Whereas, on September 11, 2001, the United States endured a violent terrorist attack leading to the tragic deaths and injuries of thousands of innocent United States citizens and other citizens from more than 90 different nations and territories; Whereas, in response to the attacks in New York City, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, firefighters, uniformed officers, emergency medical technicians, physicians, nurses, military personnel, and other first responders immediately rose to service in the heroic attempt to save the lives of the people in danger; Whereas, in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, thousands of recovery workers, including trades personnel, iron workers, equipment operators, and many others, joined with uniformed officers and military personnel to help search for and recover victims lost in the attacks; Whereas, in the days, weeks, and months following the attacks, thousands of people in the United States and others spontaneously volunteered to help support the rescue and recovery efforts, braving both physical and emotional hardship; Whereas many first responders, rescue and recovery workers, volunteers, and survivors of the attacks continue to suffer from serious medical illnesses and emotional distress related to the physical and mental trauma of the tragedy; Whereas hundreds of thousands of brave men and women continue to serve every day, having answered the call to duty as members of the Armed Forces, with some having given their lives or suffered injury to defend the security of the United States and prevent further terrorist attacks; Whereas all people of the United States witnessed and endured the tragedy of September 11, 2001, and, in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, became unified under a remarkable spirit of service and compassion that inspired the people of the United States