Mayor Mamdani:<\/p>\n
You were a month shy of 10 and living in New York City when 19 Al Qaeda hijackers took down the twin towers on Sept. 11, 2001.<\/p>\n
That apocalyptic day has been imprinted on your memory since boyhood. Twenty five years later, as mayor of the City of New York, it\u2019s your solemn duty to honor the 2,977 innocent victims of Islamist terrorism on that sacred site.<\/p>\n
Public officials attend each year to bear witness and show their respects, not deliver self-important speeches. I\u2019m heartened that, despite backlash from some 9\/11 families<\/a>, you\u2019ll be in attendance for the 25th anniversary of the worst day on American soil.<\/p>\n Before deciding, you\u00a0didn\u2019t conduct a poll or hold focus groups. You didn\u2019t listen to your DSA buddies or the kids from Commie Corner. You faced down a viral online petition signed by tens of thousands urging you to stay away. Good for you.<\/p>\n In fact, you\u2019ve said you will \u201cproudly honor the families, the survivors and first responders<\/a>\u201d by standing alongside them at Ground Zero. Your presence will reaffirm the city\u2019s continued commitment to always remember and commemorate the somber tragedy. Like Dec. 7, 1941, Sept. 11, 2001 is a \u201cDay of Remembrance.\u201d<\/p>\n 9\/11 also happened in Shanksville, Pa., at the Pentagon and aboard four commercial aircraft. But it was Lower Manhattan that took the deadliest blow. That\u2019s your turf.<\/p>\n As it does every Sept. 11, the world will be watching. Your appearance will be more than symbolic: It shall send a message of New York City solidarity. You represent eight million New Yorkers, not only those who voted for you. Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Jews. Black, white, Asian and Hispanic. Old and young. Rich and poor. Democrats and Republicans. All of us.<\/p>\n I represented Chris Ward, then-executive director of the Port Authority, during the rebuilding of Ground Zero. I watched the World Trade Center rebuilt from the rubble, one floor at a time, and led VIPs on tours of the site. It was the most moving experience of my life.<\/p>\n This is your big opportunity to pay tribute, to be\u00a0a uniter, not a divider, on the day recalling the horrific events of a quarter century ago. Convey the dignity, unity and grace the occasion demands. No winning smile or social media.<\/p>\n Take your cues from First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan, the clear-headed adult in your inner circle and City Hall\u2019s institutional memory. He has the 9\/11 frame of reference you need. Seek his wisdom and judgment.<\/p>\n