Yesterday, on the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, New York State Assemblyman William Colton, City Councilor Justin Brannan, and members of the public gathered at Seth Low Park in Brooklyn to hold a commemorative event. They paid tribute to the victims, honored the patriots, and expressed their reverence for freedom and life.
Assemblyman Colton recalled the ordinary Election Day when the tragic events of 9/11 unfolded unexpectedly. He shared poignant stories that have stayed with him, such as a man who lost his wife in the attacks and saw his life change forever, and two firefighter brothers who sacrificed themselves in the rescue efforts at the World Trade Center. He also mentioned families in his community who lost loved ones in the attacks, stories that have left a lasting impact on him.
Colton emphasized three crucial lessons. Firstly, to cherish every moment in life, love the ones around you as life is full of uncertainties. Secondly, to express gratitude and respect for the first responders who courageously and selflessly rush to rescue in the face of danger, whether they are firefighters, police officers, or other rescue personnel. The third and most important point is to never forget the victims of 9/11 and to never allow terrorists the chance to perpetrate such evil acts again.
He urged everyone not to forget this chapter in history, to always remember the sacrifices and pain of that day, as well as the kindness and resilience of humanity. On this day, Colton hoped for collective reflection, kindness towards one another, protection of loved ones, and a constant vigilance to prevent similar tragedies from happening again. Lastly, he prayed for God’s blessing upon all the victims and their families, as well as the first responders.
Many speakers reflected on the events leading up to the first plane crashing into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. That day, nearly 3,000 victims lost their lives in the attacks – not only regular working individuals but also hundreds of emergency responders who perished while trying to save lives, as well as approximately 4,300 who died from diseases caused by exposure to toxins in the air.
“We will never forget these 3,000 lives,” said City Councilor Justin Brannan. He recalled how, during the tragic events of September 11, 2001, people in the United States came together, offering help to neighbors and donating blood for the wounded. Despite differences in backgrounds, faith, or ethnicity, they stood united as one American family.
State Assemblyman Peter Cheng also shared his personal experience on 9/11. He was working in Chinatown less than a mile away from the World Trade Center at the time. Upon hearing the loud noises, Cheng witnessed the panicked scene of people fleeing, and he, along with many volunteers, aided those escaping the area. Some were covered in white dust, and he helped clean them up and gave them water. This experience has stayed with him, reminding him of the unnaturally quiet New York that day, with only the sounds of sirens and ambulances echoing in the air, reminding every survivor to cherish the freedom before them.
Cheng emphasized that freedom is never free and stressed the profound impact of the events of 9/11 on all of us. He stated that the threat of terrorism has not vanished, and the war against terror is far from over. Similar to the effects of Pearl Harbor, this tragedy deeply affected every American and serves as a reminder to never forget the events of that day and the innocent lives sacrificed for freedom and dignity.