Elise M. Stefanik

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from New York for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, 25 years ago, every American of a certain age can remember exactly where they were on 9/11, when the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil in history happened, killing 2,977 of our fellow Americans.

Fueled by hate, darkness, and evil, Islamic terrorists hijacked and weaponized commercial airplanes, turning them into suicidal missiles. The terrorists aimed at the heart of American exceptionalism. Two planes hit the World Trade Center, a symbol of world-leading capitalism and limitless economic opportunity; one hit the Pentagon, our Nation's headquarters of military might and patriotic service; and one was likely headed for this very Capitol, aiming for the people's House, symbolizing we the people of our constitutional Republic.

In fact, this historic Capitol might not even be here today were it not for the brave 40, the heroes who took back control of the hijacked plane that was brought down in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, arguably the first Americans to fight what would become the global war on terror.

What the terrorists did not realize that day and the days after is that they would never bring the American people to our knees. On 9/11, you saw unbelievable acts of heroism from law enforcement, first responders, and everyday Americans who ran into the fire to save their fellow countrymen and -women. Many sacrificed their lives in the course of duty. You saw flags on every block and building, and tremendous acts of community service with neighbor helping neighbor simply because they were fellow Americans. Our country was more unified on September 12 than any day in modern history.

In the quarter century since that fateful day, we must always honor and remember those whose lives were cut short when they were killed by terrorists, and we must also remember and honor the thousands of 9/11 workers who cleaned up the rubble to rebuild and subsequently suffered and died because of 9/11 health-related illnesses.

We honor the veterans and military families who served countless tours in the global war on terror, and we thank our dedicated intelligence officials around the world working to keep us safe every day.

One hundred million Americans have been born since 9/11. They do not have a lived memory of that crystal blue sky the morning of the day that the world changed. It is up to our generation to teach them about September 11, to ensure we never forget, and to ensure it never happens again. We must teach them that out of the ashes on our darkest day, fellow Americans will always rise and meet the moment to protect, defend, and honor our country.

Mr. Speaker, next week, as we commemorate 9/11 in ceremonies big and small all across our great Nation, may God bless the innocent souls killed on that day, the first responders, 9/11 workers, and the veterans who served. May God continue to bless and keep safe the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Army veteran Howard ``Sam'' Waite. Sam was born on July 2, 1926, in Pontiac, Michigan, and his military service spans three wartime periods and includes some of the most significant contlicts of the twentieth century.

Raised in Poultney, Vermont, Sam was drafted in 1944 at the age of 18. He served as a rifleman assigned to Battery C, 658th Field Artillery Battalion, in the European Theater of Operations. Sam was in Germany on Victory in Europe Day, witnessing the surrender of Nazi Germany and the end of World War II in Europe. For his service, Sam earned the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon.

After the war, Sam reenlisted as an automotive repairman and served through the Korean War, ascending through the non-commissioned officer ranks and earning the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars. Following Korea, Sam was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, before transferring to the Panama Canal Zone, where he provided military assistance and economic aid by training local troops to operate U.S.- provided vehicles. During this assignment, Sam also traveled throughout South America, including visits to Bolivia, Chile, and Uruguay.

Sam later served during the Vietnam War, earning the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. Returning to the United States, he spent two years as an Assistant Professor of Automotive Engineering at the United States Military Academy at West Point before being deployed to Iran during the turmoil of the 1960s. On June 7, 1966, Sam achieved the senior rank in the Army Non-Commissioned Officer Corps, often referred to as the backbone of the Army. In 1968, Sam retired as a highly decorated Sergeant Major after more than 24 years of military service.

Following his retirement from the Army, Sam returned home to Granville, New York where he continued serving his community. He operated a Texaco gas station and repair shop for 16 years before spending the next four decades working in automotive air-conditioning repair. Sam ultimately retired at the age of 88.

On July 2, 2026, Sam will celebrate his 100th birthday. His century of life has been defined by service, sacrifice, hard work, and devotion to both his country and his community. On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I am honored to recognize Howard ``Sam'' Waite and thank him for his extraordinary service to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 200th anniversary of the founding of Lowville Village Band.

Originally known as the Union Band upon its formation in 1826 the founding members began a tradition of playing music in the local park. The band changed names several times it is first 100 years reflecting the instruments they played, the Union Band reformed as the Lowville Saxhorn Band in 1856. During this time the band would perform all over Northern New York and even into Canada. These performances were part of parades, festivals, and private parties as well as sometimes on steamboats. During the Civil War their performances dwindled as other duties called members away but following the war they reformed as the Lowville Cornet Band before a local philanthropist, Francis K. Leonard donated silver instruments to the band along with other generous donations leading them to rebrand as the Leonard Silver Cornet Band. Four years later they chose to rename themselves the Lowville Cornet & Orchestra Band.

Over the years the band has been led by extremely talented musicians, including Franklin A. Thompson, who had previously played with the United States Marine Corps Band and Buffalo Bill Wild West Show Band; Luther Askin, who helped found the New York State School Music Association and Lowville Academy Band, and Perl Johnson, who served in World War I as a member of the American Expeditionary Force and led field music for the 310th Infantry Regiment.

In the 1930s the band officially became the Lowville Village Band, the name it has held ever since. Today, the band's ensemble consists of approximately 50 brass, woodwind, and percussion musicians who range in age from 14 to 80. The band hosts a very popular summer concert series where they play marches and patriotic music from the past at the Lowville Veterans Memorial Park.

On behalf of New York's 21st District, I recognize the Lowville Village Band for 200 years of bringing music to the Village of Lowville and communities across our region.