Mike Bost

Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my fellow House co- chairs--Representative Fitzpatrick, Representative Hoyer, Representative Larson--and the entire Congressional Fire Services Caucus to recognize the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.

On that tragic morning, nearly 3,000 innocent lives--including 343 members of the fire and emergency services--were taken in acts of terrorism that shook our country to its core. As co-chairs of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, we stand today, 25 years later, to remember every individual loss, every family forever changed by unimaginable tragedy, and every community that continues to carry the weight of that day.

As we reflect on the events of September 11th, we pay special tribute to America's first responders. In a time of fear, confusion, and turmoil, members of the fire and emergency services rushed toward danger with unwavering resolve. They did not hesitate. They answered the call knowing the risks, guided by a profound commitment to protecting lives.

On 9/11, hundreds of firefighters and EMS providers made the ultimate sacrifice while carrying out their duty. Their courage became a defining symbol of American heroism, reminding us that the measure of service is found not in words, but in selfless action. The courage displayed by these first responders inspired millions and reminded us that hope is strongest when we stand together. In those moments of profound uncertainty, neighbors helped neighbors, communities rallied together, and Americans from every walk of life stood united in compassion and resilience.

We also honor the thousands of first responders who labored tirelessly in the days, weeks, and months that followed. Amid smoke, debris, and uncertainty, they searched for survivors, recovered the fallen, comforted grieving families, and helped a wounded Nation begin the long process of healing. Many have since faced life-threatening illnesses and chronic health conditions resulting from their service. Their sacrifices did not end when the recovery efforts concluded, and our Nation's obligation to care for them remains as enduring as their commitment to us.

In the years since September 11th, that obligation has taken many forms. The Congressional Fire Services Caucus has worked to ensure that the needs of America's first responders remain a priority in Washington, D.C.--advocating for the resources, protections, benefits, and support they need to serve their communities and return home safely. The work of the Fire Services Caucus reflects a responsibility that extends far beyond any single anniversary: to understand the needs and challenges of our local fire and EMS personnel, to stand with those who stand ready to protect us, and to ensure that our Nation does not forget the sacrifices made every day in service to others.

Across our cities, towns, and rural communities, first responders answer emergency calls regardless of what awaits them at the scene. They respond to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, natural disasters, and much more with the same dedication and sense of duty that defined those who responded on September 11th. The work of the fire and emergency services is indispensable to the safety and well-being of every American.

To the younger generations who know September 11th only through history, we must preserve not only the memory of that day, but also the guiding example set by those who responded, The legacy of September 11th is one of courage over fear, service over self, and unity over division.

Today, we honor the individuals whose lives were cut short, the families who continue to bear their loss, and the first responders whose bravely became a lasting testament to the best of America. May we never forget their sacrifice. May we continue to support those who wear the uniform of the fire and emergency services. And may we strive each day to keep building a Nation worthy of the courage they displayed on one of our country's darkest days.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week.

This week means some very special things to me. I know this business firsthand. I was born and raised in the trucking business. My grandfather started a trucking business in 1933. My dad and my uncle moved and grew that business, and I spent my life growing up in that business.

I drove my first tractor-trailer across a lot when I was 9 years old. Now, I also first drove my first end-loader through the side of a new garage at about 6, but that is another story.

I spent my whole life around the trucking industry. I went off to the Marine Corps, but I came back home and ran the business for 10 years. My brother and my cousin now run it still. It started out as W.J. Bost & Sons, and it is now Bost Trucking.

I grew up in it, from washing trucks to I have never had a car license. When I was 16 years old, I got my license as a tractor-trailer license because it was before CDLs. Therefore, I started delivering goods and running and working in the business.

I know the business well. It is not an easy job. It is early mornings. It is late nights. It is long stretches far from home and a whole lot of responsibility. That is another reason why we need to make sure that the people who are doing it are well trained, are people who understand our language, who understand what it is to speak that language, and understand, when you are rolling down the road, how to be safe with 80,000 pounds-plus of vehicle.

During this National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week, I say a special thank you to the hardworking men and women behind the wheel, but I also want to say a special thank you to their families. Remember, those men and women behind the wheel, they miss a whole lot of baseball games, football games, basketball games, school plays, and Christmas concerts in grade school. They miss those things because they are making sure that those goods and services that we need every day are there when we walk into the grocery store or the auto parts store. Oh, when we go shopping for cars, those cars that are sitting there, and every other good that is in every business that we go into has been on somebody's truck, moving from point A to point B.

They are sacrificing their time. Yes, they get paid, but some of those things they give up can't be gotten back, like time with their families.

We do want to say thank you to them for every mile they drive. Thank you for supplying all of these store shelves and growing our economy, and thank you for keeping America moving every single day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Martin Joseph ``Joe'' O'Rourke in celebration of his milestone 100th birthday and his years of dedicated service to his country.

Joe was born July 21, 1926, in Marshall, Illinois. As the son of a World War I veteran, when Joe's time for service came, he readily answered the call. He enlisted on May 17, 1945, as a private in the United States Army during World War II.

Joe achieved the rank of Technician Fourth Grade and was assigned to the 977th Signal Service Battalion. He was stationed in Italy and Iran, where he helped maintain strategic military communication systems and critical infrastructure. Joe was honorably discharged and awarded the Victory Medal and the Overseas Service Bar, before retuming home to Marshall.

Joe married the love of his life, Inez Louise Remlinger, and with her support, went back to school and earned his GED. He and Inez would raise five sons: Bob, Tom, John, Gary, and Brian. God blessed the couple with 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating Martin Joseph ``Joe'' O'Rourke, a World War II veteran and devoted family man, for 100 years well lived.