Contact: Colleen Roche/Curt Ritter (212) 788-2958
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani hosted a Holiday reception this evening at Gracie Mansion for the family members of police officers and firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. Marty Lyons, two-time All-Pro defensive end for the New York Jets, joined the Mayor in welcoming the families. Children were treated to face painting, puppet shows and Holiday gifts from the American Museum of Natural History and the New York City Parks Department. Mr. Lyons is also Chairman of the Marty Lyons Foundation, an organization that grants wishes to children with chronic life-threatening diseases.
"It is an honor and a pleasure to celebrate the Holidays with you this evening," said Mayor Giuliani. "Each one of you represent the spirit of the City at its best. With the devastating losses you have suffered you can gain strength from one another, by remembering together who your loved ones were and what they stood for. No police officer or firefighter could accomplish what they do each and every day if it were not for their family that supports them. Through your love and support you have made them into the heroes we honor and remember.
"I want to thank all of you for having the vision and the courage to start and maintain this great network of support," the Mayor continued. "You have realized that the widows and families of the police officers and firefighters have real social, economic, and emotional needs that deserved to be answered in a sensitive, respectful and genuinely supportive way. Through your show of strength and love you are setting a wonderful example for all the families of our City. I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season."