Columbia 911 to observe moments of silence
GREENPORT — This Sunday, September 11, the Columbia County 911 Department will observe two moments of radio silence in memory of those killed in the attacks of September 11, 2001. The first moment of silence will occur at 9:59 a.m., the time the South Tower of the World Trade Center fell, killing hundreds of people including many first responders. The second moment of radio silence will occur at 10:29 a.m., to honor the victims of the North Tower collapse.
“The terrorist attacks of September 11 killed 421 first responders, including 343 New York City firefighters,” Columbia County 911 Director Robert Lopez said in a press release. “The dispatchers and I want to honor these heroes on this 10th anniversary of the attacks. We hope our local fire, EMS and police personnel will listen in and observe the moment of silence with us,” he added.
In the days following the attacks, Columbia County deployed ambulances to ground zero to support rescue and recovery operations. “We went to work and Columbia County’s first responders turned out in force. I will never forget the images on TV, the emotions, the sense of solidarity or seeing the line of Columbia County ambulances as they pulled out of the parking lot — single file — heading to ground zero. It was very emotional, and I think this tribute that our 911 department is planning will be as well,” said Columbia County EMS Coordinator P.J. Keeler.
Each moment of radio silence will last approximately one minute and will be broadcast on all Columbia County Fire, EMS and 911 police frequencies. The 911 Department encourages all emergency responders, and scanner listeners at home, to join them in honoring those lost.
Rotary hosts memorial service in Philmont
MELLENVILLE — The Philmont Rotary Club sponsors a Community Memorial Service to mark the 10th Anniversary of September 11th, according to a press release from Club President Carol Ann Armstrong and Program Chairman Bob Moseley.
The service will be held Sunday evening September 11 at the Claverack Town Park, Lower Church Street beginning at 6:15. The program will provide the community an opportunity to join together to remember the victims of the terrorist attacks.
“We were able to bring together the local community on the first and fifth anniversaries of 9/11. We believe people have not forgotten that horrible day. This is about our neighbors,” President Armstrong said in the release. “This is a simple service of prayer, song and remembrance of honor those Americans who were living their everyday lives, working or traveling, never realizing the horror to be inflicted that beautiful September morning. After the attacks, America promised ‘We will never forget’. We want to give our community a chance to keep that promise,” she added.
Members of the clergy, Minkler-Seery Post 252, Ghent VFW and the Philmont Community Chorus will all take part. Local emergency services personnel including various fire companies, police agencies, rescue squads, and the HazMat Team will be there to pay tribute to their fallen brethren.
Businesses and residents are urged to fly or display the flag all day on September 11 to show respect and remembrance for those affected by the attacks.
At the park, a number of small American flags will be distributed to those in attendance. Picnic tables will be set up under the pavilion but attendees are invited to bring their own lawn chairs. Light refreshments will be served after the service to permit everyone to spend a few minutes in fellowship with their neighbors. For more information contact Ms. Armstrong at mrscarol@valstar.net.
Brown invites all to Germantown commemoration
GERMANTOWN–Town Supervisor Roy Brown has issued an invitation to all Columbia County residents, the Germantown, Clermont and Livingston fire departments, Northern Dutchess Paramedics, the Germantown Police Department, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and State Police to attend a memorial service to commemorate the September 11, 2001 attacks at the Palatine Park complex Sunday, September 11 at 1 p.m.
“We are asking you to attend to help us remember all those who lost their lives during the attacks and those who lost their lives trying to rescue the victims of the attacks. The Town of Germantown has two pieces of steel that we will display as part of a future memorial on town property that will be the back drop for the 10 year anniversary,” the supervisor said in a press release.
Vigil, ceremonies slated at Valatie memorial
VALATIE – Tenth anniversary remembrance and candlelight vigil ceremonies will take place at the Columbia County September 11 Memorial in Volunteers Town Park, State Farm Road, Sunday, September 11 at 5:30 p.m.
The event is open to all Columbia County residents, ground zero first responders, military personnel and veterans, fire, police and emergency medical service agencies, and civic and children’s organizations.
