New York is marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks by lowering flags and illuminating landmarks across the state in red, white and blue.
Gov. Kathy Hochul directed flags, including the 9/11 Memorial Flag at the state Capitol and Empire State Plaza, to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Thursday. She also ordered 17 state landmarks illuminated Thursday evening.
The observance honors those killed in the attacks, survivors, first responders and their families. Among those who died were 84 employees of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and 40 state Department of Taxation and Finance employees.
The landmarks identified by the governor's office include the Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal, the State Fairgrounds' Main Gate and Expo Center, the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, the H. Carl McCall SUNY Building and the Alfred E. Smith State Office Building.
Other listed sites include the Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge, Grand Central Terminal's Pershing Square Viaduct and the Long Island Rail Road's East End Gateway at Penn Station.
Hochul also released a commemorative video narrated by actor and former New York City firefighter Steve Buscemi, who returned to service with fellow firefighters after the attacks.
Earlier in the week, the governor visited FDNY Engine 16 and Ladder Company 7 and highlighted $2 million for the Albert Einstein College of Medicine to expand early testing and care for 9/11 first responders.
The state also announced $2.2 million to expand free Sunday admission for New Yorkers at the 9/11 Memorial Museum and legislation intended to help eligible first responders and survivors receive benefits available under state law.
Hochul said the anniversary should honor those who were lost and the courage shown by survivors, families and first responders in the years since the attacks.
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