By Joe Addabbo, Jr.
This year, 2025, marks 24 years since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, which changed our world and our lives forever. As more time passes, it should not diminish the memories of that day and the 3,000 innocent people who lost their lives and the first responders who rushed toward danger so that others might live. In the aftermath of 9/11, we came together as a nation, throughout each community, and we worked together despite our differences, to preserve our democracy and the greater good.
On this anniversary, in addition to grieving for all the innocent people who lost their lives, we must also remember the families of the victims who carry the burden of grief to this day and are left asking why and still finding strength in the outpouring of support from across our city, state and nation.
File Photo
We also remember the heroes—the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, veterans and those who exhibited tremendous courage by answering the call of duty despite the threats to their own safety and the emotional pressure to save as many people as they possibly could. Their bravery is not a remnant of the past; it is an eternal mission that must continue to inspire our public safety investments, and our vigilance against threats to our communities.
In 2019, I introduced legislation (S.4166) that was passed into law to make sure this important day is remembered and spoken of in our public schools. We have an obligation to educate those who are too young to remember 9/11 when it happened, to still understand the significance of the events that took place that day. Under the September 11th Remembrance Day law, a brief non-religious period of silence is observed at the beginning of the school day to promote subsequent dialogue in our classrooms about the history of 9/11 and how it affected our city, state, and country.
As we reflect on what we can do in the present day to continue to address the rippling effects of more than two decades ago, I remain steadfast in my commitment to supporting critical infrastructure, encouraging emergency preparedness, supporting veterans and first responders with mental health resources, and ensuring that no family faces grief alone.
The memory of 9/11 and the period that followed reminds us that unity and compassion are so very important and that we must be strong and stand together to protect the democracy and freedoms that are the core values of our beloved nation. I encourage all New Yorkers to join me in my dedication to a future worthy of the lives we honor today.
Addabbo is a State senator who has represented the 15th Senatorial District since 2008
