September 11 Event Graphic Mark


On Thursday, September 9, 2021, Hostos Community College held a virtual panel discussion in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
 
In a conversation held via Zoom and moderated by Hostos Director of Governmental and External Affairs Eric Radezky, President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, honored guests Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Senator John Liu, and Assemblymember Amanda Septimo, and members of the Hostos community came together to discuss the tragic events that took place on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, its aftermath, and share stories of resilience.
 
In her opening remarks, President Cocco De Filippis recalled the somber day twenty years ago that is “etched forever in our memories.”
 
“When we speak of that day, we say, quite rightly, that we must never forget the lives lost, the damage incurred, the trauma that lingers till this day and beyond,” she said. “It is also fitting to say that we must always remember the bright and shining memories of our friends and loved ones, the courage and compassion of all of the New Yorkers—in or out of uniform—who offered their help to those in need, and the response of the larger world, which rallied around a city in pain. As we approach this September 11, twenty years on, from that terrible day, we gather to talk, to listen, to remember and never forget.”
 
Congressman Espaillat recalled the “horrible day” and reflected on Americans’ and New Yorkers’ continued resolve and vision toward the future. He also thanked Hostos and The City University of New York “for their support of all New Yorkers through this horrible time 20 years ago” and their role “in making sure that New York City continued to move forward.”
 
He added: “We will never forget.”
 
When discussing the “unspeakable tragedy” that occurred on 9/11, Senator Liu also recalled the incredible human spirit and compassion exhibited in its wake.
 
During the discussion, the panel also reflected on where they were at the time of the attacks, and how the events of that day affected them. Assemblymember Septimo, who was in elementary school at the time, recalled her view of the Manhattan skyline from the Hunts Point section of the Bronx. “We could sort of see the buildings in smoke and on fire, and kind of watch the wreckage happen” she shared.
 
A moment of silence was observed in remembrance of those whose lives were lost twenty years ago, and Hostos student and Navy veteran Shalikah Ellington recited the poem “The Names,” by Billy Collins, who was the U.S. poet laureate at the time of the 9/11 attacks.
 
Guests also heard from Hostos Veteran Coordinator and Sergeant First Class Ricardo García, USA, Retired, who was a 9/11 first responder and returned in a military capacity to search and rescue and assist in World Trade Center recovery operations. “I spent months at ground zero alongside many of our heroic firefighters, police, NYPD, Port Authority, and multitudes of law enforcement agencies, as well as iron workers and EMS,” he shared in a pre-recorded message. “It is important for us to remember the selfless sacrifice and service that these individuals have made in America’s time of need. But in addition to their selfless service and sacrifice that we honor, we must also remember those lost and those that never returned home. For those countless families that lost their loved ones, we must always remember to keep those individuals’ memories alive through the memorial and through our tribute. It is important that we as New Yorkers pay forward those heroic actions and good deeds that were done on September 11 to keep the foundation of this country strong. But more importantly, we must always remember that the true resolve of the United States is within our ability to maintain our humanity and compassion for one another.”
 
Watch the entire commemorative event on YouTube