Statement From Senate Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson Commemorating September 11th

Nearly a decade ago, our City, State, and nation endured a horrific tragedy. We were left shaken, but, our courage and commitment to each other remained strong.

We will always remember the men and women whose lives were taken by an act of senseless violence, and forever honor those brave individuals of the NYPD, FDNY and Port Authority who in service to their nation gave the last full measure of devotion. Their memory lives on through us and will never be forgotten.

We also pay tribute to the brave men and women of our armed services who continue to put themselves in harm's way to protect our country. Their valor and heroism in the face of great challenge and danger is the cornerstone of America’s spirit.

Today, the World Trade Center site is humming with progress as the steel from One World Trade Center rises into the air and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum approaches its opening on the tenth anniversary.

As we honor the past, we also look to the future and see the encouraging signs of an improved pace of construction at the World Trade Center site as a celebration of our greatest quality - the courage to carry on and the strength to survive.