This year, we also paid special tribute to the First Responders who gave their lives by heroically toiling in and around Ground Zero in those fateful days, months, and even years after that terrible day. Their names are inscribed on a memorial adjacent to the Postcards memorial, which was dedicated last year.
In addition to BP Oddo, speakers included Mayor Bill de Blasio, Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson. Rev. Timothy Mercaldo, Jenna Flynn, Alison Madill, Arlette Roxburgh, and the P.S. 29 Chorus performed special musical tributes. Family members read the names of those we lost on 9/11 as well as the First Responders who have passed since due to their work at Ground Zero.
“Seventeen years ago, our lives changed forever. We will never forget those we lost that day, and it is my honor to continue to hold this ceremony dedicated to remembering those who were taken from us far too soon,” said BP Oddo. “This year, we also acknowledge the memory and sacrifice of our First Responders. Together, we remember all those we lost. We hope you take this ceremony as a small measure of comfort.”
Special thanks to FDNY, NYPD, US Coast Guard, US Army, Fred Ariemma, the Staten Island Yankees, Michael Black, Staten Island Pipers, Susan Wagner High School JROTC, Tottenville High School, NYC EDC, and all the performers for their work to make the evening so meaningful.
You can watch a tribute to those we lost below: