Remembering September 11th, 24 Years Later

On the 24th anniversary of September 11, 2001, I find myself reflecting on a day that forever reshaped our nation and our lives.

When you lose someone you love, it changes you in ways that never go away. Their absence leaves a void that can never truly be filled. You feel it during life’s biggest milestones and in the quiet, everyday moments. For the families who lost loved ones on 9/11, that pain is magnified by the ruthless way in which those lives were taken.

That morning, 19 al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four planes and carried out a series of coordinated attacks that murdered nearly 3,000 innocent people—parents, children, friends, and loved ones. Among them were some of our very own neighbors here in Rockland County. More than two decades later, the tragedy continues to claim lives, as we have now lost more people to 9/11-related illnesses and cancers than we did in the attacks themselves.

On behalf of the people of Rockland, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families still grieving, to New York State, and to our nation. The wounds of that day will never fully heal, but they remind us of the responsibility we carry to honor those we lost.

The terrorists who attacked us sought not only to destroy buildings, but to break our spirit. They failed. Despite the heartbreak, we rose from the ashes stronger and more united. That resilience is a testament to who we are as Americans.

It is vital that we preserve the memory of September 11—not only as history, but as a living lesson. We must teach future generations about the courage, sacrifice, and unity that defined our response to tragedy. In doing so, we honor the memory of those who perished and recommit ourselves to the values they represent: freedom, democracy, and justice.

Even in the darkest of moments, we saw the light of hope, compassion, and humanity shine through. It is that light we must continue to carry forward.

May we never forget.