Prayer Vigil Marks Start of Two-Day Memorial Honoring 9/11 Victims and Responders
Watch the Interfaith Prayer Vigil Here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPJgv6U0ZO4
Westchester County 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. Led by County Executive Ken Jenkins, the 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 Plains
- Imam Shaffieq Chace
Westchester Muslim Center
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 seven 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.”
Deputy County Executive Richard Wishnie said: “The addition of seven names this year shows us that the effects of September 11th 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.”
9/11 First Responders Memorial Committee Co-Chairs Matthew J. McCauley and Georgia Asciutto said: "The impact from the 9/11 attacks, which killed thousands of people 24 years ago, has continued throughout these decades from the deadly toxic exposure experienced by rescue and recovery workers. These brave men and women were selfless in their acts to help find survivors and recover remains. The 9/11 families, impacted then and now, need to know their fallen heroes will never be forgotten and we come together today to bring peace, honor and comfort as we approach another anniversary,"
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, remarks from Jenkins and closing remarks from Wishnie.
This year, seven names were added to the 9/11 First Responders Memorial to honor those who died from 9/11-related illnesses, bringing the total to 88. 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.