Senate remembers al-Qaida victims, honors efforts of presidents and troops in the War on Terror

Just as they were nearly ten years ago, members of the Oklahoma Senate were united in their pride in America, paying tribute Monday to thousands of victims of al-Qaida from 9-11 to the first attack on the World Trade Center in 1993.
When the session first convened on Monday, Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman led members in a moment of silence to acknowledge those victims, including Oklahoman David Rice, brother of Democratic Senate Leader, Andrew Rice.

“This is a significant event. It’s a tribute to the president, our special forces, all the military that’s been involved,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa. “But in the midst of the celebration of the death of Osama bin Laden, we need to remember the families and victims who lost loved ones in terrorist attacks and in the years that followed.”

The Senate gave unanimous approval to SR 23 on Monday, authored by Bingman and Rice and co-authored by all members.

“This weekend’s news was exhilarating and emotional,” said Rice, D-Oklahoma City. “It was important to Senator Bingman and me to make sure we remembered all the victims of al-Qaida, and honor not just this president but past administrations for their efforts, as well as our troops,” Rice said. “It was also very fitting to note that two of our own members, Senator Ivester and Senator Russell, were among the many Oklahomans who have fought in the War on Terror.”

Bingman and Rice said all Americans should take pride in the fact that justice was done.