Ceremonies, some in person and others held virtually amid the pandemic, were scattered across New York and Connecticut, remembering those who lost their lives at the World Trade Center 19 years ago.
At Ground Zero, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo reformed the task force aimed at studying and protecting first responders who suffered from adverse health effects as a result of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
"We will never forget that a day marked by unfathomable loss was met with equal courage. Selfless heroes ran into hell without hesitation, and led tens of thousands to safety. Our brave first responders have our enduring respect and gratitude," Cuomo said.
"The pain and suffering continue for too many, who, in the aftermath of these attacks still battle 9/11-related illnesses," he continued."We stand with these heroes and in the fight to ensure they receive every bit of the funding and care they need and deserve."
On Long Island, several gathering stretched throughout the day.
Lawmakers, first responders and law enforcement officials took turns reading the names of almost 200 Suffolk County residents who died on 9/11. A memorial bell was struck after each name.
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said now first responders are being called on once again, this time to help fight the coronavirus pandemic.
“We gather here today, as we know, in the midst of a great national crisis, another attack on our nation," Bellone said. "Not by a foreign power, or terrorist organization, but by a virus.”
▶ WATCH On-Demand: Connecticut Remembers 19th Annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony https://t.co/Ak4kpx3pjn pic.twitter.com/eCCcC79cdF
— Connecticut Network (@CTNetworkTV) September 11, 2020
In Connecticut, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont attended the state’s annual memorial at Sherwood Island State Park on Thursday.
"We will forever remember each of those whose lives were taken all too soon, and honor the heroism of those who courageously fought to protect complete strangers,"Lamont said.
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy commended first responders during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony outside a fire station in Bridgeport on Friday. The city’s first responders sprung to action 19 years ago amid the terrorist attack.
“We are lucky in this country to have men and women who make these choices every single day knowing the danger that was faced on September 11th. They signed up to walk the streets of Bridgeport," Murphy said. "They signed up to go overseas.”
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal urged the cops, firefighters and EMT’s to live up to the selfless ideals of those who died on 9/11.
161 Connecticut residents lost their lives in the terrorist attacks.
