Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 136
CHAPTER 213

Relative to September 11, 2017.

[ Filed with Secretary of State  September 28, 2017. ]

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


ACR 136, Melendez. September 11, 2017.
This measure would recognize September 11, 2017, as a day of solemn commemoration and extend the Legislature’s deepest sympathies to the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Fiscal Committee: NO  
WHEREAS, On the morning of September 11, 2001, while Americans were attending to their daily routines, terrorists hijacked four civilian aircraft, crashing two of them into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and a third into the Pentagon near Washington D.C.; and
WHEREAS, At approximately 10:00 a.m. that morning, the passengers and crew of hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 heroically retook control of their airplane, giving their lives to save countless others; and
WHEREAS, All four of the hijacked aircraft were bound for California; and
WHEREAS, Nearly 3,000 innocent civilians were killed in the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, Over 400 public safety personnel gave their lives in response to those emergencies; and
WHEREAS, Nearly 80 of those killed were native Californians or California residents; and
WHEREAS, Sixteen years after the attacks, Californians, Americans and people around the world continue to mourn the tremendous loss of innocent life on that historic day; and
WHEREAS, As these attacks were by far the deadliest terrorist attacks ever launched against the United States, and, by targeting symbols of American strength and success, were intended to assail the principles, values, and freedoms of the United States and the American people, intimidate our nation and our state, and weaken its resolve; and
WHEREAS, After 16 years, the thoughts and prayers of Californians remain with the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks and their families, friends, and loved ones; and
WHEREAS, Assembly Concurrent Resolution 127, authored by Assembly Member Jenny Oropeza in 2002, recognized September 11 of each year as a Day of Remembrance and Service, and called upon Californians to participate in appropriate observances to remember those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001, attacks; and
WHEREAS, The terrorist attacks that have occurred around the world since September 11, 2001, remind us of the hateful inhumanity of terrorism and the ongoing threat it poses to freedom, justice, and the rule of law; and
WHEREAS, United States law enforcement and intelligence agencies and allies of the United States around the world have worked together to detect and disrupt terrorist networks and numerous terror plots since September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, Thousands of families have lost loved ones in the defense of freedom and liberty against the tyranny of terror; and
WHEREAS, The passage of 16 years has not diminished the pain caused by the senseless loss of nearly 3,000 persons killed on September 11, 2001; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature of the State of California recognizes September 11, 2017, as a day of solemn commemoration and extends again its deepest sympathies to the thousands of innocent victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and to their families, friends, and loved ones; and be it further
Resolved, That the State of California honors the heroism and the sacrifices of United States military and civilian personnel and their families who have sacrificed much, including their lives and health, in defense of their country, and credits the heroism of first responders, law enforcement personnel, state and local officials, volunteers, and others who aided the victims of these attacks and, in so doing, bravely risked their own lives and long-term health; and be it further
Resolved, That the State of California expresses thanks and gratitude to the foreign leaders and citizens of all nations who have assisted and continue to stand in solidarity with the United States against terrorism in the aftermath of the attacks on September 11, 2001, and asks them to continue to stand with the United States against international terrorism; and be it further
Resolved, That the State of California reaffirms that the American people will never forget the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.