Congressional Medal would displayed at memorials in Shanksville, PA, New York, and the Pentagon
Washington, D.C. – Six Senators, including Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey, have introduced legislation to honor the men and women that lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of 9/11. The Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Act, S.3238, authorizes the President to present a Congressional Medal to the family or personal representative of an individual who died on or after September 11, 2001 as a result of the acts of terrorism.
Sponsored by Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and cosponsored by Senators Arlen Specter (D-Pa.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), and Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), the bill also calls on the President to award a medal for display at each of the three memorial sites for the attacks, including: the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania; the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York; and the Pentagon Memorial Project at the Pentagon.
“I am honored to be an original cosponsor of the Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Act. This legislation pays tribute to the thousands of Americans who lost their lives on September 11th,” Specter said. “Among those are the 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93, who gave their lives to save countless others and perished in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The Families of Flight 93 have endorsed this bill and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to get this legislation passed.”
“It is my sincere privilege to cosponsor the Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Act and honor those who lost their lives on September 11th,” said Senator Casey. “The sacrifices of the heroes of Flight 93, the World Trade Center and the Pentagon must never be forgotten. By honoring them with Congressional Medals, we can help ensure that their bravery and sacrifice is championed for generations to come.”
Gordon Felt, president, Families of Flight 93 said, "On behalf of the Families of Flight 93, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Senators Specter and Casey and the other sponsors for their leadership in introducing this legislation. The Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Congressional Medals will be fitting tributes to those who lost their lives on board Flight 93, at the World Trade Center and at the Pentagon on a day when America's spirit was shaken, yet her resolve was once again etched into the fabric of American history."
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs for consideration.
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