WASHINGTON, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–August 25, 2011. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) today in announcing that Chicago will join the growing list of cities committed to participating in a national Moment of Remembrance on 9/11. The city will be encouraging local residents to memorialize the September 11th terrorist attacks with one minute of reflection, marked by the ringing of bells, sounding of sirens and other actions to remember the lives lost that day.
“We can never forget the dark minutes, hours, days, and months after the 9/11 attacks,” said Durbin. “During the National Moment of Remembrance, every Chicagoan, Illinoisan, and American should remember the thousands of innocent lives lost that day and pay tribute to every first responder and volunteer involved in the rescue and recovery efforts. These heroes put their lives on the line. They exemplified the strength and perseverance that define the American spirit.”
The Moment of Remembrance was established by a measure – introduced by Lautenberg and cosponsored by Durbin and Kirk – that was approved unanimously by the Senate. The Moment of Remembrance will take place at 1 p.m. EDT, 12 p.m. in Chicago, on September 11, 2011.
“I am pleased Chicago is participating in the National Moment of Remembrance and will be a part of this shared moment of American solidarity on September 11th,” stated Lautenberg. “As sirens and bells ring out across the country, every American should stop and remember for one minute the thousands of innocent lives lost on 9/11 and take pride in the strength and perseverance of the American people.”
“I commend Senator Lautenberg for his leadership to unite the nation in recognition of 9/11,” said Kirk. “Chicagoans are honored to show their solidarity and respect for the victims of that tragic day and preventing terrorist attacks in the future.”
More information about the national Moment of Remembrance can be found here: www.lautenberg.senate.gov/stopandremember.
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, such as by ringing bells or sounding sirens.
So far, many cities and towns around the country have agreed to participate in observing the Moment of Remembrance at 1 p.m. EDT, including: Newark, NJ, Washington, DC, Charlotte, NC, Las Vegas, NV, Houston, TX, and Los Angeles, CA.
The Moment of Remembrance is supported by 9/11 family, support and advocacy groups, including Voices of September 11th, Friends of Firefighters, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Tuesday’s Children, Families of September 11th, and the leaders of MyGoodDeed.
A “Stop and Remember” video for the National Moment of Remembrance can be viewed here: www.youtube.com/franklautenberg
Source: durbin.senate.gov
