The Town of Lloyd has never forgotten the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. For the past 23 years they have held somber and respectful ceremonies at the Highland Fire house on the anniversary of that fateful day. Last week was no different, opening with the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the “Star Spangled Banner,” by Jessica Avampato.

Jim Balint welcomed Fred DeMaio who delivered the invocation.

“Father we pray for your blessing over tonight as we remember how a few people overwhelmed with hate changed the course of history. Help us to honor and remember the hundreds of firemen, police and EMS personnel who ran in against all odds. Help us to also remember and honor thousands of ordinary people who lost their lives that day. And finally Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to live in this great country filled with abundance, opportunity and hope for the future. In your name we pray today, Amen.”

A moment of silence followed the invocation.

Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson said he also remembers September 12th, “Never in my lifetime was the country so unified, before or after. No one had a D or an R after their name, we were just proud Americans and I would hope that some day in the future we can get that unity again without having to be attacked. We should never forget and always remember.”

Lloyd Supervisor Dave Plavchak urged everyone to, “never forget the innocent people who lost their lives that day and those who lost their lives attempting to save others. Never forget the brave heroes on Flight 93 that may have averted additional loss of life and never forget the people that survived but still suffer illnesses and trauma, whether physical or mental, because of the cowardly acts of the terrorists. Never forget the freedoms you have in the United States because that is part of what this is all about and the terrorists want to take that away from us.”

Plavchak promised as Supervisor to continue working to make sure First Responders have whatever is required to support and protect the community.” He encouraged everyone to look for ways to, “respect each other regardless of our beliefs and differences. Don’t wait for a tragedy to happen, do it now, so get into the habit of helping others and get into the habit of making your community a better place to live.”

Lloyd Police Chief James Janso said September 11, 2001 tested the American Spirit.

“On the 23rd anniversary of this tragic event, we send our love and support to the families who lost their loved ones and to the police and firemen on that day. We remember their bravery and sacrifices...family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and politicians all came together to check on loved ones, to support them in their grief and to lend them a helping hand.”

Janso said on September 11, “we honor the value of life, who we loved and lost, our country’s resilience and our American Spirit. That is the country we strive to be and need to be.”

Fire Chief Peter Miller thanked all of the town’s First Responders and emergency service providers, “for their support in any tragedy when we need them.” He said many of the First Responders who survived 911 had their health compromised to varying degrees, “but if asked, they always say they will do it over again because that’s who they are. The commitment made to their brothers and sisters, the FDNY, the city and the nation and to all Americans is extraordinary and stands to be honored as an example to follow at all times as we move forward.”

Firefighter James Anzalone performed the Ringing of the Bells, a tradition in the Fire Department of New York that goes back to 1865. The bells initially were used to dispatch personnel to fire scenes but later were used to honor the memory of those in the fire service who have answered their last call. Miller said, “it is a way to honor the passing of our faithful servant who served so well.”

The American Legion Lloyd Post 193 performed a 21 gun salute, followed by the playing of Taps by Joe Avampato and Peter Maroldt, of Buglers Across America. Leo Bozydaj and his daughter then released white doves.

Jessica Avampato sang ‘God Bless America’ and DeMaio gave a final benediction.

“On the days that followed 911 we saw unity and we saw love overwhelm this country. There were no political, racial or religious divisions [but] only brothers and sisters united in purpose...Father help us to live in peace with those around us...and help us honor the souls of those we lost by finding ways to build bridges. Fill our hearts with peace and love and help us to share that with our neighbors, friends and family; in your name we pray, Amen.”

Balint closed the ceremony, saying, “May God Bless America and let us never forget.”