Dear Representatives Fitzpatrick and Suozzi,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our support for H.R. 911, the “Patriot Day Act.”
The September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks were one of the most tragic and dark days in American history. On that day, almost 3,000 American were killed, including more than 70 law enforcement officers, making it the single deadliest day in law enforcement history. In the decades that followed, hundreds more would die from the cancers and other illnesses that they contracted from their exposure to carcinogens at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania in the days, weeks, and months following the attacks.
Although 9/11 is memorialized each year, it has yet to receive formal Federal recognition. Your legislation would change this by establishing September 11th as a permanent Federal holiday to honor all of the lives that were taken on that day and serve as a reminder to Americans that 9/11 is a moment in history that can never be forgotten.
On behalf of the more than 377,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank you two for your leadership on this important legislation. If I can provide any additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Thank you
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President