Washington, D.C. – On
the eighth anniversary of September 11, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
released the following statement recognizing the day as a national day of
service and urging Democrats and Republicans to come together to pass the 9-11
health care bill, known as the James Zadroga 9-11 Health and Compensation
Act.
“September 11 will always
live in the hearts and minds of all Americans as a day of national tragedy and
heart wrenching loss. Following the tragedy, we’ve seen those closest to
the victims and other Americans take action on behalf of others – choosing acts of kindness and respect
in response to something so incomprehensibly evil.
“Earlier this year, we
passed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which names September 11 a
National Day of Service and Remembrance. On this day, Americans around the
world will come together to improve the lives of their neighbors.
“The nation coming together
with selflessness and resolve is solid proof of the human spirit. As Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr., said, ‘Darkness cannot drive darkness; only light can do
that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.’ I applaud the
loved ones of the victims of September 11, 2001 and all Americans who have
chosen community service as a means of honoring the heroes we lost.
“As we come together in the
name of service, we must also remember the thousands of first responders and
others who performed the ultimate service, rushing to Ground Zero on 9-11 and
in the days and weeks that followed. Many now suffer life-threatening,
long-term health problems stemming from dangerous toxins released in the
area. I remain hopeful that Democrats and Republicans will come together
to pass the James Zadroga Health and Compensation Act, to provide ongoing
medical care for 55,000 World Trade Center responders and 17,500 community
members. We have an undeniable moral obligation to provide the treatment
and economic assistance to the rescue workers and innocent people who lived and
worked near Ground Zero. 9-11 was an attack on our nation, and we must
heal all of those who were harmed.”