Local leaders honor victims
Ceremony remembers lives lost in Sept. 11, 2001 attacks
In a program filled with reflections on the sacrifices of the men and women who served at ground zero, local and state leaders fulfilled their vow Saturday to never forget the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks with a ceremony at the Saratoga National Cemetery.
“We made a promise that we would never forget the victims of 9/11 and we’re here today to honor the lives of the victims on the planes, the firefighters, and the police,” Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo said. “It’s an honor to be a part of this and be able to honor all the victims that lost their lives.”
The ceremony at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, one of dozens across the Capital Region marking the 20th anniversary of the attacks, included members of the fire department, EMS, and police departments.
“Today while there are hundreds of ceremonies honoring those that we lost and the 20-year anniversary, we all carry the same sentiment in our hearts. And that is, that we are proud to serve this great country whether it’s in public service, military service, or volunteering,” said Brigadier Gen. Isabel Smith, director of Joint Staff for the New York National Guard.
As well as honoring the first responders, the event paid respect to their families and for those who passed away both in service and from effects on the conditions and smoke that made them ill.
An estimated 2,977 American flags were planted by the Capital District of New York Chapter Association United States Army prior to the memorial as a representation of each life lost in the attacks, and was a symbol of the importance of unifying annually to celebrate their lives.
“Today, we remember those lost but we vow not to forget,” said Scott Lamb, cemetery director. “We remember those that boarded airplanes that fall September morning for what was to be a normal commute. We remember our fire, our EMS, our police that responded to the call for help. We remember those who put the safety of others’ lives before their own. We remember those that survived. We remember those that came weeks and months afterwards for recovery operations at ground zero.
“We remember those with painful memories and loss and we remember those who lost their lives to 9/11 related illnesses,” Lamb continued. “We will never forget the promise all Americans need to make and keep as we reflect on today and the years to come.”