Relates to the adoption of the September 11th national remembrance flag

1 Co-sponsor

• Eric Adams

BILL NUMBER:S3538A

Title of bill

An act to amend the state law, in relation to the September eleventh national remembrance flag

Purpose

This legislation would designate the National Remembrance Flag, created by Stephen and Joanne Galvin of Wolcott, New York, as the official New York State flag for September 11th remembrance.

Summary of provisions

Amends section 70-a of the state law to declare the State 9/11 National remembrance Flag as the official 9/11 Remembrance Flag of New York State.

Justification

In tribute to the fallen heroes and loved ones of the 9/11 attack, this flag will be a tribute and daily reminder that our resolve as Americans, and New Yorkers will never be compromised. To be designated as the official New York State 9/11 remembrance flag, and prominently displayed alongside our own American and New York flags, this banner will further symbolize the steadfastness and determination of the citizens of New York State. The remembrance flag is declared to be blue with a black center, with two white stars, above them one blue star, and below them one red star.

The background: The blue on each side of the flag represents the color of the state flags for each state where a plane was downed - New York, Pennsylvania & Virginia. The black in the center of the flag represents the sorrow we feel for the innocent lives lost from this tragedy: those on the planes, those working in the towers, the Pentagon, and the rescue workers whom lost their lives during the rescue.

The stars: The stars represent the 4 planes that crashed and the innocent lives lost on those planes and in the buildings. The blue star represents the Pentagon & American Airlines Flight 77, and for the innocent passengers and the lives lost in the Pentagon. The 2 white stars represent each of the towers at the World Trade Center, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, the innocent passengers on those flights, the lives lost (both those in the buildings and the rescue workers) and those that survived. The red star represents United Flight 93 that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the innocent passengers, and those who sacrificed their lives to protect the loss of other innocent lives. The color of the stars (red, white & blue) is representation of our United States flag. All 4 stars are touching, as well as the 2 white stars to touch the blue in the flag - this represents our 'unity' in the United States.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.