Mayor de Blasio honors advocates of 9/11 Health and Compensation Act

Mayor Bill de Blasio honored advocates of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act Monday at the Beacon Theatre.
The Bronze Medallion is the highest civic honor a New Yorker can be presented. De Blasio bestowed the honor on the individuals and organizations that fought for the 9/11 compensation act.

The act guarantees that first responders and victims from around the country receive the care they need when diagnosed with a 9/11-related illness.

The ceremony was a mix of celebration and remembrance.

As each honoree was announced, the room was filled with applause and everyone was brought to their feet.

The honors included Reps. Carolyn Maloney and Jerrold Nadler, Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, talk show host Jon Stewart and families and individuals who have been directly impacted. 

The efforts of representatives and advocates has allowed more than 22,000 victims and responders to make claims and receive the resources and health care they need.