Kennedy shares reaction to 9/11

By RACHEL WEDDIG

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- U.S. Rep. Mark Kennedy spoke to Cathedral High School students and staff Monday regrading the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"Today we're looking to defend our freedoms at home," Kennedy said. "I don't think any of us will ever forget where we were when we first heard the news."

Kennedy, who represents Minnesota's second district in Congress, talked about the evacuation of the congressional offices in Washington D.C. and the eerie absence of school children surrounding the area after the attacks.

"I'll never forget the utter destruction of the World Trade Towers -- even after 20 days, the site was still smoking," Kennedy said. "But the flame of liberty was still held high."

Kennedy referred to a quote by Napoleon that said the greatest of soldiers run towards the gunfire.

"All of us wanted to do whatever we could," Kennedy said. "But in the end, what we could do the most is pray -- and pray we did."

Kennedy talked about a church service he attended following the attacks.

"When we entered the prayer service, it was raining, and when we came out the clouds broke," Kennedy said. "Billy Graham has said, 'God can be trusted, even when it seems it's at its darkest.'"

The most striking part of the church service for Kennedy was singing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." He said the song couldn't be more appropriate for times such as now.

Kennedy talked about the current war on terrorism.

"We're not doing it for vengeance, but doing it to make sure it doesn't happen again," Kennedy said. "It's not just about Osama bin Laden and the al- Qaida network -- the people who have attacked us, are a traitor to their own religion."

Kennedy praised the young men and women currently serving the country overseas.

"We have the most dedicated and committed young men and women devoted to our country and devoted to freedom," Kennedy said. "I'm confident we will rise to the challenge and I want to thank you all for your help, support and prayers."

During a student question and answer session, Kennedy talked about the hunt for Bin Laden.

"Taking Bin Laden out may not be the end solution," Kennedy said. "We still have kids in communities overseas that look up to Bin Laden."

One student asked Kennedy what he felt was the most important issue facing Americans.

"The number one thing Americans are worried about today is security," Kennedy said. "People are asking themselves, are they safe?"