Senator Ken LaValle And Assemblyman Thiele Announce Availability of Commemorative 9-11 License Plates

April 11, 2019 – Senator Ken LaValle and Assemblyman Fred Thiele announced that individuals may now purchase commemorative 9-11 license plates through the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The LaValle/Thiele legislation memorializes the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks by authorizing the issuance of distinctive commemorative license plates. Portions of the charges collected for the plate will be used to provide scholarship funds for the families of the September eleventh victims.

Senator Ken LaValle said, “On September 11, 2001, our nation and, in particular our state, experienced an unforgettable tragedy. These new commemorative 9-11 license plates illustrate our continued support for those who were tragically lost that day.  Additionally, by ordering the plate, funds will be deposited into a scholarship program established for the children of the deceased.  It is my hope that the families will feel some measure of comfort by our actions. I urge everyone to show their support by ordering one of these special plates.”

“Nearly 3,000 Americans lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93, which crashed in western Pennsylvania. These commemorative license plates will serve as a vivid and continuing reminder of the lives lost, the courage found, and the sacrifices made,” Assemblyman Thiele said, “This legislation sends a powerful message that they have not been forgotten.”

The legislation was filed at the suggestion of Robert I. Ross of Hampton Bays, the vice president of community and government relations at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, back in 2003. New York State had put a hold on special license plates for a number of years. Once the State resumed the program, Senator LaValle and Assemblyman Thiele resumed their advocacy for the 9-11 plates.

Robert Ross said, “I am absolutely thrilled that the New York State 9-11 Remembrance License Plate is now available! As many of you know, I have been lobbying for this for over 15 years. I want to, once again, thank my dear friends, Senator Ken LaValle and Assemblyman Fred Thiele, for their sponsorship and persistence over these many years. And, I thank Governor Cuomo, for signing this legislation into law. NEVER FORGET!”

Two individuals stepped forward to provide the bond necessary for the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles to produce the license plates.  Mr. John Feal, of the Feal Good Foundation and an advocate for Ground Zero rescue and recovery workers, and Neil Pedersen, owner of Pedersen & Sons Surety Bond Agency, provided the financial guarantee to establish the design of the commemorative plate and institute the ordering process for the DMV. 

Mr. Feal said, “As a proud New Yorker, who ordered the very first plate I am humbled that I played a small role in ensuring this 9/11 commemorative plate came to fruition with the help of Senator LaValle, Assemblyman Thiele and Bondsman Neil Pederson. To know the sale of these plates helps with scholarships is all I needed to know to be part of something special. Let this plate not only remind us of "Never Forget" but more importantly let this plate remind us New Yorker's are a special breed of caring and selfless people."  Neil Pedersen added “I am proud to say that I am a part of the team that helped bring the commemorative 9-11 licenses plates into existence.”

Senator LaValle said, “On behalf of our constituents and all New York residents, Assemblyman Thiele and I would like to express our sincere appreciation to these gentlemen for their assistance in advancing the process.”  He concluded, “I also wish to thank the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles personnel for their efforts to produce the design and for making the 9-11 commemorative plate widely available for residents to illustrate their support of the victims.”

An annual service charge of twenty-five dollars and be deposited to the World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship Program, which was established under section 608 of the Education Law.  To order plates, visit: https://dmv.ny.gov/plates/9-11-remembrance

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