Unity key theme at binational 9/11 remembrance

Niagara-on-the-Lake & Upward Niagara chambers of commerce host ceremony in observance of 25^th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001

Leaders from Canada and the United States spoke of unity and called for collaboration as they observed the 25^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001, at a ceremony held at Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Queen’s Royal Park.

The solemn occasion was presented by the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce, Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce.

NOTL Chamber of Commerce Interim Executive Director Terry Dow opened the event by juxtaposing the idea that, prior to Sept. 11, 9-1-1 had a very different meaning – that of safety and security.

“Twenty-five years ago today, those same numbers took on a different meaning that the world would never forget. On Sept. 11, 2001, New York City and the communities across the United States were suddenly in a state of emergency. What began as an ordinary morning became one of the darkest days in modern history.”

Niagara-area Canadian and American leaders.

••••••••

Dow shared, “Today, we remember the extraordinary courage of the first responders and the people who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. I think almost everyone here remembers exactly where they were when you first heard the news. You may remember who told you. You remember where you were standing, who you were with, or what you were doing – you may even remember the moment that you realized that what you were hearing was not a story from somewhere far away. It was something that was changing the world before our eyes.

“Sept. 11 is more than a date on a calendar; it is a memory. They were mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, friends and colleagues. They were people going to work, traveling and servicing others – and simply beginning what they thought would be an ordinary day.

“Today, we remember the families who lost loved ones. We remember the communities that were changed forever; and we remember the first responders who, in the face of unimaginable danger, ran toward it while others ran away. Their courage, selflessness, and their sacrifice remind us of the very best in humanity. To all the first responders, past and present, we offer our deepest gratitude.

“So, this morning, as we gather under the Canadian and the American flags, we're reminded that remembrance is not simply about looking back. It is about carrying forward the values that Canada and the United States of America (share): courage, compassion, service, friendship and community.

“In the days following Sept. 11, Canadians opened their communities with their hearts to our American neighbors. When the U.S. airspace was closed, communities across Canada welcomed thousands of stranded travelers. Here in Niagara and throughout the country, we witnessed extraordinary acts of kindness, generosity and solidarity. In a moment of profound uncertainty and grief, Canadians simply asked, ‘How can we help?’

“Those moments reminded us that, when faced with adversity, borders become less important than humanity, and that compassion has no borders. May we always remember the extraordinary courage, compassion and humanity that have emerged in the days that followed.”

NOTL Chamber of Commerce Interim Executive Director Terry Dow and Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce President Amanda Haseley.

••••••••

Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce President Amanda Haseley said, “As we just heard from Terry, remembrance is not simply about looking back; it's about carrying forward the values that bring us together: courage, compassion, service, friendship and community.

“Those words really resonated with me this morning, particularly the last one – community – because, when I look around today, I don't see two separate communities divided by a river or an international border. I see neighbors; I see friends; I see communities that have shared a connection for generations.

“On this 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, I think there is something especially meaningful about standing here today, Americans and Canadians, remembering a day that changed so much for all of us.

“Twenty-five years ago, our world changed in ways we could not have imagined. For those of us who remember Sept. 11, 2001, there are certain moments from that day that will simply never leave us. We remember where we were. We remember who we were with. We remember watching events unfold, trying to comprehend something that seems so impossible to comprehend. We remember the tremendous loss. We remember the first responders who ran toward danger. We remember the families whose lives changed forever.

“But we also remember what happened afterward. People reached for one another. Neighbors checked on neighbors. Communities came together. First responders answered the call without hesitation. And countries stood beside one another. Canada stood beside the United States. That friendship mattered then, and 25 years later, it still matters.

“For the past 24 years, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Niagara-on-the-Lake community have continued to gather and remember Sept. 11. That's extraordinary. You didn't have to do that. This tragedy happened on American soil, and yet, year after year, our Canadian neighbors have made the choice to remember with us. That says something about the relationship between our communities – and for that, I want to say something very simple on behalf of our organization and the communities we represent across Niagara County: Thank you.

“Thank you for remembering. Thank you for honoring the lives that were lost, and thank you for recognizing the service and sacrifice of the first responders – and thank you for inviting us to stand beside you this year as we commemorate this important, 25th anniversary. We are truly honored to be here.

“On a morning dedicated to remembering the very best of humanity in the face of the very worst, I cannot think of a more appropriate message to carry forward: May we continue to choose friendship, compassion and community on both sides of the river.”

