By Forum Staff
This Thursday, Sept. 14, City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) will make the case that Sept. 11 should be designated a federal holiday.
During Thursday’s Stated Meeting, Ariola will tout Resolution 415, which calls upon Congress and the Biden administration to sign the September 11 Day of Remembrance Act. The legislation would designate the hallowed, historic date a federal holiday, and give Americans a day off from work and school to more fully contemplate the impact Sept. 11, 2001 has had on the history—and future—of the country.
“This resolution was really spurred by a moving email I received from two students at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy in Belle Harbor,” Ariola noted. “Those students—twins named Anthony and Alexa Gennaro—who wanted to keep the memory of their aunt Lucy Ann Fishman alive for future generations to remember. They had never met Lucy themselves, but her legacy remains an important part of their lives. This letter really drove home the fact that there is an entire generation of young people out there who didn’t witness the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, and who might forget in time the ultimate sacrifices that were made that day. In Lucy’s memory, and in memory of the thousands of others who lost their lives in that tragedy, I believe it is vital that we designate Sept. 11 as a day of remembrance and a federal holiday, so that all generations of the future can really understand the significance of those attacks.”
File Photo
Counwilwoman Joann Ariola
Councilwoman Julie Menin (D-Manhattan), a co-sponsor of the resolution, added, “The events of 9/11 left an enduring imprint on our nation’s history, and our commitment to ‘never forget’ remains resolute. I was honored to serve on the 9/11 Memorial Jury that selected the design for the Memorial and continue to serve on the board of trustees of the September 11th Memorial. Despite memorials and tributes, many states lack 9/11 education and this tragic day must be remembered for future generations. Council Member Joann Ariola is taking that next step by sponsoring a resolution calling on Congress to make September 11 a federal holiday. The September 11 Day of Remembrance Act would unite us and honor those bonds forged in tragedy. Let’s make September 11 a national holiday and ensure we never forget.”
