America proudly celebrates our history and honors our heroes, a national character trait that has been particularly evident this year, the 250th anniversary of our independence - which is also the 25th anniversary of the heinous attacks of September 11, 2001. 

On July 4, 2026, to mark America’s 250th anniversary, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opened near Theodore Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota. The National Park Service notes that the park is where the Great Plains meet the rugged Badlands, the site where a young Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt began anew after losing his wife and mother on the same day in 1884. He went on to lead our Nation, earn the Nobel Peace Prize and the Medal of Honor, and is the only person ever to do so. He also played a key role in shaping our Nation’s public health policies and programs, a testament to his core beliefs that a Nation is only as healthy as its citizenry.

As President, Theodore Roosevelt supported the findings and recommendations of the Yellow Fever Commission. He praised the brilliance of a young Army medical officer named Walter Reed, citing the crucial role he played in teaching mankind how to fight the disease. He famously told Congress that Walter Reed made all of mankind his debtor. 

President Theodore Roosevelt once famously said, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

This year, America250 is also the 25th anniversary of the heinous attacks of September 11, 2001, in which 2,977 Americans died in the heinous, cowardly attacks on September 11, 2001. Among those our Nation lost were 343 courageous FDNY firefighters, one NY Fire Patrol member, eight EMS paramedics/EMTs, and 72 law enforcement officers from federal, state, and city agencies. The Port Authority Police Department lost 37 heroic officers, while the NYPD lost 23 of its finest that day. Their sacrifice is forever remembered, and their names are engraved in hearts as heroes. In the health crisis that has followed 9/11, many others, including civilians and ordinary Americans, have seen their lives, health, and well-being negatively affected by exposure to toxic substances, and many have also lost their lives.

Today, well over 50,000 first responders and survivors have been diagnosed with a 9/11-related cancer, including thousands who have passed away from their 9/11 related illnesses. I write this as someone whose health has suffered as a result of exposure to toxins but, more importantly, as someone whose life has been extended because of the tireless and devoted advocates who refused to be ignored and took the battle to Congress in Washington, D.C.

9/11 Day, the nonprofit that established and organizes events for America’s annual 9/11 National Day of Service, notes that Patriot Day is observed on September 11 to honor the victims and heroes of the 2001 attacks through acts of charity and good deeds, and to celebrate the spirit of unity that emerged after the 2001 terrorist attacks through acts of service and selflessness.

This petition respectfully requests that Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the Theodore Roosevelt Association, and Voices Center for Resilience reflect on the spirit we commemorate on 9/11 Day: Patriot Day, and graciously consider the following:

No finer examples of the spirit of service above self exist than those of a considerable number of 9/11 first responders who joined Jon Stewart, John Feal, and the FealGood Foundation team in this noble advocacy effort and have since passed away, ultimately sacrificing their lives in service to our Nation and fellow citizens. Among the true patriots are FDNY Firefighters Ray Pfeifer, John F. McNamara, and Robert Tilercio; NYPD Detectives Luis Alvarez and Dennis Murphy; and FBI Special Agent Thomas Mohnal. Their names form a respectful honor roll for us, their fellow citizens and countrymen, to remember with gratitude. 

“A Nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” - President John F. Kennedy.

In a heartfelt eulogy he delivered at his friend’s funeral, Jon Stewart emphasized the importance of service and gratitude for those who dedicate themselves selflessly, honoring Ray Pfeifer, a brave and devoted FDNY firefighter whose life of service will forever evoke gratitude for living in a Nation that produces individuals of such high moral character and integrity. Jon Stewart said of his friend and tireless advocate, "Make no mistake, Ray Pfeifer died in the line of duty because of illness in the terrible terrorist attacks of 9/11, but more importantly Ray Pfeifer lived in the line of duty, now and forever."

The NYPD Theodore Roosevelt Award honors police officers who demonstrate remarkable resilience and courage by overcoming serious injuries or illnesses and returning to duty in service to the City of New York and our Nation.

Named after the 26th U.S. President—who served as NYC Police Commissioner and overcame childhood illnesses—the award is given each year by the Police Commissioner. It is supported by the Theodore Roosevelt Police Awards program, which honors law enforcement officers nationwide who have also returned to active duty after facing severe health challenges.

Blessed with integrity, courage, and an indomitable spirit rarely seen, NYPD Detective Luis Alvarez, a Marine Corps veteran, now weakened by cancer and frail yet fiercely determined, made the trip to Washington, D.C., to speak on behalf of his fellow citizens. Like the FDNY’s Ray Pfeifer, he was doing what he had always done, remaining faithful; he, too, was living his life in the line of duty despite the pain of terminal cancer.

John Feal, founder of the FealGood Foundation, an Army veteran, 9/11 first responder, and advocate, is one of the 9/11 Day ambassadors who inspires and motivates countless souls across our great Nation to serve others and pursue causes greater than themselves. A natural leader, he has never failed to reverently remember, with awe and a profound sense of gratitude and respect, how much he and others who led the fight for fairness were inspired by the personal courage of those like Ray Pfeifer and Luis Alvarez, who championed the need for Congress to demonstrate that it truly cares.

Thankfully, 9/11 advocates such as Jon Stewart, John Feal of the Feal Good Foundation, and other dedicated supporters have received praise and recognition nationwide. As a 9/11 Day Ambassador, John Feal regularly speaks of those who inspired the efforts, took part in the advocacy efforts, and left a legacy of service that continues to inspire humility and motivates him and many others to do good where one can and when one can. Their unwavering devotion and tireless efforts, uncompromising principles and unwavering loyalty were invaluable in reminding lawmakers of their obligation to care for those who served and were affected by the September 11, 2001, attacks.

* FDNY Firefighter John F. McNamara died on August 9, 2009; his efforts helped lay the groundwork for the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act
* FDNY Firefighter Ray Pfeifer died on May 28, 2017
* FDNY Firefighter Robert Tileracio died on October 25, 2017
* NYPD Detective Luis Alvarez died on June 29, 2019
* NYPD Detective Dennis Murphy died on October 19, 2019
* FBI Supervisory Special Agent Thomas J. Mohnal died on February 10, 2021

In the spirit of honor and remembrance, it is fitting to specifically acknowledge NYPD Detective Luis Alvarez and others who refused to be ignored. 

Accordingly, Commissioner Jessica Tisch and the Theodore Roosevelt Association, on behalf of those who signed this petition, respectfully request that NYPD Detective Luis Alvarez be named an honorary recipient of the Theodore Roosevelt Award and that the Voices Center for Resilience accommodate the award presentation as part of the 25th Anniversary NYC Symposium.

Thank you for your consideration, service, and attention to this petition.