Last week marked eighteen years since the horrific events of September 11th, 2001. Our city, our state, and our country were forever changed in those twenty-four hours.
Across southern Brooklyn, we keenly and painfully felt the loss of many of our own community members who perished on 9/11, either as first responders or working in the Twin Towers. The pain we feel as individuals and as a community never fully eases, it just gets a little easier to cope with our loss.
But we must also do more than just remember our loved ones.
We also have a sacred duty to honor the sacrifice of those who willingly risked their lives on our behalf. Those first responders -- the hundreds who died on 9/11 and the thousands who have died since then -- answered the call for help and gave their last full measure of devotion so that others could live. The sacrifices still continue as at least 10,000 emergency responders have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of toxins they were exposed to on that fateful day, and the days, weeks, and months after.
That’s why I’m proud to say that Governor Cuomo has signed my package of three 9/11 Heroes bills. These bills ensure that 9/11 first responders have access to unlimited sick leave, that we address delays in 9/11-related disability claims, and we give relief to FDNY retirees who were exposed to carcinogens on the pile 18 years ago.
The brave men and women who risked their lives on 9/11 need to hear more than just "never forget" one day a year. We need to always remember those we lost and those who sacrificed on 9/12 and every day beyond.
