In remembrance of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-11) released the following statement:
“Today our nation pauses to reflect on the men and women whose lives were tragically altered or cut short as a result of the violent attacks on our homeland eight years ago.
“As the world continues to move forward, we used this day as a National Day of Service to fully pay tribute to the fallen men and women of this day. Today, the Source Magazine, the Hip Hop Caucus, and nearly 100 high school students will join me to volunteer their time at the 9/11 Memorial at the Botanic Gardens in Brooklyn, N.Y. We will participate in a planting exercise, mural project, and letter writing campaign to encourage our youth to protect our environment and give back to their community while commemorating the 8th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
“We will never forget that almost 3,000 lives were lost on that day, including 343 firefighters and 23 police officers. Their contributions and legacies will forever be honored and revered. I salute the many World Trade Center and Pentagon workers who were an integral part of our thriving economy and communities. I salute the mothers, children, teachers, doctors, and other valuable members of our society that were taken from us on that tragic day. The sacrifices and collective strength of these individuals, the fallen soldiers that we have lost in the fight against terror, and the families they have all left behind remind us that while we are a diverse people, we are all Americans. We all have a common strength that runs through all of us as a part of this great nation.
“As the only New York City member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I also salute the employees of the Department of Homeland Security, their partners at all levels of government, and emergency response providers for their dedication to securing our Nation. To honor these heroes, I introduced H.Res.73, the National Preparedness Month Resolution. This resolution honors DHS employees and emergency responders, and supports the goals and ideals of National Preparedness Month – a nationwide, coordinated effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and schools.
“My continued prayers go out both to the families that suffered the loss of loved ones and to the families of those who survived. Rest assured that I will continue to fight for a Homeland Security strategy that is proactive, comprehensive, and effective in preventing such a tragedy from occurring again on American soil.”