Recent Vandalism On Postcards 9/11 Memorial Strongly Condemned: BP Fossella

BP Fossella Condemns Recent Vandalism on Postcards 9/11 Memorial

Editor’s note: Staten Islander News has previously covered last year’s ceremony at this memorial on 9/11. 

Staten Island, NY – Borough President Vito Fossella strongly condemns the recent acts of vandalism in the form of graffiti, which included the messages “ACAB” and “Free Palistine”, on the Postcards 9/11 Memorial, a sacred site that honors the memory of the 263 Staten Island residents killed in the attacks of September 11th, 2001, and in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

Borough President Fossella expressed his deep disappointment and outrage over the incident. “In this great country of ours, The First Amendment, among other things, guarantees individuals the right to speak freely and express themselves. It does not guarantee individuals the right to destroy and desecrate property, especially something as meaningful as the Postcards Memorial that honors all those Staten Islanders that died as a result of the 9/11 attacks. And the inclusion of the phrase, “ACAB”, which stands for “All Cops Are Bastards”, is not only disgusting, but also an insult to the thousands of men and women who wear or who have worn the uniform of the New York City Police Department. These vandals are bad neighbors and bad spellers. They spelled only two words, and one of them was wrong, maybe that’s why they had to use an acronym.” said BP Fossella.

The Borough President is working closely with the New York Economic Development Corporation (NYEDC), which maintains the site, to ensure that the memorial is cleaned and restored to its rightful state. “We are grateful for the continued collaboration between our offices that has seen great improvements and beautifications to the site, and are thankful for the help and partnership to preserve this memorial as a sacred place.” said BP Fossella.

The Borough President’s office, in collaboration with the NYEDC, is committed to preserving the sanctity of the Postcards 9/11 Memorial.

 Banner Image: Postcards 9/11 Memorial concept artwork.  Image Credit – Masa Sono / 9/11 Memorial & Museum

BP Vito Fossella

The Office of the Borough President has a responsibility to advocate for the entire Borough of Staten Island and all its residents, and represents the Borough's interests within City government. The Borough President communicates directly with the Mayor and the City Council to emphasize Staten Island’s budget priorities. In addition, the Borough President is responsible for reviewing major land use decisions and proposing sites for city facilities within the Borough. As the chair of the Borough Board, the Borough President leads Staten Island’s City Council delegation and Community Board chairs in the process of reviewing and approving the transfer of public properties to private use. The Borough President’s Office houses the Borough's Topographical Bureau, which maintains the borough’s official maps and assigns street addresses. The Borough President monitors the delivery of city services on Staten Island, and acts as a liaison between residents and city agencies when problems arise to devise solutions. The Borough President is also responsible for appointing one member to the Panel for Educational Policy and one member to the City Planning Commission, as well as some 150 members to Staten Island’s three community boards.