At 9/11 remembrance in Orleans, a call for unity and service
‘Let our remembering lead us somewhere. Let is lead us toward compassion rather than division, toward understanding rather than fear, toward service rather than selfishness, and toward peace rather than hatred.’ – Rev. David Fish
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Mike Donahue and the Honor Guard provided a dignified presence during the Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony on Friday on the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that killed 2,977 victims in New York City, Washington, DC and rural Shanksville, Pa.
About 9,000 more have died since from illnesses from being exposed to the toxic dust and hazardous air after the World Trade Center towers collapsed in NYC.
About 20 local firefighters stand together during the remembrance service outside the courthouse.
There were about 200 people in attendance for the half-hour service. That was more than double the number at the service a year ago.
During the Sept. 11 attack, 343 New York City firefighters were killed that day.
David Fish, pastor of the Barre Center Presbyterian Church, shared an opening and closing prayer. Fish was a sergeant in the Army National Guard and spent about two years in New York City after Sept. 11 providing security and assisting in the aftermath of the attacks.
“Lord, help us to never forget,” Fish said. “But let our remembering lead us somewhere. Let is lead us toward compassion rather than division, toward understanding rather than fear, toward service rather than selfishness, and toward peace rather than hatred.
“Give comfort to those who still grieve. Strengthen those who continue to serve others. Watch over our first responders, members of our military, and all who place themselves in harm’s way for the sake of others.”
A giant American flag was held up by ladder trucks from Albion and Murray. Traffic was closed on Main Street in between State Street and Park Street for the remembrance service.
These firefighters are pictured by the flag just before the service, which started at 6 p.m.
About 16 law enforcement officers from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and Albion Police Department stand at attention during the service.
There were 72 law enforcement officers killed on Sept. 11, 2001.
Justin Niederhofer, director of the Orleans County Emergency Management Office, shared a timeline from 25 years earlier.
On Sept. 11, 2001, at 8:46 a.m., the North Tower was struck in New York City. At 9:03, a plane hit the South Tower. At 9:37, the Pentagon was struck. At 9:59 p.m., the South Tower fell. At 10:07 a.m., Flight 93 crashed in rural Shanksville, Pa. At 10:28 a.m., the North Tower collapsed.
“We were attacked and wounded beyond belief but not beyond repair,” Niederhofer said.
Brad Nudd plays Taps near the end of the service. He is on the steps of the County Clerks’ Building.
Doug Egling played “America the Beautiful” with the crowd then singing, “God Bless America.”
