Posted on 09/11/2004 3:55:36 AM PDT by BigWaveBetty
We remember. We always will.
To those who were injured and to those who perished, America will hunt down every last one of the terrorists.
To all who loved those who were injured and who perished, may God bless, comfort you and keep you strong.
The following are Remarks by Debra Burlingame as prepared for delivery at the 2004 Republican National Convention:
I'm Debra Burlingame.
My brother, "Chic Burlingame," was captain of American Airlines Flight 77, which crashed into the Pentagon.
To those who knew him, Chic was a legend. U.S. Naval Academy, class of '71.
A fighter pilot. And navy reservist who volunteered for the Gulf War. His military experience trained him to be ready for battle.
But I'm certain he never expected to see action in the cockpit of his commercial jet. I know that he and every one of those pilots put up the fight of their lives that day.
Losing Chic on 9/11 was the most difficult thing my family's ever faced. But burden was lessened by the things that ordinary Americans did to help us.
I want you to know that we were aware of what you did. We saw the spontaneous memorials -- the cluster of candles on a front porch, the sign outside the Wal-Mart that said, "Pray for the Families." We saw the flags on the office buildings, on store fronts and kids' bikes.
We saw the websites. We read your letters. We received the pictures your children drew.
I'll also never forget the huge flag that was unfurled at the Pentagon, just a few yards away from where the plane went in. I especially remember it lit up against the dark sky in the wee hours of September 12th -- Chic's birthday.
My heart fell into a million pieces as it brought back the sweet memory of my brother as a nine-year-old Cub Scout, selling American flags door-to-door.
I am deeply honored and grateful for the privilege of standing before you so that I can thank you for these tender gestures and for the endless generosity which helped us carry on.
May God bless you.
Weather Channel said New Orleans would not be hit as hard because 1. They will not take a direct hit and 2. They will catch the weaker west side of the storm....Mobile, now that's another matter.
Sweet goodness.
Finally made it to north Alabama tonight. Doesn't look good for Mobile. The storm's heading up
here tomorrow. It won't be anything like it was down there, but we may lose power here for a couple of days.....hope not! I mean, a gal's gotta keep up with Rathergate & the Ryder Cup.
Everyone's completely worn out from preparing for the storm, the long drive and the stress and anxiety. I'm watching til the eye goes over Mobile, then I'm going to bed for a long time. See y'all tomorrow. (Thanks to everyone for the pings!)
Take care - you'll be in our prayers.
Glad you made it safely north. Get some rest and rest a day or two until it is safe to go home.
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