Owego Fire Police Lieutenant and 9/11 Ceremony Coordinator John Hitchings performs the Tolling of the Bells at the remembrance ceremony in Owego.
Owego fire, police and emergency personnel, the V.F.W. Post 1371 Honor Guard, N.Y.S. Police Sergeant Jeremy Allen, local government officials, N.Y.S. Senator Fred Akshar and the public gathered to remember and pay solemn homage to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the north lawn of the Tioga Court Courthouse on Sept. 11.
The ceremony started with a walk from Owego Central Fire Station to the Baker Memorial Fountain. Master of Ceremonies Jim Raftis, Sr. introduced the program, and acknowledged Owego Fire Police Lieutenant John Hitchings as the ceremony coordinator.
Raftis began by sharing the theme of the ceremony as, “To never forget the 9/11 victims of terrorism,” and added that the event honored the bravest fire, emergency and police services.
Remembered are the nearly 3,000 first responders and civilians who were killed, which included Apalachin resident Derek James Statkevicus, a Vestal High School graduate and Troop 43 Eagle Scout who was working on the 86th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11.
N.Y.S. Police Sergeant Jeremy Allen plays bagpipes and a rendition of Taps is played by Sternberg at the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Owego.
N.Y.S. Police Sergeant, Jeremy Allen played traditional bagpipe music, including Amazing Grace. Andrea McBride sang the National Anthem while Sternberg played Taps. OFD Chaplain George Hall delivered the benediction and Hitchings performed the Tolling of the Bell ceremony for fallen first responders.
Local first responders remembered for giving their lives for the safety of citizens include OPD’s Isaac Wiltsie and F. Allen Hall, and OFD’s Ray Wiltse, Winifred Knap Sr., Richard Beck, Steven Gavin and Matthew Porcari.
Senator Akshar, guest speaker at the ceremony, referred to the infamous words of President Roosevelt following the Dec. 8, 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, and that it would be a date which would live in infamy.
Akshar said, “I will respectfully offer that the date of September 11, 2001 will live in infamy for all of us. When I think about things that are happening today, like Texas and Florida, I am reminded of the strength and resolve of police and fire departments; we stand up and unite,” adding, “We as a community can never forget the lives that were lost, or first responders who ran into danger.”
Moments of silence were offered during the ceremony and the V.F.W. Honor Guard lowered flags to half-staff.
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