Political Quotes

“I thank Congressman D'Esposito for bringing us together tonight to honor the 2,977 victims of September 11 but also the many more who have died since. I thank him for his service in the NYPD to the city of New York. Madam Speaker, 23 years ago, those of us in New York City experienced the 9/11 attacks in a way we will never forget. I was a recent graduate commuting to my first job near Union Square in Manhattan when the first plane hit the North Tower at 8:46 a.m. We watched in horror as the city descended into chaos and first responders rushed in to save lives. Too many never returned. The attacks shattered our sense of security. ``Never forget'' became the rallying cry for our troops entering Afghanistan in pursuit of Osama bin Laden and al-Qaida. We came together to support the recovery of our city and heal our country. New York emerged stronger with enhanced security, a fortified NYPD, and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. Twenty-three years later, we approach a somber reality that more FDNY members have passed away from 9/11-related illnesses and cancers than from the attack on September 11, 2001. I have attended memorials and street namings for heroes who made it home on 9/11 only to succumb to it years after.…”