Queens Pols Pay Homage to Victims of 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

Queens will today honor the memory of the 2,996 people who died during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center at events in Forest Hills and Bayside.

This morning, elected officials representing the borough at the city and federal level commented on the 12th anniversary of the attacks.

“September 11 will always live in the hearts and minds of all Americans as a day of national tragedy and heart wrenching loss,” U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., said. “Following the attack, we saw the best of America – ordinary people committing extraordinary acts of selflessness in response to something so incomprehensibly evil. So, while we honor the memory of the loved ones who never came home that tragic day, we also honor the heroic acts of thousands of first responders who rushed to Ground Zero on Sept. 11 and in the days and weeks that followed.”

Other elected officials wrote comments on their Facebook pages.

“Today, we remember those who lost their lives on 9/11 and the sacrifice of our first responders and other citizen heroes,” U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, D-Flushing, said.

And Councilman Dan Halloran, R-Whitestone, posted this comment: “Remembering all we lost, those we lost and why we lost.”

And in Washington, President Barack Obama walked out to the White House lawn at 8:46 a.m., which was the time the first plane struck the south tower on 9/11.

“It is an honor to be with you here again to remember the tragedy of 12 Septembers ago, to honor the greatness of all who responded and to stand with those who still grieve and to provide them some measure of comfort once more,” Obama said. “Together we pause and we give humble thanks as families and as a nation.”

Patch wants to know: Are you taking part in any of the citywide or Queens 9/11 ceremonies? If so, tell us which one in the comment section provided below.