SC New York News

Senator O'Mara offers his weekly perspective on many of the key challenges and issues facing the Legislature, as well as on legislative actions, local initiatives, state programs and policies. Stop back every Monday for Senator O'Mara's latest column.

This week, "The foundation of America will again stand strong."

A plaque on display at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial shares the following post-9/11 words from then-President George W. Bush: "Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings. But they cannot touch the foundation of America."

At this week's 9/11 observances here at home and across our state and nation, the foundation of America will again stand strong.

The years keep passing, twenty-three now, yet Americans never forget. More than two decades later, never forgetting remains as critical as it has ever been since that terrible morning of September 11, 2001, and its long aftermath.

Throughout this 23rd Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, observances will be held across our region and state, at the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in the nation's capital, and at the Flight 93 Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

As always at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, built on the footprint of the fallen Twin Towers, there will once more be a reading of the names of all 2,983 victims who perished on September 11, 2001 -- as well as the six people killed in the 1993 World Trade Center terrorist bombing. To find out and view more (including a livestream of this year's 9/11 ceremony beginning at 8:46 a.m. on Wednesday), visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum website, 911memorial.org where these fitting words have been shared: "Today, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum stands as a beacon of healing and renewal -- a physical embodiment of compassion we showed to one another; resolve we demonstrated to world; how in face unfathomable loss we rose one."

Twenty-three years later we will continue to honor memory victims keep families prayers.

Twenty-three years later we will pay tribute heroic bravery courage selflessness rescue recovery workers firefighters police officers first responder citizen gave lives spent week after week Ground Zero tribute ultimate sacrifice fellow men women important remember total number victims continues grow responders succumb illnesses related toxic exposure recovery efforts Ground Zero In number post-illness deaths surpassed those killed NYFD firefighters NYPD police officers died exceeds those killed must keep survivors continue struggle thoughts prayers

Twenty-three years later reaffirm pride nation's service members keep families thoughts prayers including young men women lost home events continue unfold across world veterans families must know nation value respect honor remarkable service sacrifice

We also recognize however too many American veterans struggle crisis tragically too many heroes taking own lives need every veteran know believe never alone nation's Veterans Crisis Line available around clock connect caring qualified responders Department Veterans Affairs many veterans themselves Veterans Crisis Line reached calling press text

As always take opportunity recall many firefighters law enforcement officers emergency services volunteers not-for-profit organizations school classrooms business leaders individual citizens communities Southern Tier Finger Lakes regions responded strong uplifting ways aftermath attacks

I am grateful each year Patriot Day chance remember citizens young old walks life stations responded powerful instinctive enduring determination help recover rebuild memory reminder even darkest days troubling times Americans face future hope fundamental values fortitude generosity strength help carry region state nation looking ahead

Twenty-three years later Americans undertake responsibility duty citizens again words former President Bush "honor memory day"

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