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| 30th Anniversary of Attica Riot |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 09/24/2001 |
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Hundreds gathered on September 13 to recognize the 30th anniversary of Attica Correctional Facility's violent retaking, and dedicated a moment of silence to victims of the prison tragedy and the terrorist strikes. Against the backdrop of the prison's 30-foot walls, uniformed officers and others in street clothes bowed their heads, with only the flapping of flags flying at half-staff interrupting a moment of silence. There had been talk of canceling services to mark the anniversary of the nation's deadliest prison riot, but organizers decided the day was too important to go unnoticed. For families still feeling the loss of 11 corrections employees three decades ago, last Tuesday's attacks made a difficult time even harder to bear. Thirty-two inmates died. 'It's like another layer of grief,' said Laurie Cunningham, daughter-in-law of Sgt. Edward Cunningham, a corrections officer taken hostage by inmates Sept. 9, 1971, and killed by police gunfire when state troopers stormed the building on Sept. 13. Some drew parallels between the Attica riot and the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. 'The victims of these things always understand that pain endures and nothing can replace human life,' said Jonathan Gradess, who has been involved with a group of relatives of slain hostages. A relatives' group, the Forgotten Victims of Attica, began a round-the-clock candlelight vigil Sept. 9, which ended following a march to the prison and the prayer service. The group formed last year, outraged by a multimillion-dollar court award to inmates hurt or killed in the riot. The officers' families have since demanded compensation, an apology and counseling from the state, an annual memorial service on the prison grounds, and access to sealed state records of the riot. Forgotten Victims said the state mishandled the riot and has refused to apologize or make amends. A three-member task force appointed by Gov. George Pataki in March is looking into the requests. |
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