SHRUB OAK, N.Y. — Members of the Yorktown community came together at the September 11th Memorial in Shrub Oak for the 23rd annual remembrance ceremony.
The ceremony was led by Supervisor Ed Lachterman, who was joined by local dignitaries; councilmen Sergio Esposito and Patrick Murphy, councilwoman Susan Siegel, town clerk Diana Quast, Assemblyman Matt Slater, Judge Gary Raniolo, and Chief Robert Noble.
Scouts Troop 174 presented the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance, Sean Reilly sang the National Anthem, Rabbi Yehuda Heber of the Chabad of Yorktown gave the invocation. Town officials laid the wreath in front of the memorial, Taps was played by Yorktown High School junior Ichiro Iizuka, and the benediction was given by Rev. Msgr. Joseph Giandurco,
The ceremony included a medley of "Amazing Grace" and "God Bless America," played on the bagpipes by retired NYPD officer Brian Ahearn.
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, including Detective Mike Houlihan.
“Unfortunately, the victims of the attacks did not end on 9/11,” said Lachterman. “We have now witnessed more victims of 9/11 illnesses than the 2,977 that were lost in the attacks. I do not count the 19 terrorists in this number, as their deaths are not a loss in my eyes."
“God Bless the victims and their families, God Bless the town of Yorktown and God Bless the United States of America,” Lachterman concluded.
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