25 Years Later, Westchester Will Hold 2 Solemn Events To Honor Victims, First Responders At 9/11 Memorial

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — It has been a quarter century since life changed forever. A community that still feels the loss will gather to share both grief and love.

Westchester County plans to hold two public events at Kensico Dam Plaza in September to remember residents lost in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and those who later died from 9/11-related illnesses. The county announced an Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Thursday, Sept. 10, at 5 p.m. and a September 11 Memorial Service for Friday, Sept. 11, at 2 p.m.

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Both events will take place at The Rising & 9/11 First Responders Memorial at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, according to the county announcement. The ceremonies are open to the public and will also be streamed live on Facebook and on the Westchester County homepage.

The county said the two days are intended as a time of reflection for victims and first responders. The Interfaith Prayer Vigil will honor Westchester County residents who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as those who later died of a 9/11 related illness. Faith leaders from Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Muslim communities are scheduled to lead prayers, followed by candle lighting and a wreath-laying ceremony at the steel beam from the Twin Towers.

The following day, the memorial service will honor all Westchester County residents who died on 9/11 and from 9/11-related illnesses. According to the announcement, the ceremony will include remarks, music and the reading of the names of all who are memorialized.

County Executive Ken Jenkins said the approaching anniversary remains deeply personal for families and communities.

"As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we pause to reflect on a day that forever changed our County, and our nation," Jenkins said. "Behind every name is a life, a family, and a story that was never the same. We gather not only to honor those we lost, but to hold close the memories they left behind and to recognize the courage and sacrifice of all those who answered the call in the days and years that followed. These ceremonies remind us that we will never forget, and that we will continue to stand by the families and survivors who carry this loss with them every day."

The county is also inviting family members of people who died on 9/11 or from a 9/11 related illness to take part in the events. Yhose interested can contact Communications@westchestercountyNY.gov.

The county said all are encouraged to attend and participate in honoring the lives lost and those affected by 9/11.