[9-11 19th Anniversary]
Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney: “Today, we come together to mourn with those who lost family and loved ones in the September 11th terror attacks, and to honor the unbreakable spirit of New Yorkers and the formidable strength of the United States of America.”
Photo: YouTube
Today, on the 19th anniversary, several New York politicians have issued statements commemorating the tragic events of September 11, 2001, when 2, 977 souls lost their lives in a coordinated series of terrorist attacks.
On that fateful deadly day, two planes were flown into the World Trade Center towers; one plane was flown into the Pentagon; and Americans on the fourth plane bravely battled with the terrorists on board leading to the crashing of the plane in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
New York Public Advocate Jumaane Williams released the following statement commemorating the tragedy:
“Nineteen years after the attacks of September 11, the memories, the pain, the devastating impact of unimaginable loss remains heavy on the hearts and minds of New Yorkers and the nation. I pray all who lost loved ones have found some measure of healing and modicum of peace. We remember not only those who were killed on that day, but all, especially first responders, who have suffered and lost their lives to illness as a result of their courage to provide aid in the area of the attack. I hope that all with the power of action will use it to help those in pain.
“The impression of the tragedy that took place on September 11, and the lives of those lost, will forever be remembered in our minds, our hearts, and our history. New York is again experiencing a time of great pain, of tens of thousands of lives lost to a deadly virus, a city stricken by grief and wary of an uncertain future. Now, as we did then, is a time to comfort all who are mourning, to support all who are struggling, to give gratitude to our heroes and aid to our suffering neighbors.
“Tragedy can sometimes discourage a city, a nation, but with commitment and tenacity, I am strong in my belief that New York and its people will remain strong and unified, lifting each other in times of tragedy and standing together to rebuild and recover.”
Congressman Max Rose said the following:
“Today we remember the pain that swept over our nation 19 years ago. Here in New York, it wasn’t just an attack on our country, it was the last time we hugged our loved ones goodbye, or saw our neighbors dropping their kids off at school. And while so many of us wish we could unlearn what that pain, that loss feels like, with each year that passes an entire generation is now learning about September 11th for the first time from a history book, rather than remembering it.
“And if we’re being honest with ourselves, there are a lot of people outside this city who swore they would never forget and did. I saw it firsthand when politicians had to be shamed into fully funding the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. But they did it because we made them remember.
“Those of us who lived through that horrific day carry a heavy burden and responsibility to ensure the memories of those we lost never fade away. To never think—just for a second—that time alone can heal the wounds of loss. And to ensure the Museum—or any institution—charged with protecting the memory of our loved ones never again thinks it’s okay to turn off the lights. We have not forgotten. We will never forget. And together, we’ll make sure the rest of world never will either.”
Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney said:
“Today, we come together to mourn with those who lost family and loved ones in the September 11th terror attacks, and to honor the unbreakable spirit of New Yorkers and the formidable strength of the United States of America.
“After this dark day, 19 years ago, we unified our differences, and together we stood strong as a beacon of light against hatred and brutality. Today, as we continue to face threats abroad and at home – to freedom, justice, equality and opportunity – we must reignite that unity and stand together for a more perfect future.”
Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney said:
“As we mark another year gone since September 11, 2001, we remember all those who lost their lives to hatred — those who perished that fateful day and the survivors and first responders who became sick from the toxins at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and the Shanksville crash site over the last nineteen years. As our nation battles COVID-19, I want to encourage every survivor and first responder to sign up for the World Trade Center Health Program so that they can get the care and monitoring they need and deserve. These heroes and their families should also make sure they are signed up for the Victim Compensation Fund. These programs are the least we can provide as a grateful nation who pledged to ‘Never Forget.’”
Representative Antonio Delgado said:
“September 11, 2001 is a day that none of us will ever forget. Nineteen years ago today, vile acts of terror cut short the lives of nearly 3,000 Americans in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Following the attacks, as thousands searched for safety, first responders rushed into harm’s way to save lives. These brave first responders came from communities across our district – towns large and small – as our country responded to this national tragedy with collective action. The selfless heroism of our volunteers echoes throughout our district as we honor those lost in the line of duty, as well as the thousands of heroes who have fallen ill and died from toxic exposures at Ground Zero.
“This year, while we may be physically distant from one another, we are bonded as a nation by our resolve in the face of tragedy. We will never forget those neighbors, coworkers and family members we lost, we will never forget the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, and we will never forget that deep sense of national unity we felt in the days and months following 9-11. May we continue to draw upon this collective strength as we confront this global health crisis, and answer to our better angels, united as Americans.”
