New York public schools are mandated under a new law to hold a moment of silence on Sept. 11 in memory of the 2001 terrorist attack.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo Andrew CuomoOvernight Health Care: Trump signs largely symbolic pre-existing conditions order amid lawsuit | White House puts off action on surprise medical bills | Rising coronavirus cases spark fears of harsh winter NY health officials to review any vaccine approved by Trump Americans splurging on Halloween candy MORE (D) signed legislation Monday establishing "September 11th Remembrance Day," just days ahead of the 18th anniversary of the devastating attack.

Under the new law, schools can hold a brief moment of silence at the beginning of the school day each year on Sept. 11 to “encourage dialogue and education in the classroom” in an effort to allow future generations to understand the attack, the governor’s office said in the announcement. ADVERTISEMENT

Most students graduating in the class of 2019 were newborns at the time of the attack, New York State Assembly member Stacey Pheffer Amato (D) said in the release.

"9/11 was one of the single darkest periods in this state's and this nation's history, and we owe it to those we lost and to the countless heroes who ran toward danger that day and the days that followed to do everything we can to keep their memory alive," Cuomo said in the announcement.

"By establishing this annual day of remembrance and a brief moment of silence in public schools, we will help ensure we never forget — not just the pain of that moment but of the courage, sacrifice and outpouring of love that defined our response," he added.

The law is effective immediately.