Last Friday evening the Town of Lloyd honored the nearly 3,000 people who were killed by terrorists who flew planes into the Twin Towers in New York City, causing their collapse. They also remembered those who were lost in Shanksville, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. 

The ceremony began with an invocation by Chaplin Fred DeMaio.

 

“Heavenly Father we pray for your blessing over us tonight on this 25th anniversary of a senseless act of hate. We remember all of the first responders, firefighters and EMS personnel and let us remember the helpless civilians and we pray for peace and to find ways to build bridges. Amen.” A moment of silence followed.

 

Jessica Avampato sang the National Anthem.

 

Town of Lloyd Supervisor Stu Weiss said, “On September 11, 2001 America experienced horrible events that ushered in a new awareness for this country. Like what has happened in many other parts of the world, senseless acts of violence and aggression were carried out on innocent civilians going about their everyday lives...Humanity is the greater family that has to learn to get along and with an open mind, thoughtful listening and engaged conversation will hopefully bring an end in the not too distant future to the feelings that created these horrible events.”

 

Police Chief James Janso described September 11, 2001 as, “one of the worst days in our history...never forget those who sat on those planes, for those who never saw it coming in the buildings, for those who jumped instead of burning with some holding hands, for the firefighters who never stopped fighting, for the police officers who never stopped protecting, for the paramedics who never stopped giving aid, for the co-workers who died together, for the ordinary people who became extraordinary examples of courage, for the loved ones of the lost and the lost themselves, and for their uncommon valor in the face of unspeakable evil.”

 

Highland Fire Chief Jeffrey DiMetro said, “May we never forget the lives that were taken, the bravery that was shown and may we never forget the lessons of September 11. May God bless the fallen and continue to protect those who continue to answer the call.”

 

NYS Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson recalled that on the next day, “We were united and were all Americans and I haven’t seen that since then. Those born after this event is why ceremonies like this are so important and to make sure that everyone understands, particularly the young people, what was America’s worst day.”

 

NYS Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “We gather as one community and one country to remember the lives that were taken from us, to honor the brave souls who didn’t return home and to pay tribute to all those who carried the nation’s burden on that day and afterwards, so that we could know peace and freedom. From the wreckage rose something our enemies never anticipated – a nation that came together unmistakably as one family. We were unanimous in a shared purpose and determination that hatred would not have the last word.”

 

Ulster County Legislator Dominick Marino [Dist 10] said, “September 11 showed us who we are as a country- its unity and solidarity and in the face of an unimaginable tragedy Americans came together and remembered our neighbors and reminded one another that love and unity is above hatred. That spirit is why we persevere as a country and it is a spirit that we carry forward.” 

 

Ulster County Legislator Amy Dooley [Dist 9] said, “As a young mother I spent that day in shock and disbelief wondering what this world was that I was bringing my children into, but the most important thing for today, standing before this house of heroes, is remembering those who ran into danger and to not take them, or the people here who do this every day, for granted and make sure that we know they are sacrificing for us and our community.”

 

A bagpiper playing ‘Amazing Grace’ was followed by the ‘Ringing of the Bell’ by Commissioner James Anzalone. It is a custom of rendering, signifying that the final duties of a departed firefighter are now complete.

 

A 21-gun Salute was done by members of the American Legion Post 193 and afterward Taps was played by Joseph Avampato and Peter Maroldt of Buglers Across America.

 

Jessica Avampato sang ‘God Bless America’ and Fred DeMaio offered a final prayer; “Heavenly Father, once again we come to the end of another ceremony remembering a day when darkness and evil seemed to get the upper hand but as we have done so many times in the past through minor skirmishes to global wars, we as American stepped up and pushed back, creating an opportunity for peace to prevail. After 911 there were no divisions, only brothers and sisters united in common purpose O lord we yearn for those days to be the norm in the United States. As we leave here today help us to love one another with purposeful intention and help us to live together in peace with those around us. I pray your blessing over all of us here tonight. Amen.”