NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - The community gathered to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks at a ceremony honoring those who lost and gave their lives on a day that forever changed our country.
Coming together at the Croton Falls Fire Department on Titicus Road, the crowd heard musical performances and remarks from several fire officials who recounted tales of heroism and sacrifice on that fateful day.
Ex-Chief and life member Gary Weber spoke of the days after the tragedy, when 18 members of the CFFD were called into service to support first responders throughout New York City.
“When a neighboring community needs assistance, we respond,” explained Weber.
Weber also spoke with reverence about Lt. Vincent Halloran, the FDNY firefighter and North Salem resident who lost his life during the evacuation of the North Tower.
CFFD life member and retired chief of the New Rochelle Fire Department Andrew Sandor spoke next, extolling the efforts of the “scores of heroes” during the “greatest rescue effort to ever occur.”
The bravery shown by his fellow first responders inspired Sandor, whose wife was pregnant during the events of September 11. They would name their daughter Hope.
“Heroic and incredible things were done that day,” said Sandor.
In offering the closing benediction, Pastor Timothy Wagner closed the ceremony with a message of remembrance, but also a recollection of the unity that followed in the country after September 11.
“We must never forget,” Wagner concluded. “But we cannot say that we weren’t united in the days that followed.”
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