Senate Passes Legislation Protecting Patriotic Expressions

ALBANY – Each year, millions of New York State residents and visitors make the trip to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in lower Manhattan, a somber site that stirs deep emotions.

Regrettably, the experience was marred last April for a group of seventh and eighth graders from Waynesville, North Carolina. Students and teachers were finishing a brief field trip to New York City when, moved by an overwhelming sense of reverence and patriotism brought upon by visiting the memorial, the schoolchildren began to sing our National Anthem at the site. In response, two security guards silenced the students’ singing due to a New York City rule that requires a permit for the performance of a musical activity on public or private land, because it is considered a public demonstration.

To protect future demonstrations of patriotism, legislation co-sponsored by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- 57th District) passed the Senate today to prohibit municipalities from requiring a permit for the singing of the National Anthem or the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

“September 11, 2001 is a day that irreversibly shaped our nation’s history. The attacks left a scar on our country and millions of people around the world were shaken by the tragic events. Visiting the memorial is a poignant experience, and many are overwhelmed with a deep sense of loss and loyalty. These young people, most of whom were not even alive at the time of the attacks, were cut off from expressing their heartwarming reactions, and made to feel as if they had done something wrong,” said Senator Young.

“In the wake of the horrific attacks and through today, Americans have shown a deep-seated resolve against those who wish us ill. The 9/11 Memorial is truly a touching experience, and by visiting the site and paying homage to the brave first responders who lost their lives in the burning buildings, we honor all who acted so heroically on that fateful day. Expressions of patriotism, such as the singing of the National Anthem, should be applauded because they honor the memory of those who served, those who perished and those who survived. It demonstrates a continued resolve against those who seek to do our great nation harm,” Senator Young said.