A quarter-century has passed since Sept. 11, 2001, but the passage of time has not diminished the significance of a day that forever changed countless lives. For families who lost loved ones, first responders who answered the call and neighbors who watched their communities grieve, the anniversary remains deeply personal.
On Friday, communities across Halston Media’s coverage area will come together in different ways, united by a shared sense of loss, gratitude and remembrance. From solemn ceremonies and moments of silence to memorial gatherings and tributes, residents will honor those who never came home and those whose courage and sacrifice helped carry their communities through the darkest days.
Here is a look at local and regional events marking the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11.
The Vista Volunteer Fire Department will hold a wreath-laying ceremony at their 9/11 Memorial at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13. The Vista Firehouse at is located at 377 Smith Ridge Rd. in South Salem.
The Putnam County September 11 Candlelight Vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Putnam Heroes Memorial in Cornerstone Park, 1 Fair St., Carmel. The ceremony will include the Roll Call of Heroes and the addition of seven names to the memorial. All seven were Putnam County residents who died as a result of their service in rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center. They include FDNY firefighters, NYPD officers and other first responders. The vigil will also be livestreamed on the Putnam County website.
Town of Carmel officials will observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. on Sept. 11, the time the first plane struck the World Trade Center, at the town’s memorial in front of Carmel Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave., Mahopac. The memorial features cement and steel beams.
The Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department will follow with its annual ceremony nearby at the firehouse, 741 Route 6, at the intersection of Croton Falls Road. The department’s memorial incorporates steel from the World Trade Center.
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 221 E. Lake Blvd., Mahopac, will celebrate a memorial Mass honoring first responders on Sunday, Sept. 13. A parade from the Mahopac firehouse will begin at 11:10 a.m., followed by the Mass
Mount Kisco will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with a memorial service at 6:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Village Hall, 104 Main St. The public is invited to attend the longstanding community ceremony, organized with support from the Mount Kisco Volunteer Fire Department and others who have helped make the observance special throughout the years. All are welcome.
North Salem will hold a ceremony in remembrance of September 11, 2001 at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11 at the North Salem Firehouse at 301 Titicus Road. The ceremony will be led by officers of the Croton Falls Fire Department and clergy from local houses of worship. There will be no political speeches, and refreshments will be served after.
Somers will hold the 25th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony on Friday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m. in Bailey Park, located at the intersection of Route 100 and Route 202. The event is organized by the Somers Historical Society. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved into The Elephant Hotel.
An interfaith prayer vigil will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Rising & 9/11 First Responders Memorial at Kensico Dam Plaza. Faith leaders from Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Muslim communities will lead prayers, followed by a candle-lighting and wreath-laying ceremony at a steel beam from the Twin Towers. The vigil will honor Westchester County residents who died on Sept. 11, 2001, and those who later died from 9/11-related illnesses.
A September 11 Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Kensico Dam Plaza. The ceremony will include remarks, music and the reading of the names of Westchester County residents who died on 9/11 or from 9/11-related illnesses. Family members who would like to participate in either event can contact Communications@westchestercountyny.gov.
The Yorktown Elks will hold its annual 9/11 ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at 590 Waverly Rd., Yorktown Heights.
The ceremony will begin at the clubhouse at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 11.
The Yorktown community will gather for the town’s annual Sept. 11 commemorative ceremony at 4 p.m. at the Shrub Oak Memorial Pavilion, 1130 E. Main St., next to the John C. Hart Memorial Library.
The pavilion and park were dedicated by the Town Board on Sept. 8, 2002, in memory of residents who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center. Its centerpiece is a pentagon-shaped stone engraved with their names.
Five Yorktown residents, Barry McKeon, Alan Friedlander, Paul Fiore, Simon Dedvukaj, and Patrick Danahy, lost their lives in the attack. More have since passed due to 9/11-related illnesses.
The official opening of the 102nd Yorktown Grange Fair will take place Friday, Sept. 11, at 4 p.m., with a flag-raising by American Legion Yorktown Post 1009, the national anthem sung by Alyssa Martin and an invocation by Deacon Douglas J. FitzMorris of St. Patrick’s Church. Mark Franks, Yorktown Grange master and a 9/11 first responder and retired Yonkers Emergency Service Unit police officer, will deliver a dedication marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Yorktown officials, Grange representatives and invited senior community members, including centenarian veteran Joseph Pettit, will attend the Mike Anderson Memorial Senior Luncheon.
Whispering Pines Nursery and Garden Center, 1B Windsor Rd. in Yorktown Heights, is honoring the lives lost in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with a display of one American flag for each victim. Owner Chappy Manzer created the memorial as a tribute to those who died. The display will remain in place for about a week after Sept. 11, the nursery said.
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