Recognizing Pa-1's Hometown Hero: Ellen Saracini

Floor Speech

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Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary individual from Pennsylvania's First Congressional District--someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to both our community and our country. It is with great respect and admiration that I recognize Ellen Saracini, one of our district's distinguished Hometown Heroes.

Hometown Heroes are not defined by titles or accolades, but by the quiet power of their actions. They are distinguished by their unwavering integrity, the strength of their character, and their steadfast commitment to the people and places they serve. They are the foundation upon which our communities stand--the ones who lift others up, inspire hope, and, in doing so, call us all to higher standards of service and compassion. Ellen Saracini has embodied this spirit in ways that words can scarcely capture.

Ellen's determination has truly moved mountains and skies and transformed tragedy into triumph. On September 11, 2001, Captain Victor Saracini was piloting United Airlines Flight 175 when his plane was hijacked and deliberately flown into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. That day, Ellen lost her husband, her daughters lost their father, and their lives forever changed. Yet, from this unimaginable sorrow, Ellen emerged as a formidable force of strength and resilience. Over the past 23 years, she has channeled her grief into powerful advocacy for aviation safety, driven by a singular mission: to ensure that no other family endures the pain she has known. Her tireless efforts have redefined air travel safety standards and ensured our pilots, crews, and passengers are safe in the skies.

Since joining Congress, it has been my profound honor to partner with Ellen in that fight. In 2018, we achieved a milestone by securing my amendment in the FAA Reauthorization, mandating secondary barriers on all newly manufactured aircraft. Although we celebrated that victory, industry resistance stalled the retrofitting of existing fleets, but Ellen, with her unwavering spirit and relentless drive, would not accept defeat. We doubled down on our efforts, and earlier this year, the Saracini Enhanced Aviation Safety Act became law as part of the 2024 FAA Reauthorization. This bipartisan legislation ensures secondary barriers are now required on all aircraft--new and existing--preventing future tragedies and saving countless lives. It was a victory forged by our shared resolve and Ellen's extraordinary perseverance, strength, and courage.

Ellen's determination to create lasting change did not stop there. With the same strength and resolve that carried her through unimaginable loss, she turned her grief into action once again--this time to heal our community. Ellen led the charge to establish the Garden of Reflection 9/11 Memorial, a sanctuary built to honor the 18 Bucks County residents and the 2,973 souls lost on that tragic day. Today, this beautiful 2.5-acre memorial is Pennsylvania's official 9/11 memorial and draws visitors from across our country. It serves as a place of healing, reflection, and unity--a lasting tribute only made possible through Ellen's unshakable resolve.

Ellen exemplifies the profound power of resilience, strength, and purposeful action. Her unwavering commitment has revolutionized aviation safety and provided solace to countless families, demonstrating that even in our darkest hours, we can find light and enact meaningful change.

In times of uncertainty, it is the work of individuals like Ellen Saracini that reminds us of the strength of the human spirit. Today, we honor Ellen Saracini not just for their remarkable deeds, but for who she is--a true hero, in every sense of the word.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's First Congressional District, I extend my deepest gratitude to Ellen Saracini for her extraordinary service. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this exceptional individual, whose leadership and spirit of service will inspire generations to come. May their example remind us of the boundless potential within each of us to make our communities, country, and world a better place.

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