O'Brien pays respects to those lost on September 11, 2001

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Today, Senator Ted O'Brien expressed his thoughts on the continuing significance of the 9/11 attacks:

"Twelve years ago, tragedy struck the Empire State and our country.  Though the physical wounds on continue to heal, that terrible day still weighs heavily on the hearts and minds of Americans everywhere.

Today, we mourn almost 3,000 people who were murdered at the hands of violent extremists.  It is still difficult to think about the grim details of that day and the long and difficult path it set us on.  We should take comfort from the fact that we remain a free, open and tolerant society.  The best response to those who would destroy us is success, and our nation is stronger, more unified and more prepared to deal with disaster than it was on September 10, 2001.

In 2009, the federal government designated today as the 'National Day of Service and Remembrance.'  Whether it be through an organized activity or through a small, random act of kindness, I urge each and every one of us to honor the memory of those lost by committing ourselves to making this world a better place, freely giving of our time and talents to improve the lives of others."

-30-

Sen. O’Brien represents the 55th district in the Senate, which is made up of the eastern half of Monroe County and the western half of Ontario County, including much of the city of Rochester.

The federal government has created a database of 9/11 volunteer opportunities.  If you are a representative of a service organization looking for volunteers, or are looking for an opportunity to help your community, you can visit http://go.usa.gov/0YA.

Media contact:

Thomas J. Morrisey
Communications Director
office:  (585) 218-0034
e-mail: tjmorris@nysenate.gov