New York public schools should keep a moment of silence every September 11

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(CNN) - The governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, signed a new law that forces public schools across the state to allow a brief moment of silence each year to commemorate the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The law is intended to "foster dialogue and education in the classroom" and ensure that future generations understand the terrorist attack of 2001 that claimed the lives of more than 3,000 people and their place in history, says a statement from the governor's office

• READ: 18 years after the terrorist attacks of September 11: some facts you should know

“September 11 was one of the darkest periods in the history of this state and this nation, and we owe it to those who lost and the countless heroes who ran into danger that day and the days that followed and we will do everything possible to keep his memory alive, ”said Cuomo.

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

The bill was sponsored by state senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. and Assemblyman Stacey Pheffer Amato and became law this Monday.

• READ: A fireman killed on September 11 is identified 18 years later

“The average citizen of school age in New York may not have a personal memory of these events, since he was not yet born in 2001, so it is imperative that our public education system take the time to educate students so much in the loss as in the heroism experienced on September 11, ”said Addabbo.

Soon there will be no students in the public school system that were born at the time of September 11, and Addabbo and Amato want to make sure that both the victims and those who gave their lives on September 11 are not forgotten.

"By ordering a brief moment of silent reflection every year, we can make sure that future generations understand this day better and its importance in our history," Amato said.

The new law takes effect immediately.

- Rob Frehse of CNN contributed to this report.

Terrorist attacks 9 11