9/11 must be a national holiday

Sept. 11, 2001 left an indelible mark on our nation’s history. On that day, we took a solemn pledge to those who lost their lives to terror: we promised to never forget. Now, we face a crossroads. A new generation of Americans is coming into adulthood, all of whom were born after that dark day.

It is now up to us, the witnesses to history, to choose whether we want to honor that pledge made 22 years ago, or allow it to fall by the wayside. That is precisely why we are sponsors of a New York City Council resolution that would ensure our nation will remember those who lost their lives and the sacrifices made to protect others by designating Sept. 11 as a federal holiday by act of Congress.

Such a tragic moment must be commemorated for future generations, so that they may truly understand its lasting impact. Tributes of remembrance began immediately after the towers fell, and in April of 2002, New York City and State jointly announced the formation of the World Trade Center Site Memorial Competition.