Cuomo announces monument will be built to honor Sept. 11 first responders, survivors
Photo courtesy of Gov. Cuomo’s Office: Gov. Cuomo said a new monument will “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.”
Press Release, Gov. Cuomo’s Office
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Sunday 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 came 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,” 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.
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.”
