Congress has voted to override a presidential veto of legislation that allows 9/11 families to sue the government of Saudi Arabia in U.S. courts for their alleged backing of the terrorist hijackers. When he vetoed it, President Barack Obama argued the legislation, known as the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, would undermine U.S. interests and expose American military officials to potential legal problems in other countries. But many 9/11 family members are happy JASTA has become law.
Top Democrats and 9/11 families called on the U.S. Senate Monday to override President Barack Obama's veto and allow the families to sue Saudi Arabia over the terrorist attacks. U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy stood outside the federal courthouse in Hartford to say that the families deserve the right to file civil lawsuits against the government of Saudi Arabia to determine culpability for the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Learn More.
The 15th Anniversary was a milestone, especially for those of us who were impacted on September 11, 2001. As we gathered in New York City, at the Pentagon in Shanksville, PA, or in our local communities, we remembered the 2,977 innocent citizens who lost their lives that day.
The 15th Anniversary was a milestone, especially for those of us who were impacted on September 11, 2001. As we gathered in New York City, at the Pentagon in Shanksville, PA, or in our local communities, we remembered the 2,977 innocent citizens who lost their lives that day. As in years past, the anniversary was a time to commemorate, reflect on our personal journey and recognize the resilience of our 9/11 community. On this solemn occasion, it was comforting to be surrounded by so many who have become extended family to us! September 11, 2001 was a day that changed so many lives.
Twenty-four hours after the World Trade Center collapsed, then-Greenwich firefighter Guy Fortt came upon a police officer curled up in a ball on the ground at the scene. "I saw that he was dead. But it was good to see a whole person. Everything I was seeing that day -- even chairs and desks -- was shredded," Fortt recalled. Fortt, who was part of the the 9/11 Search & Rescue Team, was one of the speakers Monday at a program called "Remembrance, Renewal and Resilience" at Grace Farm Sanctuary in New Canaan.