The annual "Tribute of Light" at the 9/11 Memorial. Photo: The National September 11 Memorial & Museum
Today, we honor the anniversary of 9/11, a day to remember those who lost their lives or their loved ones twenty-four years ago and to reflect on what it means to come together as a nation to mourn—and then come back from the darkest times stronger and with determination to work toward a better future.
As someone originally from New York, I have a very personal connection to 9/11. My brother, Chris, served his career as a firefighter in FDNY and was on duty on September 11, 2001. Although he survived, many of his colleagues did not. On this day each year, we remember those who ran toward danger and gave their lives protecting the public. We have a solemn responsibility to honor their memories, continue to support those we know who were affected, and do our part to rebuild a sense of safety and unity in our nation. The anniversary of 9/11 motivates me to rededicate myself to building a safer, more resilient, and more supportive community where we all pull together in times of trouble rather than pulling apart.
 Photo: Sound Transit
In the middle of Monday night, I joined a crowd of rail fans to watch and celebrate the first “livewire testing” of light rail across the I-90 bridge. This marks the first time anywhere in history that a light rail train has crossed a floating bridge under its own power and brings us one step closer to finally opening the connection between the 1 Line and the 2 Line in early 2026.
I have always been proud to champion light rail. It’s a fast, frequent, and reliable form of transit that will transform how people get around our region and I am thrilled that we’ve reached this milestone—next stop, a King County fully connected by transit!
This year marks the tenth anniversary of Welcoming Week in King County. Led by Eastside for All, Welcoming Week is a nationwide effort to bring together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusion in our communities.
This year, enjoy opportunities for connection like a dance performance by the Huayin Performing Arts Group at Crossroads Community Center, a virtual storytelling event with the Immigrant Women’s Community Center, an evening of food and culture at the Redmond Senior and Community Center, and so much more.
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