Schumer Resolution Calling On Citizens To Observe A National Day Of Service And Remembrance Tomorrow In Honor Of The Victims Of September 11 Expected To Pass The Senate Tonight

Press Release

Resolution Calls on Americans To Live Their Lives With Same Spirit of Unity, Service, and Compassion that Was Displayed After the Attacks

Schumer: I Hope Americans Everywhere Observe Tomorrow As a National Day of Service and Remembrance in Honor Of All of Those Lost on that Tragic Day

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that his resolution calling on all Americans to commemorate a national day of service on Friday, September 11 is expected to pass the Senate tonight. Schumer introduced the Senate resolution on August 6 calling upon all people in the United States to observe a National Day of Service and Remembrance tomorrow in honor of those who lost their lives or were injured in the attacks of September 11, 2001, in tribute to those who came to the aid of those in need, and in defense of the Nation. The resolution also urges all people in the U.S. to continue to live their lives throughout the year with the same spirit of unity, service, and compassion that was exhibited throughout the Nation following the 9/11 attacks. The resolution is the result of work by Schumer and the organization My Good Deed.

"On that terrible day just eight years ago, New Yorkers and Americans came together. People traveled hundreds of miles to come to the aid of those injured and families that had lost their loved ones, and we should all follow their example by engaging in acts of service to others in need and to our nation," Schumer said. "That is why, on September 11, 2009, and every year henceforth, we should all take one day to volunteer our time to help those in need. September 11 was a national tragedy, but it has given us all the opportunity to serve our nation in honor of those lost on that horrible day."

On September 11, 2001, terrorists ruthlessly attacked the United States, leading to the tragic deaths and injuries of thousands of innocent United States citizens and other citizens from more than 90 different countries and territories. In response to the attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, physicians, nurses, military personnel, and other first responders immediately and without concern for their own well-being rose to service, in a heroic attempt to protect the lives of those still at risk, consequently saving thousands of men and women.

In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, thousands of recovery workers, including trades personnel, iron workers, equipment operators, and many others, joined with firemen, police officers, and military personnel to help to search for and recover victims lost in the terrorist attacks. In the days, weeks, and months following the attacks, thousands of people in the United States and others volunteered to help support the rescue and recovery efforts, braving both physical and emotional hardship.

Many first responders, rescue and recovery workers, and volunteers, as well as survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, continue to suffer from serious medical illnesses and emotional distress related to the physical and mental trauma of the 9/11 tragedy. Hundreds of thousands of brave men and women continue to serve every day, having answered the call to duty as members of the United States Armed Forces, with thousands having given their lives or suffered injury to defend our Nation's security and prevent future terrorist attacks.

The entire Nation witnessed and shared in the tragedy of September 11, 2001, and in the immediate aftermath of the attacks became unified under a remarkable spirit of service and compassion that inspired and helped heal the Nation. In the years immediately following the attacks of September 11, 2001, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics documented a marked increase in volunteerism among the people of the United States.

Co-sponsors of the resolution are Senators Gillibrand (D-NY), Lautenberg (D-NJ), Menendez (D-NJ), Specter (D-PA), Casey (D-PA), Dodd (D-CT), Lieberman (I-CT), Warner (D-VA), Kohl (D-WI), and Feingold (D-WI).

Source