Two decades ago, we promised as a state and a nation that we would never forget those who were lost on September 11, 2001. Over the intervening twenty years, we have collectively honored that commitment by joining together annually to remember those who perished during those horrific terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and on the planes that were used by the terrorists.
The loss of those lives and the pain their families still feel to this day are the reason it is important that we join together every single year. While the attacks impacted every single American in a unique way, those that were personally affected by them need to know their nation continues to stand with them.
It is truly remarkable that it has been twenty years since that day. In some ways, September 11, 2001, feels like it was yesterday. While it may be difficult to stir up the memories of that tragic day, it is imperative that we show that our nation will never forget and that we will continue to honor the memories of those who were lost and their families
In the days and months that followed the attack, it was truly inspiring to see how our nation came together in support of all these men and women and in solidarity as Americans. We joined together in a way many hadn’t seen in years and, unfortunately, see sparingly today.
We showed our strength and our resiliency to the world as we stood together as one. The events of that fateful day provided us with a glimpse into what being an American meant to each one of us. It was that togetherness that helped us rebuild and return to normal life.
That is why, in honor of the families and the lost, we must again find our togetherness both this weekend and every day going forward. While 9/11 was a day that we would all like to forget, the unity that followed is something that we should always remember and renew.
And it is that spirit that we must remember as we approach the 20th anniversary of the attacks on New York City, our state and our nation. We showed the world who we were and we must continue to do so today.
We are strongest when we are one. By standing united, we will ensure that our nation remains a beacon of freedom and strength for the world.
That is why this year, it is vital – with all that is going on both in the world and in our nation – that we continue to show the world that we remain united and that in times of trouble we stand together.
To make it easier for all in our community to join together this year, my office has created a special page on our website with a listing of the events in our area. We invite everyone to visit the page at mattera. nysenate.gov so we are all able to get together to show that we still stand united and that we will truly never forget.
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with those our nation lost on 9/11 and their families. Children have grown up with parents and spouses have lived a large chunk of their lives without their partners.
God bless those who perished that day, God bless their loved ones and God bless the United States of America.
