Family members of those we lost 16 years ago read the names of those killed in the attacks and shared memories of their loved ones. In addition to a special video tribute, the ceremony featured touching performances from Rev. Timothy Mercaldo, Jenna Flynn, Gabrielle Testa, Lt. Hughie Lynch, Staten Island Pipers, and Tottenville High School students.
"I want to thank you all for having the courage, the strength, the compassion and the resiliency you have shown for being here for each of these years. I hope this ceremony gives you a moment of comfort," Borough President Oddo said to the family and friends who gather annually for the ceremony.
Mayor de Blasio also noted the strength of those still struggling with the loss of their loved ones, "You've kept your families strong, and you've kept your families going, and you've carried on all the good in those you've lost. You've carried on their values. You've carried on their love. You've carried on their spirit of service to others. That light, that flame, will not be extinguished," de Blasio concluded.
“There's no place in America that more symbolizes the values we hold dear than what we see as the backdrop to this event. Let the legacy of those we lost be a rekindling of that beautiful, glorious spirit that we all felt as Americans," said Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul.
We thank all those who made the ceremony so special, including FDNY, NYPD, US Army North East Medical Area Readiness Support Group, US Coast Guard Sector NY, Tottenville High School JROTC, Fred Ariemma, Michael Black, NYCEDC, and the Staten Island Yankees.