Some sacrifices are too profound for words. On 9/11, the men and women of the FDNY showed us what extraordinary courage looks like — answering the call when our city needed them most. In the moments after the attacks, FDNY first responders rushed to Ground Zero, battling fires and bringing as many New Yorkers to safety as they could. They returned day after day, searching for those we had lost and helping our city begin to rebuild. On September 11, 343 members of the FDNY made the ultimate sacrifice. More than 600 others have since died from 9/11-related illnesses. Today, I was proud to stand alongside FDNY leadership, survivors and families to honor these men and women and reflect on how we can carry forward the spirit of service and solidarity that defined their lives. These heroes represent the very best of our city and our humanity. The debt we owe them can never be repaid. As we mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we make the same vow we have made for a quarter century: New York will Never Forget.

Yesterday, I was proud to stand with New York’s labor movement to rally for worker power and demand a city that works for all of us, not just the wealthiest few. For generations, New York’s labor unions have shown us what working people can accomplish when we organize: fair treatment, safe workplaces, and dignity for working people. Our administration is carrying that tradition forward. We’ve taken on bad bosses and won more than $13 million in restitution for workers who were mistreated. And we established the first-ever Office of Worker Power so working people know they have an ally at City Hall. On Labor Day and every day, we are fighting to build a city where working people can afford to live and raise their families.

Our men and women in uniform take a solemn vow to stand between New Yorkers and the threats facing our city. It is a calling they answer until the very end. On September 11, while so many ran for safety, NYPD officers ran to Ground Zero. Thousands more answered that same call in the months that followed — risking their own health to clear the pile, search for survivors and help our city begin to recover. We lost 23 officers that day. In the 25 years since, 450 more have died from 9/11-related illnesses. This morning, I was honored to stand with their families and NYPD leadership to remember their lives and the ultimate sacrifice they made for our city. On the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, we make our own solemn vow to Never Forget what these men and women gave to our city, and what our officers do every day to keep New Yorkers safe.

Today, I was proud to join New Yorkers for the 9/11 Day of Service at the Intrepid Museum. September 11th is a day we remember the terror and loss our city endured. It is also a day we remember the extraordinary courage, kindness and generosity New Yorkers showed one another. We remember the first responders who rushed into the fire, civilians who gave their time and expertise, neighbors who cooked meals and checked in on one another, and a city that came together to weather our darkest day. As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, one of the best ways we can honor them is by carrying that spirit of service forward.

Yesterday, we celebrated the largest Caribbean community in the country, and one of the most joyful days on New York City’s calendar. For 59 years, J’Ouvert and the West Indian American Day Carnival have been woven into the fabric of our city. The doubles and jerk chicken along the Parkway. The unmistakable melodies of steel pan. The vibrant flags celebrating the incredible diversity of Caribbean heritage. The cheering crowds filling the streets. New York is better because Caribbean New Yorkers call it home. From the first notes of Soca Night to the moment we met on the road, it was an honor to share in this beloved tradition with you.

Today, I had the honor of meeting members of the Emergency Service Unit, the most elite tactical team in the NYPD. ESU is called to protect New Yorkers during our gravest emergencies. On September 11th, they answered that call. Of the 23 members of the NYPD who died in the line of duty that day, 14 were from ESU. Three of them — Sergeant Michael Curtin, Detective Joseph Vigiano, and Officer John D’Allara — were from Truck 2, the unit I visited this afternoon. We spoke about the courage that ESU demonstrated in our city’s hour of need, and the indelible legacy left by those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. We will never forget what Truck 2, the Emergency Service Unit, and the men and women of the NYPD did that day — and do every day — to keep New Yorkers safe.

In just two days, 553 students will walk through the doors of the new John Dewey Annex for their first day of school. And they won’t be alone. This Thursday, 10 new school facilities will open across all five boroughs, adding 4,656 seats to our public schools. That means less overcrowding and more room to learn for New York City kids.

For years, New Yorkers have demanded access to City records about the lasting health impacts of the horrific September 11th attacks. For years, they have been denied and ignored. That ends today. My administration is launching a free online portal for 9/11-related documents and releasing the first 170,000 pages today — available now at These records prove what families and first responders have long known: City government knew the conditions around Ground Zero were dangerous — yet lied to New Yorkers. Thousands pay the price for this. They bear the effects of that day every time they struggle to breathe or visit the doctor. More people have died from 9/11-related illnesses than were killed on the day itself. As we mark twenty five years since September 11th, our vow to Never Forget will not waver. We will remember — and honor — those we have lost with the accountability and honesty they deserve.

In 1882, 10,000 workers marched up Broadway in the first-ever Labor Day parade. Led by democratic socialists and organized by New York’s unions, they rallied the movement that went on to win us weekends, safety standards, overtime pay, a minimum wage, and social security. None of those victories were guaranteed. And none are permanent. We created the first-in-the-nation Office of Worker Power to put the full weight of City Hall behind the people who keep New York running. On Labor Day, we honor the workers who came before us by fighting for the workers who come next. Happy Labor Day, New York. The future of worker power is ours to build. Learn more at

Going to the beach this weekend? Our lifeguards are ready for you. @nycemergencymgt, @NYCParks, and @FDNY have been conducting life-saving rescue drills with drones all summer to prepare for emergencies before they happen. Have fun. Stay safe. We’ve got you.

Last week, I was honored to celebrate New York City’s Caribbean community at Gracie Mansion. Caribbean greatness is everywhere in New York City. In Flatbush and Wakefield, where a beef patty in coco bread will run you less than five dollars and still stand up to every fine dining reservation in the city.  In Canarsie and Rosedale, where three-day cricket matches are somehow shorter than the argument about who won.  And in Richmond Hill and Crown Heights, where bouyon can mean a rhythm to one neighbor and a recipe to the next. Our city is better because of Caribbean culture and community.

Two-thirds of NYC’s income growth since the pandemic went to the top 1%. The richest 0.001% — about 50 families — saw their average income soar from $315 million in 2019 to nearly $600 million a year. It’s time to build a city that works for everyone.