On the evening of September 11, 2001, I joined my colleagues on the steps of the Capitol to assure the nation that our government was still functioning and strong and that ultimately we would prevail. As we sang "God Bless America," all of us had tears in our eyes and resolve in our hearts.
Two days later, I went to the Pentagon to thank the recovery works, offer encouragement to the military and civilian employees, and to view the extent of the destruction. I was also among the delegation of Senators who took a special train to New York City just days after the terrorist attacks. I will never forget the 10-story high pile of wreckage, the pungent smoke that permeated everything, nor the courage, undaunted spirit, and fierce determination of the rescue and recovery workers at Ground Zero. Mayor Rudy Giuliani guided us as we walked carefully among the still burning debris. The sights and sounds were overwhelming, but none of us doubted for a moment the resolve of New Yorkers and all Americans.
In January, I was a member of the first bipartisan Senate delegation to travel to Central Asia. Led by Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), we met with the leaders of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan as well as Turkey and Oman, which have been critical allies in the war against terrorism. We also met with American troops throughout the region, where I saw Maine citizens making a difference in the war against terrorism. The very first American soldier I met at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan was PFC Tim McArthur of Winslow, Maine. When I journeyed to the Arabian Sea, I visited with the chief engineer of the huge nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt. He was Captain Mark Whitney from South Portland, a graduate of Maine Maritime Academy.
Everywhere we went, the morale of our troops was high. As long as they know that America is united behind them, they are willing to undertake any mission, no matter how dangerous, endure any hardship, no matter how harsh, and to risk their lives each and every day. It was an honor to be able to express to them the gratitude of every American.
Here at home, I am especially proud of the efforts of people and companies in Maine who did all they could in the past year to give aid and comfort to their fellow human beings. This sense of unity restored our faith in the goodness of the human race.
Thousands of Mainers turned out to donate blood, standing in line for up to three hours to make their contribution to the disaster relief effort. Record monetary donations from generous Mainers poured into the Red Cross and other charities. There are simply so many stories of how our fellow citizens pitched in and gave a hand that I cannot recount them all, but I'd like to mention a few.
Zampell Environmental, an industrial contractor in Lewiston, responded to the tragedy in New York City with a wonderful act of compassion and generosity that is so typical of Mainers. It donated respirators, leather and rubber gloves, safety suits, eye wash and other safety equipment to help the rescue and recovery workers.
In Skowhegan, employees at New Balance Athletic Shoe donated shoes, boots, socks, and jackets. Nooksack Racing Supply donated protective dog boots to keep the search canines from cutting their paws on broken glass and metal. Gifford's Famous Ice Cream designed a special flavor of ice cream called "Stars and Stripes." The company made 12 tons of this special ice cream, and then took it on the road to the Pentagon and Ground Zero to promote patriotism and show appreciation to fire, police, rescue, and military personnel for their service. L.L. Bean, Poland Spring Bottling Co., Falcon Shoe of Lewiston, and many, many other Maine companies and individuals made contributions to the rescue and recovery effort. It seemed that no contributor to the complex and monumental effort was overlooked by Mainers who wanted to help.
Although we live in a society that often reveres movie stars, professional athletes, and multi-millionaires, the events of last fall allowed us to make room in the newspapers and on television to tell the stories of our true heroes such as firefighters, police officers, and emergency personnel, who put their lives on the line for us every day. It reminds us that although few of us will ever be as rich as Bill Gates, as popular as Michael Jordan, or as talented as Stephen King, we all can still serve.
This week, as we remember those taken from us a year ago, let us celebrate our heroes and the compassion of Mainers who gave of themselves during this terrible time. Let us also be reassured that because of such valor, resolve, and commitment, America will prevail against terrorism.