Addabbo bill mandating September 11th Remembrance Day observation signed into law

Legislation sponsored by Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (S.4166A) providing for the observance of September 11th Remembrance Day, including a brief period of silent reflection followed by a discussion, was signed into law on September 9th.

“This new law will mean that the significance of the tragic events of September 11th, whether it be the loss of loved ones or the largest rescue operation our nation ever witnessed, will be forever acknowledged by school students too young to have witnessed this life-changing day,” Addabbo said. “Since 2001, our country has been united through four simple words, ‘We will never forget’ and with the Governor signing this measure, we can ensure that all school children will continue to keep those words active in their hearts and minds.”

The new law mandates a brief moment of silent reflection and appropriate discussion at the start of the school day on every September 11th in statewide public schools. The terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 were a defining moment in the history and lives of New York State and of the country. The tremendous loss felt by the citizens of our state, many of whom suffered great personal loss in the attacks on the World Trade Center, the pentagon, and in the fields of Shankville, Pennsylvania, has resulted in significant transformation for our state and country.

“The average school-age citizen in New York may have no personal recollection of these events, having not yet been born in 2001, making it imperative that our public education system take the time to educate students in both the loss and heroism experienced on 9/11,” said Addabbo. “By mandating a moment of reflection every year on the September 11th Remembrance Day, we are encouraging dialogue and education in the classroom, and ensuring that future generations will better understand this day and its place in our history,” Addabbo said. “Many families within my district were deeply impacted by the tragic events of 9/11 and I certainly had them in mind when working on this legislation.”

The bill was passed in the Assembly by Stacey Pheffer Amato.

“Students graduating from High School as part of the Class of 2019 were just newborns during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and soon enough there will be no students in the national public school system born at the time of 9/11. By mandating a brief moment of silent reflection every year, we may ensure that future generations will better understand this day and its significance in our history,” said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato. “Governor Cuomo understands the importance of educating our children about our state and country’s history. I applaud him for signing this bill into law and for his continued partnership.”

The Governor signed the legislation into law on September 9, 2019 and shall take effect immediately.