Download Executive Order No. 21
ESTABLISHING SEPTEMBER 11 AS A CITYWIDE DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AND SERVICE
WHEREAS, on September 11, 2001, the City of New York suffered an immeasurable tragedy that claimed the lives of thousands of New Yorkers and left an indelible mark on the City and the nation; and
WHEREAS, amidst the terror attacks of September 11th, thousands of first responders ran toward danger so others could run toward safety, including members of the Fire Department of the City of New York ("FDNY"), the New York City Police Department ("NYPD"), the Port Authority Police Department ("PAPD"), the New York State Office of Tax Enforcement ("OTE"), the New York State Office of Court Administration ("OCA"), the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"), the New York Fire Patrol ("FPNY"), and the United States Secret Service ("USSS"); and
WHEREAS, 343 members of the FDNY and 71 law enforcement officers, including 23 NYPD members of service, 37 PAPD officers, four members of the OTE, three OCA officers, one member of the FBI, one member of the FPNY, and one member of the USSS, made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty here in New York City on September 11th; and
WHEREAS, the sacrifice of New York City's first responders has continued to be felt in the years since the attacks, as hundreds of first responders and rescue and recovery workers have died from illnesses associated with their service and exposure at the World Trade Center site; and
WHEREAS, New Yorkers across all five boroughs continue to grieve the loved ones who went to work and never returned home, the first responders who answered the call, and the many who fell ill in the aftermath; and
WHEREAS, nearly 60,000 New York City employees from agencies across City government participated in the rescue, recovery, cleanup, and restoration efforts following the attacks, supporting the City's response through search and rescue, emergency response, medical care, debris removal, public health services, infrastructure support, logistics, and other essential operations; and
WHEREAS, the effects of September 11th continue to be felt throughout New York City by survivors, victims' families, responders, City employees, rescue and recovery workers, and communities affected by the attacks and their aftermath; and
WHEREAS, September 11th is an enduring part of the history of New York City, and the City has a responsibility to preserve the memory of those who were lost, honor those who responded, recognize the families who continue to carry their loss, and ensure that future generations, including New Yorkers born after September 11, 2001, understand the events, sacrifices, and lasting impact of that day and its aftermath; and
WHEREAS, in the aftermath of September 11th, New Yorkers demonstrated extraordinary solidarity and commitment to one another through acts of service, volunteerism, mutual aid, and support for those in need; and
WHEREAS, September 11th is recognized nationally as a Day of Service and Remembrance, encouraging Americans to honor those who were lost by serving their communities and helping others; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting that the City of New York formally recognize September 11th each year as a day of remembrance and service, honoring those who were lost, the first responders who answered the call, the families who have carried their loss, and the many New Yorkers who came together in service to one another;
NOW, THEREFORE, by the power vested in me as Mayor of the City of New York, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. September 11th Citywide Day of Remembrance and Service. September 11th of each year is hereby designated as a Citywide Day of Remembrance and Service. The Citywide Day of Remembrance and Service shall be observed as a day to:
a. Remember and honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks;
b. Honor the first responders who responded to the World Trade Center and made the ultimate sacrifice, and those first responders and rescue and recovery workers who have since died from illnesses associated with their service and exposure at the World Trade Center site;
c. Recognize and honor the families and loved ones of those who died on September 11th and those who have since died from illnesses related to the September 11th attacks and cleanup, and acknowledge the enduring loss they have carried;
d. Recognize survivors and communities whose lives continue to be affected by September 11th; and
e. Recognize the essential contributions of City employees who participated in the rescue, recovery, cleanup, public health, infrastructure, and restoration efforts following the attacks.
§ 2. City Observance.
a. The Office of the Mayor shall coordinate the annual Citywide Day of Remembrance and Service.
b. Mayoral agencies, consistent with their respective missions and operational needs, shall be encouraged to participate in commemorative activities.
c. City agencies and offices are encouraged to conduct appropriate commemorative programming, including memorial ceremonies, moments of silence, educational programming, displays, and other activities honoring those who were lost, first responders and other responders, their families, survivors, and affected communities.
d. City agencies shall, where appropriate and consistent with applicable law, display the flags of the United States and the City of New York in accordance with applicable federal, State, and City requirements.
e. The Office of the Mayor shall designate one or more times during the Citywide Day of Remembrance and Service for a Citywide moment of silence in honor of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and those who have since died from illnesses associated with the attacks. Mayoral agencies shall be encouraged to participate in such moments of silence and to facilitate the participation of employees and members of the public where operationally feasible.
§ 3. Day of Service. The Office of the Mayor, in coordination with NYC Service and other agencies determined by the Mayor, shall promote opportunities for New Yorkers to participate in volunteer and community service activities as part of the Citywide Day of Remembrance and Service. Mayoral agencies shall be encouraged, where operationally feasible and consistent with applicable law, to organize or participate in service activities benefiting New Yorkers and communities in need, provided that such participation does not negatively impact the delivery of services to the public.
§ 4. Effective Date. This order shall take effect immediately.
