NEW YORK, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The following are Remarks by Debra
Burlingame as prepared for delivery at the 2004 Republican National
Convention:
I'm Debra Burlingame.
My brother, "Chic Burlingame," was captain of American Airlines Flight 77,
which crashed into the Pentagon.
To those who knew him, Chic was a legend. U.S. Naval Academy, class of
'71.
A fighter pilot. And navy reservist who volunteered for the Gulf War.
His military experience trained him to be ready for battle.
But I'm certain he never expected to see action in the cockpit of his
commercial jet. I know that he and every one of those pilots put up the fight
of their lives that day.
Losing Chic on 9/11 was the most difficult thing my family's ever faced.
But burden was lessened by the things that ordinary Americans did to help us.
I want you to know that we were aware of what you did.
We saw the spontaneous memorials -- the cluster of candles on a front
porch, the sign outside the Wal-Mart that said, "Pray for the Families."
We saw the flags on the office buildings, on store fronts and kids' bikes.
We saw the websites.
We read your letters. We received the pictures your children drew.
I'll also never forget the huge flag that was unfurled at the Pentagon,
just a few yards away from where the plane went in. I especially remember it
lit up against the dark sky in the wee hours of September 12th --
Chic's birthday.
My heart fell into a million pieces as it brought back the sweet memory of
my brother as a nine-year-old Cub Scout, selling American flags door-to-door.
I am deeply honored and grateful for the privilege of standing before you
so that I can thank you for these tender gestures and for the endless
generosity which helped us carry on.
May God bless you.
Paid for by the Committee on Arrangements for the
2004 Republican National Convention
2 Penn Plaza * New York, NY 10121 * 212-356-2004
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee
SOURCE 2004 Republican National Convention
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