Proclamation: Honoring 9/11 First Responders

September 7, 2016

PROCLAMATION HONORING 9/11 FIRST RESPONDERS

“9/11” is emblazoned in human history as a day of terror and tragedy, of mass killing, of unspeakable horror.

For Americans, 9/11 was an attack on our soil; for New Yorkers it was an attack on our town, our people, our families.

Today, almost 15 years after that awful day, we remember the terrible loss and continue to honor first responders for their extraordinary bravery. We remember our roles in the frenzy of the many injured, providing care and comfort.

As the Twin Towers were struck and inflamed, first responders rushed head-long into the massive inferno to do what they do: risk their lives to save lives. Some were saved, but 2,996 people died (including 125 at the Pentagon where another jet was deliberately crashed).

Many first responders lost their lives: 411 Emergency Workers perished in the 9/11 disaster, including 343 firefighters.

We remember on that day the victims who were rushed to our hospitals. Bellevue and other City and voluntary hospitals were inundated in their efforts to treat the many injured. Some were taken to makeshift field hospitals in Chelsea and elsewhere. Nurses flocked to the 9/11 site in the days immediately following the attacks to see if they could assist there.

We hereby remember the loss and sacrifice of so many that terrible day 15 years ago, and honor the heroism of our first responders.

To that end, NYSNA has made contributions to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation in honor of the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller and the other first responders who died on that day, as well as our military and first responders who continue to risk life and limb to keep us all safe. In July, NYSNA also made a contribution to Tunnel to Towers, directed to the families of the slain police officers in Dallas.

UPDATE: On August 15, NYSNA received the following message of thanks from the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation:

Thank you for generously supporting the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s effort to make a significant difference in the lives of the families of the Dallas police officers who were murdered in the line of duty. We’re very appreciative. Your effort enabled us to visit the Dallas Police Department, lay a wreath on the memorial honoring the slain officers, and present each of the five families with a check for $100,000.

It is in the same spirit of honoring our first responders that we have launched many new 5k run and walk events nationwide. We cordially invite all of our Dallas supporters to continue honoring America’s Bravest by taking part in one of these community events. Click HERE to find a run or walk near you.