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“The September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City compounded with an attack on the Pentagon and the thwarted hijacking of a plane that crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, shocked the world. The attacks, which were intended to place the American people in a perpetual state of fear and destroy our way of life, instead stirred the US and its allies towards decisive action, targeting the radical elements responsible and taking a stand against violent extremism. The 9/11 attacks killed 2,977 innocent people, setting the stage for the longest period of ongoing warfare and combat operations - known as the Global War on Terrorism - in US history.
In the aftermath of an unspeakable tragedy, there was little doubt that New York City would rebuild both spiritually and physically. New Yorkers are resilient, tenacious, and driven. Like our responses to the Great Recession, Hurricane Sandy, COVID-19, and Tropical Storm Ida, we always stand back up whenever we are knocked down. Each time we rise, we imagine a better tomorrow, come together, and make that dream a reality. We do this in lockstep with all New Yorkers, including New York City’s Veterans. Those who take an oath in service of the country often wear multiple uniforms. Of the 343 firefighters and 37 police officers who died as first responders to the Twin Towers, 68 were US Military Veterans. Likewise, out of the 7,057 US Military Service Members who died in the Global War on Terrorism, 93 were from the City of New York.
Today, we solemnly look back on those who lost their lives during this historic day—including Veterans on that day and afterward—and vow never to forget them, even as we write the first sentences of the new chapter that has begun in the dawn of the attacks.
God bless you, God bless the City of New York, and God bless America."
- NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) Commissioner James Hendon
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