Westchester County held a two-day event 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 event featured an Interfaith Prayer Vigil and the September 11th Memorial Service fostering unity and remembrance.
This year, eight additional names were added to the 9/11 First Responders Memorial to remember those who died of 9/11-related illnesses, bringing the total 81. Everyone honored on the Memorial either resided in Westchester County, worked in the County, or volunteered
within Westchester.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “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 said: “As the 23rd anniversary of Sept. 11 approaches, we once again pause to reflect on the profound loss and enduring strength that arose from that tragic day. This year, we solemnly add eight new names—individuals taken from us far too
soon due to 9/11-related illnesses—to the 9/11 First Responders Memorial. These men and women, like the victims we lost in previous years and on Sept. 11, represent lives cut short but leave behind a legacy of service, courage and love. 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—their lives—and to ensure that future generations understand the true cost of freedom.”
The vigil brought together representatives from the Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Muslim communities for prayer and included a ceremonial wreath-laying at the 9/11 steel beam from the Twin Towers.
The memorial service honored the memory of Westchester County residents who were killed on 9/11 and those who have died from
9/11-related illnesses. The names of those who perished on 9/11 were read aloud, as well as those who have since died of 9/11 related illness.
Westchester County Board of Legislators Chair Vedat Gashi said: “During this two-day event, we honor the heroes we lost on September 11, 2001 and those who perished due to related illnesses. This is an opportunity for our community to come together as we extend our deepest respect to their colleagues and families, whose strength and resilience reflect the courage of those we remember.”
Master of Ceremonies for the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony and former WCBS 88am News Director Tim Scheld 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.”
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. We applaud Westchester County, and especially County
Executive George Latimer, for his continued support of this unfortunately growing memorial. Thank you for showing these growing
number of families that Westchester County will never forget their sacrifices.”
Generations Church Elder and President IRC of New Rochelle Mark McLean said: “As we gather together as a faith base community
to pray for the people of our County, it is so important for us to never forget the pain and the triumph that was 9/11/01. In remembering and commemorating the courage and heroism of our first responders on that fateful day we honor the best in us and indeed in our nation.”
