Mamdani Declares 9/11 an Official NYC Day of Remembrance
Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed two executive orders ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks — a citywide Day of Remembrance and Service, and the first rewrite of NYC's emergency continuity planning since 2007.
These are the 20th and 21st executive orders signed by Mayor Mamdani since taking office. The full list is tracked here.
A citywide Day of Remembrance and Service
The first order designates September 11th as an official NYC Day of Remembrance and Service. It directs the administration to set aside time for a moment of silence honoring those killed in the attacks and those who died or fell ill afterward. City agencies are encouraged to hold memorial ceremonies, educational programming and related activities. The Mayor's Office will work with NYC Service to promote volunteer opportunities. Similar days of remembrance exist at the state and federal levels; the city says this is the first such designation by a New York City mayor.
The first continuity overhaul since 2007
The second order modernizes the city's Continuity of Operations planning for the first time since 2007, with the stated goal of maintaining essential services during an emergency. It creates the Continuity and Mission Assurance Team (CMAT), a senior interagency body chaired by the Deputy Mayor for Operations, with leadership from NYC Emergency Management, the Office of Technology and Innovation, DCAS and the Office of Management and Budget. The team is to meet regularly to coordinate continuity planning and operational preparedness.
‘Never Forget’ is not a slogan
“I am honored to establish the City’s first Day of Remembrance and Service on September 11th to remember those we lost on that horrific day and the first responders, families and City workers whose lives were irrevocably changed in the aftermath. Through this Executive Order, we are calling on New Yorkers to honor their memory through service and deep reflection,” Mayor Mamdani said.
“We must also recognize that remembrance carries a responsibility to strengthen our city, protect New Yorkers and ensure that government is prepared to deliver for people no matter the circumstances. 'Never Forget' is not a slogan. It is a commitment that we must carry forward through action. And that is precisely what these two Executive Orders demonstrate.”