"This is an awfully special place for a lot of people," said BP Oddo.
The evening included a reading of "Staten Island Night Chant" by the borough's Poet Laureate Marguerite Maria Rivas. Several musical performances brought peace to family members, including Arlette Roxburgh's original song, "One September Morning."
In addition to BP Oddo, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul also offered remarks.
Red roses were placed in between the plaques of the Postcards Memorial and atop the First Responders Memorial. The FDNY Tribute Bell tolled as the names of the victims were read. The names of the 9/11 first-responders who died of 9/11-related illnesses were read, followed by a moment of silence.
As the ceremony came to a close, the walls of the memorial provided a perfect frame for the Tribute in Light rising across the harbor.