The duty to never forget was upheld by the many emergency service personnel, local officials and community members of all ages on September 11 last Wednesday on the 23rd anniversary of the day of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon and crash site of Flight 93 in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. 

MONTICELLO

Sullivan County Coroner and past Chief of the Monticello Fire Department, Alan Kesten, emceed the solemn service. Boy Scout Troop 101 out of Rock Hill had a strong turnout, leading everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to begin the event. 

Kesten noted all of the horrific events that happen daily around the world, such as overdoses, shootings and accidents, that we see on the news. 

“None of it compares to 9/11/2001,” said Kesten. “2,977 souls were lost on [that day] and sadly an equal amount are lost in the years to follow. As of the end of August of this year, 4,343 have succumbed to 9/11 related illness. We can’t change that. What we can do is focus on remembering the history of 9/11, making sure the facts and historical information is accurate and not distorted.”

Kesten also stated it is up to the parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts to teach each ensuing generation about the tragedy of that day so that it is never forgotten. 

“As you enter Station 22, the number 343 will always be prominently displayed,” Keston said. “That number represents the firefighters lost on 9/11/2001. We in the fire service will never forget.”

Fellow Sullivan County Coroner Albee Bockman gave a rendition of the National Anthem as the local heroes stood at attention and community members laid their hands on their hearts. 

Fire Department Chaplain, Father Bob Porpora, came up to give the proclamation. 

Sullivan County Family Court Judge, the Honorable Danielle Jose-Decker spoke in front of the packed Fire Hall, highlighting how the various first responders rushed into action on that fateful day in moments of uncertainty and danger. 

“In the face of unimaginable adversity, people from all walks of life came together to support and uplift one another,” Jose-Decker said.

As is a yearly tradition, the laying of a wreath took place in front of the Firehall alongside the permanent 9/11 monument. A silver bell was rung five times in remembrance of the tragedy in conjunction with the wreath laying. 

LIBERTY

LaPolt Park saw a crowd come together to honor and remember the lives lost on that tragic day 23 years ago. 

Hosted by the Town Board, consisting of Supervisor Frank DeMayo and councilpersons Dean Farrand, John Lennon Jr., Vincent McPhillips and Sherri Kavleski, the event invited first responders and all Liberty residents to gather and remember. 

As he welcomed those gathered to the ceremony, DeMayo pointed out an empty chair on stage, placed in honor of Henrietta Phelps – one of the original people who ensured Liberty would never forget the day, spanning all the way back to 2001.

Keynote speaker John Veleber detailed his experience from that day, when he worked on the 105th floor and was in his early 30’s. He passionately described how the young men and women first responders rushed into dust, smoke and danger.

“These guys were brave, they were focused,” he said, “and they had a mission – they did their duty that day.”

The opening and closing prayers were given by Pastor Ed Sostak and Rabbi Joseph M. Kolakowski respectively. Taps was performed by trumpeter, Gary Siegal. 

“Pass your love onto others,” DeMayo implored to the crowd, “every moment of every day.”

HIGHLAND

The Town of Highland’s 9/11/2001 commemoration celebrated the fallen, emergency services, both in NYC and locally, as well as promoted unity locally and abound. Local Broadway luminary Margo Seibert, perhaps best known for her critically acclaimed performance as “Adrian” in the Broadway musical ROCKY, as well as television roles in “Boardwalk Empire,” “Elementary,” “Instinct,” “The Good Cop,” and “FBI International” sang “The Star Spangled Banner” before a healthy crowd of observers, after an opening prayer by Father Richard Bretone of St Anthony’s Parish in Yulan. 

Also from St. Anthony’s in Yulan, Elisa Joergle passionately played “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America”.

Supervisor John Pizzolato recounted his own 9/11 experience, having just graduated college in May of 2001 and moved to Brooklyn, where he witnessed the fall of the second tower over the “..haze that fell over the East River.”

Other speakers included Pastor Dave Lehmkuhl of the Barryville United Methodist Church, Former Town of Highland Supervisor Andy Boyar, Pastor Nancy Vonderhorst of the Pond Eddy United Methodist Church, and a ceremonial wreath laying from the Lumberland Fire and Ambulance’s Eric Robles, Yulan Fire Department’s Phil Deyermond, Highland Lake Fire Department’s Warren Wagner, and Highland Ambulance President and Founding Member, former Councilperson Chris Tambini, as well as their respective companies. The new reusable wreath made from olive branches was designed by Floral Cottage’s Sue Smith.

Also in attendance was Councilman Jim Akt and Councilman Tom Migliorino, Former Supervisor Jeff Haas, and a supportive and honorable presence lead by Pete Carmici and the VFW. Each of the speeches touched on universal respect, love, unity, and harkening back to that singular tragic day which brought New Yorkers and moreover, Americans together. Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and Legislator Matt McPhillips also paid their respects in Eldred. 

Refreshments were served in the Town Hall to a packed crowd following the ceremony.