Queens Lawmakers’ 9/11 Remembrance Bill Signed into Law; All Public Schools to Observe

wiki media commons

Sept. 10, 2019 By Allie Griffin

Tomorrow will be the first 9/11 in which students in all public schools across the state will take a moment of silence to remember the lives lost in the tragedy eighteen years ago, thanks to two Queens lawmakers.

Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill establishing September 11th Remembrance Day into law yesterday. The bill was sponsored by State Senator Joseph Addabbo and Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato, who both represent parts of Queens.

The law mandates that public school students and teachers observe a brief moment of silence at the beginning of the school day every September 11th to encourage dialogue and education on the attacks.

The lawmakers said it will ensure future generations have an understanding of the tragedy and its place in history.

“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,” Pheffer Amato 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.”

Sen. Addabbo said he was grateful that Governor Cuomo signed the bill.

“I am hopeful that this new 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 witnessed, will be forever acknowledged by school students too young to have witnessed this life-changing day,” Addabbo said.

Effective immediately, the law makes sure the mantra associated with the day, “Never Forget,” will always remain true.

“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,” Governor Cuomo said. “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.”