Westchester's Sept. 11 ceremonyWestchester County commemorated the 12th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001 on Wednesday evening, Sept. 11 at The Rising, the county's September 11th memorial at the Kensico Dam in Valhalla.

County Executive Robert P. Astorino, other elected officials, as well as families of Westchester residents who died in the World Trade Center, attended.

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

In his remarks, Astorino thanked former Gov. George Pataki  for helping bring the beam to The Rising. Read full remarks.

"I cannot conceive a more fitting metaphor for the enduring American spirit that lives on vibrantly, twelve years after the worst attack in our country's history,"he said. "Steel, of course, is made primarily of iron—one of the strongest and most stable elements in nature. What's particularly compelling is that carbon—the fundamental building block of all life---is added to steel to make it stronger. The more carbon that's melded into steel, the stronger it becomes. 

"Likewise, the lives sacrificed on September 11th and the American blood that has been shed in the effort to rid the world of global terrorism, have in the same way made our nation stronger and more resilient than ever. Indeed, the American spirit is never stronger than when we reflect upon what may be our darkest day."

The candlelight ceremony was part of various remembrance activities throughout Westchester that  were 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