As another anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack approaches, Owego Fire and Emergency personnel will again pay solemn homage to the victims with a ceremony steeped in reverence and remembrance.
Especially remembered is former Town of Owego Apalachin resident Derek James Statkevicus, son of Joseph and Nancy Statkevicus. He was a Vestal High School graduate and Eagle Scout with Apalachin Troop 43. Derek was employed by KBW Bank and was on the 86th floor of the World Trade Center, South Tower.
First Responders say there is simply nothing more honorable, more courageous, or more heroic than someone giving their life so others can live. Their annual ceremony is a small way for us in Owego to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11.
The ceremony is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 11, starting at 8:46 a.m. at the Fireman’s Statue Baker Memorial Fountain, Main Street, near The Gazebo, north lawn of the Tioga County Court House.
Owego Fire Police Lieutenant and 9/11 Ceremony Coordinator John Hitchings has extended an invitation to all to “Honor Our Brothers and Sisters.”
There will be a walk from the Owego Central Fire Station to the Fireman’s Statue. Meet at the Fire Station from 8 to 8:25 a.m. Color Guards of Honor and bag piper will lead the walk starting at 8:30 a.m. on North Avenue and Main Street.
Owego Fire Department Chief Dan Gavin says the remembrance ceremony will honor 343 firefighters, eight EMTs, 61 police officers and 2,581 civilians.
Tioga County responded to 9/11 with EMTs, firefighters and police officers to fill spots left by their fellow emergency service teams, firemen and police officers.
New York State Police Sergeant Jeremy Allen will play the bagpipe, a traditional part of solemn firefighter events. Flags will be lowered to half staff by the Honor Guard of the Glenn A. Warner Post 1371, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The guest speaker is 52nd Senate District Senator Frederick J. Akshar.
The remembrance ceremony will remember the seven who in past years gave their lives for the safety of Owego citizens. They include Owego Police Department Isaac Wiltsie and F. Allen Hall; and Owego Fire Department Ray Wiltse, Winifred Knap Sr., Richard Beck, Steven Gavin and Matthew Porcari.
Tolling of the Bell Ceremony will signal “last alarm” for the fallen first responders.
Other program events with Master of Ceremonies Jim Raftis include the National Anthem by Andrea McBride, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Benediction by OFD Chaplain George Hall. Live taps and Amazing Grace by bagpipe will conclude the memorial program.
Theme: Never Forget the 9/11 Victims of Global Terrorism and to honor the Bravest of the Fire and Emergency Service and the Finest of Police Service and make sure all lost in the 9/11 attacks are not forgotten.
Members of the public are invited to be at the 16th annual memorial event to honor the firefighters, paramedics, police and those serving the emergency medical community.
Those firefighters, EMS and police who responded to the World Trade Center are invited as special guests for recognition for their service and sacrifice. Make your presence known by being in front of the memorial.
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