With today being the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attack on the U.S., Westchester County late yesterday held the first of two commemorative events to honor the memory of residents who perished in the tragic events of September 11, 2001, as well as those who later passed away from 9/11-related illnesses. A second event was scheduled for today. An Interfaith Prayer Vigil brought together faith leaders to offer prayers of remembrance and reflection. The prayers were led by: Rev. Dr. Frank T. Fraley, Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of White Plains; Rabbi Ben Goldberg, Congregation KTI in Port Chester; Arun Bhagirath, Hindu Temple of Tri-State, White Plain; and Imam Shaffieq Chace, Westchester Muslim Center.
The program included a presentation of the colors by the Westchester County Department of Public Safety Color Guard, a ceremonial wreath-laying at the 9/11 steel beam from the Twin Towers.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “Tonight we gathered as one community to remember the lives we lost on September 11, 2001, and those we continue to lose to 9/11-related illnesses. The addition of six names to our First Responders Memorial is a painful reminder of the impact that day continues to have on our residents. This vigil enables us to honor their memory through prayer and reflection with our faith community.”
This year, six names were added to the 9/11 First Responders Memorial at the Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla to honor those who died from 9/11-related illnesses, bringing the total to 87. The names are: Det. David P. Miller Jr., NYPD; Charles E. Flickinger, United States Marine Corps; Plumber Pipefitter John J. Campo; UA Local 1 Plumbers; Det. Hector J. Santiago, NYPD; Deputy Chief John Q. Sullivan, FDNY EMS; Deputy Mayor Carol A. Robles-Román, City of New York; Gas Mechanic Edmund B. Conley Jr., Con Edison.
Every individual honored on the Memorial either lived in Westchester County, worked in the County, or volunteered within Westchester.
Deputy County Executive Richard Wishnie said, “The addition of six names this year shows us that the effects of September 11 are still felt every day in our community. This vigil offers us a chance to pause, reflect and join with faith leaders to honor the memory of those who gave so much. Westchester stands together with the families of the fallen, ensuring their loved ones will always be remembered.”
