County conducts 9/11 memorial service

Westchester County, like other counties and municipalities in the Hudson Valley held a memorial service Sept. 11 to honor the memory of residents who perished in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as those who have succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses.

The Sept. 11 ceremony at the 9/11 First Responders Memorial at the Kensico Dam Plaza was actually the second event in a two-day commemoration that began with an Interfaith Prayer Vigil.

Master of Ceremonies for the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony was former WCBS Newsradio 880 News Director Tim Scheld. He said, “I am deeply honored to be part of Westchester County’s 9/11 memorial ceremony. Like all New Yorkers and Americans, I will never forget the moment I learned that our city was under attack. It is a privilege to work towards ensuring that those who perished that day are never forgotten, and that those who have passed and are suffering from 9/11-related illnesses receive the respect and recognition they deserve. On that day, we were all New Yorkers, and we must always remember and uphold that unity.”

When Westchester County Executive George Latimer spoke, he noted, “This year, we add eight more names to the 9/11 First Responders Memorial – eight more people who celebrated birthdays in our county, walked their kids to school here and called Westchester County home.  They are part of us, just like those we lost on 9/11, those we have lost since, and those who continue to suffer from 9/11-related illnesses. It is our duty to gather, remember and honor these brave souls. This interfaith vigil and memorial service not only pay tribute to their memory, but also stand as a testament to our community’s resilience and unity. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the affected families and ensuring that the legacy of their loved ones endures.”

Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins explained, “Together, as one community, we vow never to forget and will continue to support the families and friends who carry this heavy burden every day. Today, as on all days, we reaffirm our commitment to honor their sacrifices.”

9/11 Related Illnesses Memorial Committee Co-Chairs Matthew J. McCauley and Georgia Asciutto said, “As co-chairs of the Westchester County 9/11 First Responders Memorial, we view the memorial from two different perspectives: one as a widow of a 9/11 first responder who passed away from a 9/11-related illness and the other as a 9/11 first responder. While we may have different perspectives, as co-chairs of the memorial, our perspectives align into what you see — a humble and respectful memorial to those who selflessly answered the call on 9/11 and for the months after, and who unfortunately later lost their lives because of it.”

At the end of the event at the 9/11 First Responders Memorial, those in attendance stood for the playing of Taps.