UPDATE; We applaud New York City for officially designating September 11 as a Citywide Day of Remembrance and Service. This recognition is an important step toward ensuring that the lives lost on September 11, 2001—and the first responders and others who have since died from 9/11-related illnesses—are never forgotten. Now, we are asking New York City to take the next step. We are calling for NYC public schools and non-essential City agencies to close on September 11, giving New Yorkers the opportunity to pause, honor those we lost, mourn with their families, attend memorials, participate in service, and reflect on a day that forever changed our city and our country. September 11 should not feel like just another ordinary school or workday in the city that experienced this tragedy firsthand. Essential services and emergency operations would, of course, continue. But wherever reasonably possible, New Yorkers should be given the opportunity to step away from their normal routines and come together in remembrance. The newly established Citywide Day of Remembrance and Service is a meaningful beginning. We are asking New York City to build upon it by giving its people the time and space to truly observe it. Twenty-five years later, we still remember. We still honor. We still mourn. And we will never forget. ORIGINAL; Every year on September 11, we are told two powerful words: “Never Forget.” I believe Anericans, especially New Yorkers should be given the time and space to truly do so. As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, I find it surprising that, after nearly 25 years, September 11 is still not an official public holiday in America, especially NewYork—a state that experienced both such unimaginable loss and sacrifice that day. The 25th anniversary should be more than another ordinary work or school day. A quarter of a century later, I believe it is time for Americans to establish something lasting in honor of those we lost, the heroes who gave their all, the survivors, first responders, and families whose lives were forever changed. I am asking New York State leaders to support making September 11th Memorial and Remembrance Day an official public holiday, allowing Americans to step away from school and, where possible, nonessential work to remember, mourn, reflect, attend memorials, and spend time with their families. September 11 forever changed lives.  Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives. Firefighters, police officers, emergency personnel, and countless other heroes risked—and in many cases gave—their lives trying to help others. Families lost parents, children, spouses, siblings, relatives, friends, and coworkers. Survivors and first responders continue to live with the effects of that day. Yet every September 11, many  Americans are expected to continue with an ordinary work or school day. This petition is not about simply creating another day off.It is about remembrance. Families who lost loved ones should be able to attend memorials and mourn without worrying about missing work or school.  Americans, especially New Yorkers should have time to honor the heroes who gave their all. Our children should have the opportunity to learn why this day matters and understand what our city, state, and country experienced. Essential workers would, of course, still be needed. Their continued service should be recognized with tremendous gratitude and respect. There are already efforts in the New York State Legislature to establish September 11th Memorial and Remembrance Day as a public holiday. This petition asks New York's leaders to move this effort forward and give September 11 the solemn recognition it deserves.Twenty-five years is an important milestone. Let the 25th anniversary be the moment New York makes a lasting commitment to remembrance. September 11 changed New York forever. If we truly mean “Never Forget,” then we should give New Yorkers and others a day to remember. Please   join me in signing this petition to ask officials to officially recognize September 11th Memorial and Remembrance Day as a public holiday.