Norman Siegel is one of a kind. For decades he has stood for the downtrodden and has supported those whom justice had seemed to fail.
This is not the reason the Christopher A. Santora Educational Scholarship Fund is honoring Norman as our 2009 Man of the Year, however.
The person of the year award is given each year to an individual who has continued to keep September 11, 2001 issues "alive" in peoples' hearts and minds. This year we are honored to give this award to our first woman the Honorable Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney.
We met Anthony in the beginning months following September 11, 2001. We were both family members. Anthony had lost his older brother and we had lost our son. We agreed on many issues. We wanted the truth to be told. We wanted answers. We wanted the City of New York to do the right thing. We met at the many meetings that were held during those early days. Anthony created a family group entitled the "World Trade Center United Family Group." His mission was to provide knowledge and support to family members who were coping with their terrible loss. He organized an exchange and reached out to the families from the Oklahoma City bombing knowing that they understood the loss we were suffering. Families from New York City went to Oklahoma City to support the families for their anniversary. The families from Oklahoma City came to New York City to support us for our anniversary. We were privileged to become a part of that exchange. We have returned to Oklahoma for 3 years. Our friendships with the folks from Oklahoma City are very special to us.
We have known Joseph Crowley for many years. He is one of the "good guys" in politics. He really cares about his neighbors and his constituents. He works hard to make a difference. He has and continues to make our nation better, safer, more secure, more educated, more tolerant and more proactive.