The terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, 18 years ago today, affected all Americans, but they had a particular impact upon first responders. Thousands of lives were lost that day and more died in the aftermath because of illnesses related to the attacks. The members and leaders of the various unions affected by the 9/11 attacks are memorializing the anniversary in various ways. Here is what they are saying:
Eighteen years ago, 343 FDNY members died in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Since then, more than 200 IAFF members have died from 9/11-related illnesses. pic.twitter.com/UjqdkNy89B
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) September 11, 2019
Families, #firefighters gather at World Trade Center site for 18th annual memorial service for 9/11 victims https://t.co/aGziPWzNk5 #NeverForget
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) September 11, 2019
“As we mark the anniversary of one of the most tragic days in our country’s history, the members of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York join with all Americans in mourning the thousands lost in New York City, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C....”
— NYC Building Trades (@NYCBldgTrades) September 11, 2019
...as the result of the despicable attacks that occurred on 9/11. We honor and remember the 61 members of the New York City Building Trades who died in the towers that day, as well as the vast numbers of police officers, firefighters and other first responders who perished.
— NYC Building Trades (@NYCBldgTrades) September 11, 2019
While most New Yorkers were running away from Lower Manhattan, thousands of members of the Building Trades literally ran towards the devastation to help in whatever way they could. Nearly 10,000 construction workers volunteered to help clean up the Ground Zero site...
— NYC Building Trades (@NYCBldgTrades) September 11, 2019
...and they eventually made up eighty percent of the workers there. Through their courageous actions, our brother and sister construction workers showed their patriotism, their love for their fellow human beings, and their commitment to the future of New York City.
— NYC Building Trades (@NYCBldgTrades) September 11, 2019
As a result of these valiant efforts, many suffered illnesses and, sadly, many died. The depth of their commitment is a direct reflection of the union spirit, a spirit driven by a sense of common humanity, solidarity, and kinship. Over the course of more than 150 years...
— NYC Building Trades (@NYCBldgTrades) September 11, 2019
...America’s organized labor movement has enjoyed a proud history. As we reflect on this history, let us remember the bravery, the dedication and the sacrifice of those construction workers who bravely put their health and safety at risk to rebuild Lower Manhattan.
— NYC Building Trades (@NYCBldgTrades) September 11, 2019
We remember what they did, and we thank them. God bless America. #NeverForget #GodBlessAmerica
— NYC Building Trades (@NYCBldgTrades) September 11, 2019
Today we honor the 3,000 transit workers who participated in the rescue and recovery effort at Ground Zero. NYCT restored service hours after the towers fell. TWU Local 100 members successfully evacuated thousands. #neverforget @NYSAFLCIO @CentralLaborNYC @transportworker pic.twitter.com/vvFjZAWlsN
— TWU Local 100 (@TWULocal100) September 11, 2019
Today we mourn our members and all victims of the senseless #September11 attacks https://t.co/Cbrv6WWIkr
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) September 11, 2019
#WeNeverForget #FDNY #OurIAFF #IAFF @IAFFNewsDesk pic.twitter.com/UjYxAIuBWE
— Ed Kelly IAFF GST (@IAFFGST) September 11, 2019
#WeNeverForget #FDNY #Tradition #Respect #Honor @IAFFNewsDesk pic.twitter.com/w00o3tbtky
— IAFF District 3 VP (@IAFFdist3VP) September 11, 2019
The New York City Police Department has a memorial website in honor of the law enforcement officers who lost their lives in connection with 9/11.
Also watch these videos, which provide more context and pay further tribute.