Lautenberg Announces a Nationwide "Moment of Remembrance"(Video)

U.S. Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) announced more than 400 cities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico will be participating in the nationwide Moment of Remembrance at 1 p.m. EDT on September 11, 2011.

The Moment of Remembrance will be marked by a minute of reflection, the ringing of bells, sounding of sirens and other actions to remember the lives lost that day," said Lautenberg in a statement. 

“The outpouring of support for a nationwide Moment of Remembrance sends a powerful message about the strength and unity of the United States.  In the days, weeks and months following the attacks in 2001, our nation set aside its differences to mourn our losses and work together to defeat those who threaten our way of life.”

The Moment of Remembrance was established by Lautenberg and cosponsored by all 100 senators.  It was unanimously approved in the Senate on July 22. 

Communities across the country have pledged their support for the effort, including Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Memphis, Newark, Pittsburgh, Portland, Trenton, Washington, DC, and hundreds of others. The Moment of Remembrance is supported by 9/11 family, support and advocacy groups, as well as nationwide organizations like the National Football League and Amtrak.  A complete list of participating cities and organizations can be found here.

According to the Lautenberg statement, the Moment of Remembrance resolution (S. Res. 237) recognizes the victims of the attacks, including the first responders and survivors, and expresses deep condolences for the lives lost at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, PA.  It calls on state and local governments, media, houses of worship, military and veteran organizations, airports and railroads, sports teams, businesses and individuals to cease all work or other activity for one minute and mark the moment in an appropriate manner.

For more information, click on the national Moment of Remembrance.

See a new video featuring members of the New York Giants football team and the Moment of Remembrance with Sen. Lautenberg and Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).