SOMERS, N.Y. - Somers marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with a moving Patriot Day ceremony that brought together families, first responders, faith leaders, elected leaders, and residents.
Welcoming the somber crowd to Bailey Park on a beautiful September morning not unlike that fateful day in 2001 was the town’s historian, Doris Jane Smith.
Church bells were rung by nearby St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at designated times of reflection.
The names of the three Somers residents who had perished on 9/11 were evoked: George Bishop, Richard J. Klares, and Joseph P. Spor Jr.
Delivering the invocation was Father John Lagiovane of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by members of the police and fire departments. An enormous American flag was displayed, and Dan Simpson sang the "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Speeches were made by Sgt. David Burpee of the Somers Police Department, First Assistant Fire Chief George Wahlers, Town Supervisor Robert Scorrano, and Congressman Michael Lawler.
Present in the audience were members of the Town Board, state Sen. Peter Harckham and state Assemblyman Matt Slater.
Mike Burns of the Westchester Bluegrass Club, sang “Get in Line.”
Rabbi Jonathan Malamy of the Somers Hebrew Congregation said a prayer.
Floral tributes and a red, white, and blue wreath were placed in the park’s Memory Garden.
Words from the families of local 9/11 victims were conveyed by former town Councilman Tom Garrity and Somers Historical Society member Grace Zimmermann.
The benediction was given by the Rev. Mike Thomas, priest-in-charge at the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Wrapping things up were Mike Burns and Dan Simpson, who led the crowd in singing “God Bless America.”
The program was organized by the Somers Historical Society for the town of Somers.
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