FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2020

Rockland County Marks September 11th Anniversary

New City, NY, – County Executive Ed Day and other local officials joined family members and residents to remember the people of Rockland County who were killed 19 years ago in the September 11th terror attacks.

“Reopening our hearts to the emotions, the fear, the anger, the pain that we felt that bright Tuesday morning 19 years ago is not an easy task. But the fact that we return here - year after year - to undergo this trial of will is a testament to our strength and resiliency as a community,” said County Executive Day. “It is also a reminder to the families of those who were lost that they are not alone and will never be alone.”

The ceremony is held every year at the site of the Rockland County September 11 Memorial at Haverstraw Bay County Park, which lists the names of 81 people with ties to Rockland who were killed on September 11, 2001, as well Robert Kirkpatrick of Suffern, who died in the February 26, 1993 World Trade Center bombing (82 total names). As part of the ceremony family members read the names of the 82 victims from Rockland County.

“This year has been more difficult than most. We have faced great challenges due to a situation outside of our control. Some even suggested that we not gather here today. That is a suggestion that I refused to accept. This simple act of gathering together, reminding each other that we care, is too important to too many people. Instead, we have adapted to ensure the safety of those in attendance because we are all still dealing with the heinous wounds inflicted by the attacks that day. And these moments of togetherness are necessary to help us all process their effects and the changes these 19 years have brought,” said Day.

A bell was tolled, and a moment of silence observed at 8:46 a.m., in remembrance of the attack on the North Tower of the World Trade Center, and again at 9:03 a.m. in memory of the attack on the South Tower. Four more bells sounded toward the end of the ceremony in remembrance of the attack on the Pentagon, the collapse of the South Tower, the crash of Flight 93 into Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and the collapse of the North Tower.

“We remember those lost and also acknowledge the unwavering resilience of their surviving loved ones, as well as the American spirit that continues to lift us up, even during a pandemic,” Rockland County Legislator Aney Paul said. “We mourn what hate took away 19 years ago, and we find solace in the love that endures in the acts of kindness and volunteerism that are hallmarks of our great nation, and that we witness when we look onto the faces of the children and grandchildren of those lost on that terrible day. May we never forget and may God bless America.” 

The Rockland County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard and Rockland County Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Band took part in the opening and closing of the commemoration.

“As we mark this anniversary, let us not dwell on the pain or the loss. Let us instead focus on how we came together and continue to support each other despite any challenge. When we truly unite, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome. While we must always remember - we must also never, ever forget. Let us all do what we can to preserve our way of life. Remember kindness - remember friendship - remember love - remember those that gave their lives for ours and live a life worthy of their sacrifice,” concluded County Executive Day.