Governor Cuomo Announces Monument to be Built Honoring 9/11 First Responders and Survivors State Will Launch Request for Proposals to Select Design and Location for Monument in New York City
Thank you Governor Cuomo for working to create a monument to be built honoring 9/11 injured and ill 9/11 responders and survivors.
Below is the text of the Governor’s press release, which can be found here.
Governor Cuomo Announces Monument to be Built Honoring 9/11 First Responders and Survivors
State Will Launch Request for Proposals to Select Design and Location for Monument in New York City
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that a monument honoring the first responders who took action on 9/11 will be built in New York City. The Governor will issue a Request for Proposals to select the design and location and of the monument. The monument will pay tribute to the heroes who lost their lives, as well as those survivors who continue to suffer from health issues related to the aftermath of the terrorist attack.
The announcement comes on the 15th anniversary of the attack and coincides with the Governor’s 9/11 Motorcycle ride. Earlier today, more than 250 first responders representing fire and police stations across New York State joined the Governor and approximately 650 participants on a motorcycle ride down the West Side highway to the Ground Zero site.
“Fifteen years ago, New York’s first responders, rushed into two towers engulfed in flames to save the lives of others without hesitation and then remained there for months to rebuild Lower Manhattan with downtown residents and workers,” Governor Cuomo said. “Their selflessness and bravery embodies the spirit of America and should never be forgotten. This monument will rightly serve as an eternal reminder of the courage, sacrifice and bravery demonstrated by our first responders and survivors in the aftermath of 9/11, and ensure that their legacy will never be forgotten.”
As part of the RFP process, proposers will be required to submit a plan identifying the location and the design of the monument. As New Yorkers and Americans continue to mourn the loss of these heroes who lost their lives responding to the 9/11 attacks, the monument will serve as an important reminder of the victims of September 11th and honor the countless heroes who came from across the state to help in the clean-up and recovery efforts.
Congressman Jerrold Nadler said, “As we memorialize the lives of those who died on that day, we must remember the many victims still with us and still bearing the physical and emotional scars of that September morning. Since 9/11, many first responders and survivors have been diagnosed with serious health issues due to their exposure to the toxins in Lower Manhattan. Congress took a major step in supporting these responders and survivors and their families by making the World Trade Center health program permanent and extending the Victims Compensation Fund last year, and a memorial at Ground Zero would help ensure that we never lose sight of the American men and women who suffered greatly from these illnesses, and those who have died as a result. I want to thank Governor Cuomo for responding to our request and his commitment to building a memorial that recognizes the long struggle of these heroes.”
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney said, “I am very pleased that the Governor has heeded our call and is beginning the process to build a memorial to honor the men and women we’ve lost since 9/11 and the thousands more who are still dealing with the health effects of being exposed to Ground Zero toxins. This new memorial will be another step in our efforts to keep our promise to never forget.”
Congressman Peter King said, “I appreciate Governor Cuomo’s support and assistance to create a memorial dedicated to those injured, those who are still ill and those that have died from the attacks in the years after. For fifteen years, too many of our 9/11 responders and survivors have fought and continue to fight serious illnesses, including more than 60 types of cancer caused by 9/11 toxins. We have come too far and we must continue to ensure that our 9/11 heroes not only receive the care but the appropriate recognition they truly deserve.”
Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer said, “I’m grateful to the Governor for his support for a monument to the thousands of people who have become ill or have died since 9/11 as a result of their work on the pile, or their places of business, homes or schools near Ground Zero. Recognition of their courage and sacrifice is overdue. Future generations must understand that the devastation of 9/11 did not stop on the day itself. That’s why I co-founded— with New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento— a committee of local residents, elected officials, organized labor, and first responders calling for this monument.”
Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association President Patrick J. Lynch said, “When New York was under attack, New York City police officers stepped up to the call of duty and were among the thousands of other brave women and men who helped us recover and heal. They embody the best of New York, and this monument will remind New Yorkers of the best of all of us. We thank Governor Cuomo for making this possible and look forward to seeing this monument built in honor of these brave New Yorkers.”
New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento said, “We commend the governor for recognizing the sacrifices so many working men and women made while trying to save others on that horrific day and during the recovery that followed. Thousands of brave souls, including many of our brothers and sisters in the Labor Movement, have become seriously ill and others have succumbed to their illnesses as a result of their selfless acts.The memorial will serve as a reminder of how truly grateful we are to all those who gave so much during our greatest time of need.”
Michael J Palladino, President, Detectives Endowment Association said, “The Governor has always recognized and been loyal to his first responders. The monument will memorialize forever the sacrifice made that day by true heroes.”
Israel Miranda, President of the Uniformed EMTs, Paramedics & Inspectors union at FDNY said: “Creating a permanent monument recognizing the dedication and heroism of first responders is something that all of us who put our lives on the line for New Yorkers will always appreciate. Governor Cuomo has long been a friend to my members and all first responders. He has long recognized the risks we take everyday.” Said Israel Miranda, President of the 4000 member Uniformed EMTs, Paramedics & Inspectors of the FDNY.
AFL-CIO President Vincent Alvarez said, “Fifteen years ago, our city and our nation changed forever. The events of September 11, 2001 claimed the lives of thousands of hardworking New Yorkers, and many of them were our selfless first responders. This new memorial would serve as a tribute to the courage and bravery of the men and women who sacrificed so much, and many who continue to suffer today, working to help their fellow New Yorkers. I commend Governor Cuomo for honoring these American heroes in a lasting and enduring tribute.”
Steve Cassidy, President of the Uniformed Firefighters Association said, “The UFA and New York City Firefighters support Governor Cuomo’s plan for the creation of a new, permanent monument that recognizes the efforts and sacrifices of all of the first responders who protect our city and its citizens.”
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