From Senator Nozzolio
terrorist attack on American soil, it is important that we pause to
recognize the sacrifices, commitment and dedication of the thousands of
Americans who answered the call to duty on that fateful day. Earlier this
week, a 70-foot steel column from the World Trade Center was put in place
at ground zero in Manhattan. This structure will serve as part of the 9/11
Memorial currently being constructed at the site of the former Twin Towers
buildings as a lasting tribute to remember and honor the nearly three
thousand people who died on that tragic day.
Thousands of men and women, many working 24 hour shifts, helped to free
those still trapped under the debris. Volunteers helped to provide the
rescuers with food, water and shelter while others donated their time,
resources and money to the recovery efforts. It was a day that forever
changed the way we look at the world. It made us reflect on what we take
for granted in America. It made us hold our families closer. It made us
appreciate the sacrifices that so many have made and continue to make for
the sake of our freedom.
In an effort to create a lasting tribute to the fallen heroes and loved
ones of September 11th, I am sponsoring legislation in the State Senate
that would allow a special September 11th Remembrance Flag to be flown
alongside the American, New York State and POW flags. The September 11th
Remembrance Flag was created by Steve and Joanne Galvin of Wolcott and
symbolizes the resilience of the American people to rise up from the
devastating losses of that day and to help Americans come together to heal
and rebuild our Country. Although Steve Galvin passed away before seeing
his dream of the September 11th Remembrance Flag become a reality, his
widow, Joanne, continues to hope that the flag will become a daily reminder
that our resolve as American citizens will never be compromised.
On September 11th, we pause to remember and acknowledge the dedication and
commitment of those individuals that protect us, each and every day.
Whether it's a member of our armed forces serving their Country, a
volunteer fireman, an emergency response provider or the members of our law
enforcement, these peoples are heroes. While most are too humble to give
themselves the title of “hero”, the sacrifices that they have made, and
continue to make, in order to protect our safety and well being, is nothing
short of heroic. They have each made the choice to become a part of
something greater than themselves and they have put the needs of others
above all else, including their own safety. These individuals risk life and
limb to protect us. They are the true heroes of today and words cannot
adequately express the gratitude and appreciation that our Country owes to
them.
On this day, we must also remember that we owe tremendous thanks and
gratitude to those who have served our Country in the past, as their
unwavering commitment to freedom is the reason that we have the right to
stand up and voice our opinions and openly celebrate our diverse views.
Their challenges were always great and their response always greater. The
millions of Americans who sleep safely at night have these individuals to
thank for defending our liberty.
I’ve often said that a person is a hero not for what they do, but for what
they would do. And I know there is nothing that our service men and women,
our firemen, police officers or our emergency rescue personnel would not do
to protect their community or serve their Country. As we remember our
heroes, those past and present, let's also make it a point to reach out and
thank those who serve our communities and pray for those who continue to
serve our Nation abroad.
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