Message from General President Harold Schaitberger:

“On this 13th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we take today to recognize and honor all who responded on that horrific day – and in the weeks and months after – to the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the fields of Shanksville, for their incredible selflessness, service and sacrifice. Our members gave everything they had. The best that this union and our nation have to offer was demonstrated in their courageous response.

“Even more significantly, we must always remember the profound loss of the 343 FDNY fire fighters who faced down unspeakable horror defending the citizens of New York City. We must also remember the 9/11 workers who have since died from cancer or respiratory disease. Their names are etched on the Wall of Honor at our Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs. We honor their service, courage and ultimate sacrifice with continued determination to ensure the safety and security of all of our brothers and sisters across the United States and Canada.

“We made a solemn pledge 13 years ago, on that cloudless blue morning in September, to always remember and to never forget. The 300,000 members of this great union, our entire Executive Board, Tommy Miller and I continue to stand by that pledge.”