In the 23 years that have passed since Sept. 11, 2001, two generations have been born, giving them a different meaning of “Never Forget.”

“I feel like people my age, it's hard to grasp this exact situation because we weren't alive,” said Amy Dziok, a student at OCM BOCES. “I was born in 2007 and so is everyone else over here, but, yeah, it's hard. I wouldn't say it’s irrelevant. It's not any of that. We should definitely still keep teaching and all these memorials. Like, it's needed.”

In 2019, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law that schools must observe a moment of silence each year on 9/11.

The New York State Board of Regents Chancellor Lester Young, Jr. and Commissioner Betty Rosa issued a statement Wednesday, saying:

“As educators, it is our responsibility to ensure that future generations understand the significance of this day and the values it represents: unity, empathy, knowledge, and compassion. Today, as our schools engage in meaningful discussions as a tribute of remembrance about the events of 9/11, let us continue to support one another, foster understanding, and strive for a future where peace prevails. We stand in solidarity today to say, ‘Never forget’ and ‘Always in our hearts.’”

Lenny Nolan, a criminal justice teacher and former law enforcement officer, says he has a personal and professional obligation to make sure these lives are never forgotten.

“It's important to always remember what sacrifices were made,” said Nolan. "A lot of law enforcement officers, a lot of firefighters [and] a lot of EMTs lost their lives. Civilians rushed back into the building. I personally lost someone that I went to high school with. I thought, 'we should have lunch together.' Her name was Vanessa Lamb. So this is important to memorialize and remember.”

Each year, the American Red Cross sets out flags with the names of victims and a snippet of who they were. They even have a sign with photos and names of the people who died with Western New York connections — just one way our community is making sure history is remembered.