Nita Lowey: “I want to thank my good friend and New Yorker, my colleague, Carolyn Maloney, for organizing this evening so that we can…”

“I want to thank my good friend and New Yorker, my colleague, Carolyn Maloney, for organizing this evening so that we can all remember. Eighteen years have passed since the September 11 terrorist attacks, but the memory of this unimaginable tragedy, unspeakable terror, and profound grief remains. When tragedy struck, men and women streamed from the Twin Towers and the Pentagon as first responders ran in and risked their lives. Volunteers sifted through debris for days and weeks, hoping for miracles. Between those horrific attacks and the crash of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, we lost nearly 3,000 family members, friends, and neighbors. We promised to never forget those whose lives were cut short. The pain that we all feel from the loss of our relatives, friends, and neighbors will never heal, but every day we must channel that pain into remembrance and service. By participating in this day of service, we help build a stronger, more unified community to honor the victims' memories. We are also called to care for those who remain with us but suffer as a result of their bravery that day. In July, the Senate followed the House's lead and passed the permanent renewal of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, which was enacted on July 29, 2019. The long- overdue action provides financial security and care for first responders and survivors who are ill from exposure to a mix of burning chemicals and debris.…”