Westchester Remembers 9/11

Local officials, first responders and family members gathered at the Kensico Damn on September 11, 2025 to commemorate the 24th anniversary of 9/11 and the lives lost on that day along with many who passed away in the intervening years from 9/11 related diseases.

This year the weather this year was as sparkling as 9/11/01 when terrorists struck the World Trade Center, taking the lives of those who worked in the towers and the first responders who attempted to rescue them.

A large crowd gathered at Kensico Dam Plaza for the ceremony, which opened with the Westchester County Police Unit Color Guard, and a parade of pipes and drums from the Police Emerald Society of Westchester County.

The ceremony was emceed by Fox 5 NY Reporter Richard Giocovas who introduced County Executive Ken Jenkins. He said, “What stood out most was not the tragedy but the selflessness that defined every person in New York…. First responders rushed into danger without any hesitation. We chose courage, compassion and unity… We leaned on each other. There was a kindness, a compassion and a sense of shared duty. That spirit took us through those dark days. We all understood that we were part of something bigger than ourselves… We cannot forget that unity. Sometimes it feels like it is gone… We must get back to a place where we can see what binds…So today let us not just remember what happened. Let us re-commit to the lesson it taught us, that in unity and kindness and love we find strength as a people. May we never forget that in our darkest hour we find light in one another.”

Other speakers included Vedat Gashi, Chair of the Westchester County Board of Legislatures who said, ”Though many years have passed the pain of that day remains. We remember the lives lost, and the courage we witnessed ….We saw first responders run towards danger not away from it…Ordinary citizens did extraordinary things…Americans chose to protect one another. They chose love over fear, service over self, and hope over despair. They revealed the very best of who we are. We also honor those who we lost in the years since, those who suffered from 9/11 related illnesses. Their sacrifices, though less visible, are no less profound. In their memory let us continue to work toward a future that is more just, more caring and more hopeful.”

Matthew J. McCauley, 9/11 Memorial Committee Co-Chair said, “More 9/11 responders have passed away since the event then we lost that day. The illnesses that are out there are very real. We went there because we wanted to go there and nothing will take that away.
Never forget. Make sure that we continue to respect those that passed away and to honor those that we keep losing. Keep telling their stories. Keep saying their names. That’s the way to respect their families. Continue to ensure that those who are sick are being cared for. Never forget those who we lost, those who are ill and those who we continue to lose. They will never be forgotten.”

Following remarks from Georgia Asciutto, who lost her husband on 9/11 and is a Co-Chair of the Westchester County 9/11 First Responders Memorial Committee the names of the 434 victims were read aloud in a solemn tribute to those whose lives were lost.