SOMBER REMEMBRANCE
Collar City marks 18th anniversary of Sept. 11 attacks
TROY, N.Y. » On the 18th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, a gathering was held at the 9/11 Memorial Park in Troy.
A remembrance ceremony has been an annual tradition for the city since the completion of the park monument in 2011.
It was a morning of somber reflection, in honor and memory of the nearly 3,000 people who died from the terrorist attacks. A number of Troy first responders were dispatched to assist with recovery efforts at Ground Zero. Some are still dealing with the effects of the experience.
The ceremony began with a presentation of the color guard. Then city resident and business owner Rafi Topalian sang the national anthem. It was a service he was glad to be able to provide, sharing his patriotism with the city.
“I’m privileged to get the opportunity to sing at community events like this,” he remarked later.
After the national anthem, Rev. Christan Lambertsen offered an opening prayer. Mayor Patrick Madden then welcomed everyone to the ceremony, commenting that it was a day of gathering to recall and reflect, and to remember the strength of the community.
A ceremonial bell was rung five times by George Badgley at 8:46 a.m., the moment when the first World Trade Center tower was hit. It is the same number of rings as for any honor guard ceremony.
After Mayor Madden’s speech, fire chief Eric McMahon and police chief Brian Owens gave speeches of their own.
“I would ask everyone to remember the nation we became on Sept. 12,” said McMahon. “Honor the victims by becoming better citizens and better neighbors.”
Owens reminded the crowd to “never forget,” asking all to remember those who died protecting American rights and freedoms.
“For those who have given their lives in defense of our nation, we owe a debt that can
never fully be paid,” he said.
Af ter the speeches, Mayor Madden asked everyone to stand in silence, remembering and reflecting, until the memorial bell was rung a second time at 9:03 a.m., when the second Word Trade Center tower was struck.
Reverend L a mbertsen gave a closing prayer, and Mayor Madden thanked everyone for coming.
“We remember those who died, and the legacy that they left us,” he said.
The color guard was then retired, ending the ceremony.
Reverend L a mbertsen approached chief McMahon and chief Owens a few minutes later and presented each of them with a bible specially printed for firefighters and law enforcement, respectively.
Some of the people at the ceremony were there in honor of lost loved ones. Some were there remembering what they had been through. Ric Moreno, with the Troy Fire Department, was one of the first responders dispatched to help.
“Ceremonies like this are a great remembrance,” he commented. “There’s a fear that the younger generations will forget what happened. Days like today are very important to keep that memory alive.”
Moreno also recommended the 9/11 museum and memorial in New York City. He believes that everyone should see them, describing them as “an incredible experience.”
Also at the morning’s ceremony was 11-year- old Ellie Sofia Gribben. Ellie is homeschooled, and came to the ceremony with her grandmother as part of a history unit.
“It’s nice to have a remembering,” she said. “I’m glad they have this here. It’s very sad, though.”
Ellie knows that both the memorial park and being at the ceremony will further her understanding of American history.
“I’m probably going to do more research on it,” she said. “And I’ll come back here and copy some of the information on (the monument).”
For some people, the day isn’t over yet. There is still work to be done, services to offer, help to give.
On Sept. 11, 2001, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute by coincidence happened to be holding a blood drive. Since then, they have held a blood drive every year on Sept. 11. This year’s blood drive is happening in the Mueller Center, and Mayor Madden and police chief Owens will be there.
“Giving blood is a way that we can all be everyday heroes,” Madden said. “Very few of us will ever have to lay down our lives for our country. There’s a way for each of us to be a hero without that risk. I’m told that one donation of blood can save up to 3 lives.”
Mayor Madden hopes to see people at the blood drive, and hopes that everyone will use every Sept. 11 as a way to honor those we have lost, commenting that “no act of terror can match the strength and character of our people.”