“As our city reeled from the horror of a devastating terrorist attack only two months prior, we experienced a renewed sense of loss on November 12, 2001, as American Airlines Flight 587 crash landed in the neighborhood of Belle Harbor. 265 people – individuals, each with their own unique dreams and experiences – lost their lives that day, and 15 years later we continue to remember the heartbreaking damage that occurred. Today, we mourn with the families of those who passed away and with the Dominican community, who lost many of their own in the tragic crash. We also honor the first responders who attended to the scene in the days and weeks thereafter. These are sacrifices that all of those involved continue to carry with them, and we extend our deepest sympathies and a commitment to ensuring that those who are lost will never be forgotten.”

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