Rose Statement on September 11th Anniversary

Statement

Congressman Max Rose issued the following statement on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001:

"Today we remember the pain that swept over our nation 19 years ago. Here in New York, it wasn't just an attack on our country, it was the last time we hugged our loved ones goodbye, or saw our neighbors dropping their kids off at school. And while so many of us wish we could unlearn what that pain, that loss feels like, with each year that passes an entire generation is now learning about September 11th for the first time from a history book, rather than remembering it.

"And if we're being honest with ourselves, there are a lot of people outside this city who swore they would never forget and did. I saw it firsthand when politicians had to be shamed into fully funding the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. But they did it because we made them remember.

"Those of us who lived through that horrific day carry a heavy burden and responsibility to ensure the memories of those we lost never fade away. To never think--just for a second--that time alone can heal the wounds of loss. And to ensure the Museum--or any institution--charged with protecting the memory of our loved ones never again thinks it's okay to turn off the lights. We have not forgotten. We will never forget. And together, we'll make sure the rest of world never will either."

Rose was an original cosponsor of the bipartisan legislation to permanently renew and fully fund the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, which was signed into law with broad bipartisan support, secured the support of every one of his freshman Democrat colleagues in the House and has helped secure nearly $500,000 in VCF benefits for constituents who were experiencing trouble or delays in receiving the benefits they earned and deserved from their service on 9/11 and in the days following. Last summer, Rose held a hosted a town hall with representatives from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, the World Trade Center Health Program and more than 125 attendees on Staten Island.

Rose was joined at this year's State of the Union address by a retired Staten Island firefighter with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) who served on September 11, 2001 and during the aftermath.

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