Remarks by Deena Burnett at the 2004 Republican National Convention
on Monday, August 30, 2004
WASHINGTON, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The following are remarks
by DeenaBurnett as prepared for delivery at the 2004 Republican
National Convention on Monday, August 30, 2004:
My name is Deena Burnett. My husband Tom was a passenger on United
Flight 93. Tom called me four times from the plane. I told him
what happened in New York and Washington.
He told me that he and the other passengers were putting together
a plan. On his fourth and final call, I asked him what I could
do. He said, "Pray, Deena. Just pray." He then said,
"Don't worry. We're going to do something."
We now know that what they did prevented that plane from hitting
its intended target. What they did was the personification of
courage and a testament to the American spirit.
We also know about the deeds of the businessmen who carried their
injured co-workers down the stairwells of the World Trade Center.
The firefighters who ran into the doomed building. And the policemen
who put themselves in harm's way to evacuate the area.
"Do something." Those words resonate in my heart and
soul. Those words obviously directed the actions of all the heroes
of 9/11, and they should direct ours. Whether it is serving in
the military, doing volunteer work, or simply helping your neighbor,
it is our responsibility as citizens of the greatest nation in
the world to "do something."
The heroes of 911 weren't created that day. Their actions were
the result of virtues practiced over a lifetime. The most fitting
memorial we could build would not consist of marble, glass, or
fountains.
It would be a living memorial -- carved in our hearts and actions
by
faith, courage, and integrity.
