Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo’s Office
“Many families within my district were deeply impacted by the tragic events of 9/11 and I certainly had them in mind when working on this legislation,” Sen. Addabbo said.
By Michael V. Cusenza
Legislation providing for the observance of Sept. 11 Remembrance Day, including a brief period of silent reflection followed by a discussion, has been signed into law, the measure’s sponsor, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), announced Monday.
The new law, according to Addabbo, mandates a brief moment of silent reflection and appropriate discussion at the start of the school day on every Sept. 11 in statewide public schools. The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 were a defining moment in the history and lives of the Empire State and of the country, Addabbo said. The tremendous loss felt by the citizens of our state, many of whom suffered great personal loss in the attacks on the World Trade Center, the pentagon, and in the fields of Shanksville, Penn., has resulted in significant transformation for our state and country, he added.
“This new law will mean that the significance of the tragic events of Sept. 11, whether it be the loss of loved ones or the largest rescue operation our nation ever witnessed, will be forever acknowledged by school students too young to have witnessed this life-changing day,” the senator said. “Since 2001, our country has been united through four simple words, ‘We will never forget,’ and with the governor signing this measure, we can ensure that all school children will continue to keep those words active in their hearts and minds.”
Governor Andrew Cuomo made the measure official Monday.
“9/11 was one of the single darkest periods in this state’s and this nation’s history, and we owe it to those we lost and to the countless heroes who ran toward danger that day and the days that followed to do everything we can to keep their memory alive,” Cuomo said. “By establishing this annual day of remembrance and a brief moment of silence in public schools, we will help ensure we never forget—not just the pain of that moment but of the courage, sacrifice and outpouring of love that defined our response.”
The bill was passed in the Assembly by Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach).
“Students graduating from high school as part of the Class of 2019 were just newborns during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and soon enough there will be no students in the national public school system born at the time of 9/11. By mandating a brief moment of silent reflection every year, we may ensure that future generations will better understand this day and its significance in our history,” Pheffer Amato said.
The law took effect as soon as Cuomo signed it, Addabbo noted.
“By mandating a moment of reflection every year on the Sept. 11 Remembrance Day, we are encouraging dialogue and education in the classroom, and ensuring that future generations will better understand this day and its place in our history,” Addabbo added. “Many families within my district were deeply impacted by the tragic events of 9/11 and I certainly had them in mind when working on this legislation.”
