Prayer Vigil Part of a Two-Day Memorial Event to Honor Victims and Promote Unity
Watch the Interfaith Prayer Vigil Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bz7VVslWlyA
Westchester County held the first of two memorials to honor the memory of residents who perished in the tragic events of September 11, 2001, as well as those who have succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses. The first event featured an Interfaith Prayer Vigil with prayers from:
Dr. Stephen W. Pogue, Pastor of Greater Centennial A.M.E Zion Church
Rabbi Evan Hoffman, Immediate Past President of the Westchester Board of Rabbis
Arun Bhagirath, Hindu Temple of Tri-State, White Plains
Shaffieq Chace, Islamic Center of New Rochelle
The Program also included a benediction by Elder Mark McLean, Pastor of Generations Church and President of the Inter-Religious Coalition of New Rochelle as well as a ceremonial wreath-laying at the 9/11 steel beam from the Twin Towers.
This year, eight additional names were added to the 9/11 First Responders Memorial, remembering those who have passed from of 9/11-related illnesses, bringing the total 81. The names are:
- FF John G. Daly Jr.
Scarsdale FD - Det. William J. Keating
NYPD - Chief Daniel J. Raftery
Greenville Fire District - Ronald J. Pennella
Construction Industry - FF George D. Ewell Jr.
Mount Vernon Fire Department - John Lunapiena
NYSDOT - FF Ronald N. LaManna
Yonkers FD - Senior Investigator George L. Johansen
NYSP
Everyone honored on the Memorial either resided in Westchester County, worked in the County, or volunteered within Westchester.