NEW YORK, NY — In a solemn ceremony Sunday night, Westchester County paid tribute to those who died in the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, including 111 Westchester residents and 12 former residents. County Executive Robert P. Astorino presided over the 15th anniversary ceremony that took place at The Rising, the county’s 9/11 memorial at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.
“The lives we lost on September 11, 2001 touched us, shaped us and contributed to who we are today; and we come to remember 15 years later, because we can never stop saying thank you for being part of our lives,” Astorino said. “9/11 didn’t break us. To the contrary, it has given us a path to build a future, one day at a time, one step at a time, where we are smart enough to accept change, yet strong enough to never give up the principles that define our goodness as human beings.”
An estimated 500 family members and residents attended the ceremony.
The County Executive’s remarks touched on the themes of remembrance, reflection, and renewal. Astorino also made special mention of the coming of age of a generation of 9/11 sons and daughters. Specifically, he cited Caitlyn and Mary Michael Lyons, daughters of Elaine and Michael Lyons, who was a New York City Firefighter; and Ryan and Ethan Zeplin, sons of Debra and Marc Scott Zeplin, who was an equities trader at Cantor Fitzgerald, located on the 104th floor of the North Tower.
Astorino said the four young adults “give us confidence that whatever our challenges, our future remains an optimistic one.”
Astorino’s full remarks are attached. Additional photos will be available via www.facebook.com/westchestergov.
15th Anniversary Remembrance
9/11 Memorial Ceremony
Sunday, September 11, 2016 – 7 p.m.
Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
Welcome
Ned McCormack, Director of Communications/Senior Advisor
Presentation of the Colors
Westchester County Department of Public Safety Ceremonial Unit
The Pipes and Drums of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester
Pledge of Allegiance
Hon. Nita Lowey, NYS Congresswoman
Laying of the Wreath
Joan Balkcom, 9/11 Family Member
Lt. Anthony L. Willsea, Cadet Squadron
Mount Pleasant Girl Scouts, Troop 1172
National Anthem
Jasmine Bailey
New Rochelle Resident and Westchester Community College Student
Remarks
Hon. Michael Kaplowitz, Chairman, County Board of Legislators
S.D. Rosner’s In Paradisum
Scarsdale High School Choir
Remarks
Hon. Robert P. Astorino, Westchester County Executive
Reading of the Names
9/11 Family Members and Elected Officials
J.S. Bach’s Air
Scarsdale High School Orchestra
Benediction
Father Chris Monturo, Saint Anthony’s of Padua, Harrison
William Byrd’s Ave Vernum Corpus
Scarsdale High School Choir and Orchestra
Amazing Grace
Scarsdale High School Choir and Orchestra
Viewing of The Rising and Circle of Remembrance
