The Town of New Windsor remembered the many first responders, firefighters, police officers and all those innocent lives lost in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. A memorial service was held at the New Windsor Town Hall with the flag lowered and displayed at half mast.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, 22 years ago, the world went about as normal with thousands of people going to their jobs, eating their breakfast and planning for the day ahead. At 8:46 a.m. American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center. At 9:03 a.m. the second plane crashed into the south tower of the World Trade Center.

Over the next few hours of the morning, New York City and the United States forever changed as the towers came crashing down. The aftereffects of the trauma and medical complications continue to linger. In the face of tragedy, thousands prayed or were at Ground Zero helping in the rescue. Twenty-two years later, the country remembers those lost that day.

Members of the New Windsor Fire Department, Vails Gate Fire Department, New Windsor Ambulance Corps, New Windsor Police Department, veterans and family members and neighbors joined on Monday afternoon as the rain began to clear for a memorial service led by Town Supervisor George Meyers.

“The Town of New Windsor wants to remind people to never forget the sacrifices made by many in our emergency services and our military and also remember the innocent citizens who lost their lives on that day 9/11/2001” said Meyers. “As time goes on, people have a tendency to forget, but we will not forget in New Windsor. I appreciate everybody coming today.”

Sgt. Major MaryKay Messenger of the West Point Band performed a rendition of the National Anthem, along with a rendition of God Bless America later on in the ceremony. Deacon Tony Ferraiuolo led the gathered crowd in prayer and reflection.

“Lord, we pray and remember the 2,977 lives that were lost on this date in 2001. In New York, Pennsylvania, in Washington, D.C., particularly those who are members of our community. We also pray and remember for the over 2000, who have died to the contamination they suffered in the aftermath of that historic day. We also pray and remember the over 10,000 now suffering with cancer, due to their involvement in rescue efforts searching for remains, and providing cleanup services for the days, weeks and months following that tragic event,” he said. “And let us not forget to pray for the surviving family members of those whose lives were lost that day. We also pray in thanksgiving for the firefighters, police officers, EMTs and all those from many other service organizations and members of the general public who provided such dedicated efforts on that day, and for the many days, weeks and months thereafter.”

Vietnam veteran Dan Clarino served as guest speaker for the event and recalled what he saw that day, the changes that have come since that day and furthermore thanked those in military and emergency service for the work they do day in and day out. “All of us have moments in our lives, events in our lives, that we remember where we were when it happened. I remember the images of the planes hitting those buildings,” said Clarino. “Churchill once said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. And a nation that forgets its past has no future”.

Meyers thanked the crowd for gathering that afternoon to celebrate and remember the first responders who gave their lives, and sees a bright future ahead for the young men and women who join the local fire departments and town departments serving the community of New Windsor.