Remembering Our 9/11 Heroes and Honoring CWA Members Impacted by 9/11

A Statement from CWA President Chris Shelton:

As we mark the 20th anniversary of the horrific attacks on September 11, 2001, we remember those who were tragically taken away from us including our CWA, NABET-CWA, and AFA-CWA heroes who were working in the Twin Towers for the Port Authority of NY/NJ, on top of the twin towers servicing TV transmitters, on the job at the Pentagon, and in the skies on the flights that crashed that day. We honor the CWA telecom workers, nurses, 911 operators, traffic enforcement agents and supervisors, public sector members, broadcast engineers and news crews, journalists and media workers, volunteers, and all of those who played a crucial role in responding to this tragic event and rebuilding our country.

Adding to the tragedy are the effects still being felt by our CWA heroes, who continue to suffer from the serious health conditions contracted as a result of the 9/11 attacks, the work they did in the aftermath of the attacks, and the continued exposures to 9/11 toxins. CWA also mourns those members who have died as a result of their 9/11 illnesses.

Thanks to the efforts of CWA activists and many others, several programs have been put in place to help with September 11 related illnesses including the federally funded World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. We encourage all eligible CWA responders and survivors to take full advantage of these and other available programs as soon as possible.

This 20th anniversary is a painful reminder of the experiences that have been seared into our collective memories and our history books. For those who were present in the New York City disaster area as responders, workers, or residents, 9/11 is not a distant memory, but rather continues to be an ever present part of their lives. I know that many of you will be participating in memorial events across the country. As we remember those who took incredible risks and sacrificed their lives, let us take pride in knowing that our fellow CWAers answered the call on this day of tragedy and the days, months, and years that followed to help our nation heal and recover. They will always be our heroes.

Please join me in honoring the memory of those who died on 9/11, and who have died of 9/11 illnesses since that time, by observing a moment of silence on Saturday, September 11, at 8:46 a.m. EDT.

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Were you affected by 9/11? Click here to learn more about available programs and benefits that can help.