New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation establishing September 11th Remembrance Day. It was effective immediately on signing, which took place Sept. 9, and was operative for the anniversary two days later. The law calls for a moment of silence in state public schools at the beginning of the school day every Sept. 11 “to encourage dialogue and education in the classroom, and to ensure future generations have an understanding of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks and their place in history,” according to a release.
Cuomo observed, “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. 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.”
Sponsor Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. (D-Ozone Park) said, “I am hopeful this law will mean that the significance of the tragic events of September 11th, whether it be the loss of loved ones or the largest rescue operation our nation ever seen, will be forever acknowledged by school students too young to have witnessed this life-changing day.”
“Students graduating from high school as part of the Class of 2019 were just newborns during the terrorists attacks of September 11, 2001, and soon enough there will be no students in the national public school system born at the time of 9/11,” Assemb. Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Beach) said. “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.”
“We want young people today to remember 9/11 and that is why we passed the law….so students understand, remember and learn the lesson of our history and 9/11, and what we did, who we are and what we faced,” said Cuomo at the seventh annual 9/11 Motorcycle Ride in New York City, where he signed a number of 9/11-related bills.
