'Let's Stand United Like We Were 24 Years Ago': Borough President Vito Fossella Hosts Solemn Ceremony At Postcards Memorial

Borough President Vito Fossella stood between the soaring wings of the Postcards Memorial, which perfectly frame the spot where the Twin Towers once stood, to remember the 267 Staten Islanders who were lost 24 years ago and the First Responders who have died since due to their work at Ground Zero.

Hundreds gathered for the annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony amid a backdrop of American flags. Bells tolled, heads bowed, and tears were shed as the names were read one-by-one by their family members.

​“Staten Island took a heavy hit on 9/11 and it’s wonderful you all came out to remember those who lost their lives on that tragic day,” said Borough President Fossella. “Innocent people should not be slaughtered or killed because of what they believe. That goes against what the United States has been all about. So, as we keep the 9/11 families in our prayers and thoughts, let’s stand together and be united like we were 24 years ago.”

Mayor Eric Adams remarked on the strength of New Yorkers.

“I think the most significant part is what happened on 9/12,” said Mayor Adams. “We got up. Our city responded. Builders built, teachers taught, firefighters did their job, police officers continued to secure our city. It was as though those attacks would collapse our city, but we showed our resiliency. When we got up, the whole country got up.”

The processional was performed by the Staten Island Pipers and the colors were presented by the United States Coast Guard Sector New York and the United States Army.
 
Rebecca Quilla sang the National Anthem. Bishop Peter Byrne, pastor of Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church, led the invocation, and Bishop Victor Brown, pastor of Mount Sinai United Christian Church, led the benediction.

The ceremony concluded with the Staten Island Pipers performing Amazing Grace and the Tottenville High School Ceremonial Taps Unit playing the somber echoes of Taps as family members gently placed roses at the Postcards Memorial and the First Responders Memorial.

And as an FDNY tugboat sprayed water, the Tribute In Light rose into the nighttime sky across the harbor.