedom is our first priority, and with freedom comes empowerment and independence. As a result, individuals take care of each other to ensure a progressive society, creating a community committed to generosity and equality. It is out of this culture that numerous organizations have sprouted and grown upon the foundation of service to others.

At its inception, the Waynesboro Lions Club adopted a commitment to service, which reflects the cornerstone upon which this Nation was built. Since 1929, the club has maintained this commitment by contributing to numerous community projects. Members of the club have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life of those in need, especially the visually handicapped. By providing eye exams and glasses, as well as assisting in the training of seeing eye dogs, the club has made a positive impact on the area's visually impaired.

Without the Waynesboro Lions Club, countless area projects would still be unfinished and many of those in need would still be without aid. The community of Waynesboro has been able to strengthen its cohesion as well as its culture because of the direct involvement of the Lions Club.

The legacy of service that instills a unique pride in the hearts of every American citizen has penetrated the walls of the Waynesboro Lions Club and influenced the lives of scores of people. For its commitment to the citizens of Pennsylvania throughout the last 75 years, I am extremely grateful to the Waynesboro Lions Club.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John R. Blackburn, Jr. upon his retirement from the Board of Directors of UPMC Bedford Memorial. His presence on the board, which has become a symbol of security and stability, will be sorely missed.

As a life-long resident of Bedford County, Mr. Blackburn has connected with citizens in the area in a way that few are able. Since 1955, Mr. Blackburn has worked diligently to make positive changes throughout the hospital so that the area's health care would improve.

In the nearly fifty years that Mr. Blackburn has had a significant hand in the hospital's operations, Bedford Memorial has become a driving force of health care in Bedford County.

Mr. Blackburn has served this nation honorably, touching the lives of every American citizen through his service in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Having taken the reigns as a strong leader since his youth, he has been a pillar of strength within his community, and his ceaseless dedication to the health care system is unparalleled. His uncompromising sense of duty to the community in which he lives has been a source of inspiration, and the impact he has had is immeasurable.

For his incomparable generosity, service to the Bedford Memorial Hospital, and unabated commitment to excellence, John Blackburn, Jr. deserves the highest recognition. He has demonstrated enthusiasm and care for the county which he has served, and his spirit and dedication have infiltrated his every action. The legacy he has created is one that every American should emulate, and his contributions will not go unnoticed by the business for which he worked nor the community in which he lives. I would like to congratulate Mr. Blackburn on his many accomplishments, and I wish him the best of luck in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to lament the loss of a great American hero and Naval Officer, Lieutenant Commander Scott Zellem. The people of Indiana County and this country lost a dedicated and faithful sailor when a naval training mission turned tragic on August 10th. Scott was laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery on September 7, 2004 with full military honors and after living a life of distinguished service to this great nation.

Founded upon the ideals of liberty and democracy, America is a country unlike any other. As Americans, we cherish freedom and strive for progress with every opportunity. Our men and women of the United States Military are dedicated to this cause and are respected and honored for their service.

Our troops stand resolved to protect our families and our children from danger and attack. To these American military heroes, it is understood that we must do everything possible to win the war against terrorism and keep Americans safe at home.

Scott Zellem was one of the men to which we owe our safety and freedom. His life is one that will be remembered with great admiration and respect. Tonight, October 8, 2004, Scott's high school graduating class of 1987 will join with family, friends, and the community of Indiana County to pay tribute and thank Scott Zellem for his service. Scott answered the call to duty, and for his service, we are a grateful nation. His sacrifice, and the sacrifice of thousands who have fallen before him, will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Bruderhof Community in their recent efforts to spread peace. The ``community of brothers'' is pursuing its goal of acceptance through construction of the ``Peace Barn,'' a sanctuary for those who need silence and a gathering place for those who seek progress.

In the wake of September 11, 2001, a shadow of grief was cast over America. Nearly every citizen felt the reins of instability tugging at the society we once thought to be impregnable. With the strength and ambition that typifies the character of Americans, however, the Bruderhof Community turned devastation into promise by contributing to the Flight 93 Memorial and building a ``Peace Barn.''

Just two days after the terrorist attacks, the Bruderhof Community mobilized to realize its goals. In an effort to contribute to the Flight 93 memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the community children have produced hand-made benches with the names of those who lost their lives engraved into the backs upon the request of the families. To date, the group has produced 27 benches and has no plan to stop. Additionally, by merging its resources and gathering its members, the Bruderhof children have created a refuge for reflection and a hall for meetings out of an old, neglected, and weathered barn. Now, the Peace Barn functions as a place of encouragement, healing and sharing.

Since its inception, the barn has welcomed scores of visitors seeking peace. Grieving families are comforted by the photograph-adorned walls that inspire memories of the lives that were lost on Flight 93. Holocaust survivors are heartened by the optimism and goodness that pervade the atmosphere in the barn. Curious travelers are impelled to spread the message of peace throughout their relative communities.

In a world wrought with terror, the achievement of world peace is a formidable task. The Bruderhof Community has espoused the idea that the pursuit of peace needs to start small and diffuse gradually. With every welcoming hand that is extended to visitors and every memory that is triggered through the photos on the wall, hopefully the Bruderhof vision for the future will materialize.

On September 11, 2001, our Nation lost the ability to take peace for granted. With the construction of the Peace Barn, the Bruderhof has initiated a trend that all of America should follow.