therising

Westchester County will commemorate the 12th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001 on Wednesday, Sept. 11 beginning at 7 p.m. at The Rising, the county's September 11th memorial at the Kensico Dam in Valhalla. The public is invited to attend.

County Executive Robert P. Astorino, other elected officials and families of Westchester residents who died in the World Trade Center are expected to attend.

For the third year, the annual event will be held at twilight. A highlight of this year's ceremony will be the dedication of a Ground Zero beam, which will be permanently placed at The Rising.

The candlelight ceremony will be part of various remembrance activities throughout Westchester that  have been organized around the theme of using volunteerism as a way to honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Read more about these volunteer activities, including blood and food drives.

Full program details:

Welcome Remarks: Ned McCormack, Director of Communications/Senior Advisor
Presentation of Colors: Westchester County Department of Public Safety Ceremonial Unit, The Pipes and Drums of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester, Bronxville Boy Scout Troop 1 and Eastchester Boy Scout Troop 353.
Pledge of Allegiance: Frances Fahey, Gold Star Mother
Laying of the Wreath: 9/11 family member Rosaleen O'Neill, Bronxville Troop 1 member Matteo Maroun and Eastchester Troop 353 member Michael Poletti.
National Anthem: Melinda Ademi, Westchester resident and American Idol finalist
Ground Zero Beam of Remembrance- Dedication and Remarks: County Executive Robert P. Astorino, former NYS Governor George E. Pataki and County Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins.
Reading of Names: 9/11 family members and elected officials
Benediction: Rev. Fr. Arthur F. Rojas, St. Joseph's Church in Yonkers
God Bless America: Melinda Ademi
Viewing of The Rising and Circle of Remembrance