Westchester County was honored to welcome National September 11 Memorial & Museum President and CEO Beth Hillman for a powerful visit to the County's 9/11 memorials at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: "To have President Hillman and the leadership of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum here with us underscores the national significance of what we've built with The Rising and the First Responders Memorial. These are sacred spaces where our community can remember, reflect, and recommit to supporting all those affected by that tragic day. We especially honor those who are still suffering from the health effects of 9/11. Our additions to the memorials are not just tributes—they are acknowledgments of ongoing sacrifice and reminders of our obligation to never forget."
Hillman said: "It was a privilege to see the care and dignity manifested in The Rising and the First Responders Memorial in Westchester County, especially accompanied by family members, first responders, and people who led the construction of these memorials. This sacred space offers the Westchester community and all who visit an opportunity to remember and honor both the victims killed and the 9/11 rescue and recovery workers who are suffering from the health effects related to their service at Ground Zero. For over 100 million Americans, the story of September 11, 2001, is history that has to be learned. Local memorials like these are a permanent reminder to a new generation of New Yorkers of 9/11's impact on their community—and how people came together with compassion, resilience and unity in response. I'm grateful to County Executive Jenkins for hosting my visit and to everyone who helps us fulfill our shared promise to never forget."
Westchester County September 11 First Responders Memorial Committee Co-Chair Matthew McCauley said: "As a co-chair of the Westchester County September 11 First Responders Memorial, it is an honor for Georgia Asciutto, who lost her husband to 9/11 illness, and I to have Beth and her dedicated team visit the County 9/11 memorials that ensure the legacy of those we lost that day, as well as the first responders we continue to lose to their 9/11 related illnesses that were a consequence of their selfless dedication and work in the rescue and recovery effort. Ensuring that those we lost are never forgotten is not a slogan for anyone involved with these memorials; rather, it is a personal dedication we all have in our DNA. Thank you to the 9/11 Museum and Memorial for ensuring that the names of those lost that day will always be spoken. A special thank you to County Executive Ken Jenkins, who has been an unwavering supporter of the Westchester County 9/11 Responders Memorial since it was just a thought, for speaking the names of those from our County and ensuring they are heard and live on forever."
Hillman was joined by senior leaders from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, including Jay Weinkam, Executive Vice President of Government & Community Affairs; Lauren Daly, Vice President of Government & Community Affairs; and Debra Burlingame, 9/11 Memorial & Museum Board Member and 9/11 family member. Together, they toured The Rising and the First Responders Memorial, which honors those killed September 11, 2001, and those who have died from 9/11-related illnesses.
The visit was guided by Jenkins, who was joined by Deputy County Executive Richard Wishnie, Parks Commissioner Kathy O'Connor, First Deputy Parks Commissioner Peter Tartaglia, and Co-Chairs of the 9/11 First Responders Memorial Committee, Matthew J. McCauley and Georgia Asciutto.
Also present were members of the Westchester Department of Emergency Services, New Rochelle Fire Chief Andrew Sandor, and several 9/11 family members who were invited to participate in this moment of reflection and remembrance.