Niagara-on-the-Lake Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa

••••••••

NOTL Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa shared a message from Ontario Premier Doug Ford: “ ‘It was 25 years ago that the attacks of September the 11th occurred. It was an attempt to divide our society and to spread fear in our communities. In reality, however, it reaffirmed our commitment to democratic values, and to standing up for those values alongside our allies.

“ ‘As we gather in Niagara-on-the-Lake, it's a time to remember the thousands of innocent people, including 24 Canadians, who lost their lives during that attack. It's an opportunity to honor the first responders and heroes who demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of danger, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“ ‘We reflect today on the compassion, the resilience and unity that became our guiding light in the shadow of unmanageable tragedy.”

Zalepa said, “Our gathering here, overlooking Fort Niagara and the United States, gives visible expression to a friendship that reaches across the river and through generations. As we know, 25 years ago today, thousands of innocent people were killed in the attacks on Sept. 11. We remember each life lost, the families, friends who still carry their absence, and all whose lives were forever changed.

“Last year, I reflected on President Theodore Roosevelt's words about those who are driven by duty, and those who move towards danger – even when the cost may mean their own life. Those words remain fitting today. On this day in 2001, firefighters, police, paramedics and ordinary citizens went into the smoke. They climbed the stairs. They fought to access cockpits of aircraft, and they turned towards danger while seeking safety for others. Their courage was not the absence of fear. It was a decision that another person's life mattered more than their own safety – a sense of duty that inspires us today.

“We also honor the responders, the survivors, the recovery workers, and families who continue to live with physical and emotional consequences of that day. The passage of a quarter-century does not lessen their sacrifice or our responsibility to remember it.”

He added, “Canada and the United States – we may not agree on every issue – it's much like a family – but the bond between our people is deeper than any single disagreement. We are families, friends, trading partners, and neighbors. We share democratic values, individual freedoms, and a commitment to peaceful, secure communities.”

Zalepa concluded, “May we honor those who ran towards the danger. May we support those who still carry the burden of the day. May we renew together the friendship and shared purpose that join our two countries. Thank you for being here. We will never forget.”

Vincent Tummino

••••••••

Vincent Tummino served as keynote speaker. He joined the New York City Fire Department in 1970, dedicating more than 36 years to the fire service before retiring in 2006. During Tummino’s career, he served in Manhattan and Staten Island, including 16 years with Battalion 22. On 9/11, Tummino responded to the World Trade Center attack as part of the FDNY rescue and recovery.

Dow said, “The events of that day had a profound impact on his life. Among those lost were his coworkers and a cousin who served as a retired New York Police Department sergeant. His dedication to remembrance and international friendship has taken him around the world, including numerous visits to Italy to honor those who supported New York following 9/11, and to strengthen the bonds between Italian and North American communities.”

Tummino shared, “I'm honored to see how other countries … commemorate the victims of 9/11 in other countries, and you guys are doing an outstanding job. It's amazing that I come all the way to Canada on today, and there's probably cities back home where people are just going to work and not even (noting) this occasion.”

He said, “Today, on the solemn, 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, we gather in the peaceful beauty of Niagara-on-the-Lake, a place known for its hospitality, its history, and its steep ties to both Canada and the United States. Standing here, overlooking a border defined not only by division but by friendship, we are reminded that the story of 9/11 is not only an American story; it is a human story. It is a story shared by nations, by families, by all those who believe in the dignity of life and the power of unity.”

Tummino noted, “Anniversaries are not only about remembrance; they are also about responsibility. We are called to ensure that the lessons of 9/11 are not lost to time; we are called to reject extremists in all its forms; to defend the values of freedom and humanity and dignity; and to build communities rooted in understanding rather than fear. We are called to teach future generations not only what happened, but why unity matters; why compassion matters; why standing together matters.

“Here in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a place where the rivers meet, the lake and two nations meet in friendship, we are reminded that peace is not an accident; it is a choice. It is something we build, protect and renew day after day, year after year.

“May the memory of the fallen continue to inspire us. May the coverage of the heroes continue to guide us. And may the unity we felt 25 years ago continue to shape the world we build together.”

Joshua Vacanti and Samantha Olewnik

••••••••

As part of the program, Niagara County native Joshua Vacanti, a finalist on “The Voice,” and his wife, Samantha Olewnik, performed a musical tribute that included the Canadian and U.S. national anthems. As they sang, the American flag was lowered and then raised back up again.

Local elected leaders from Niagara included New York State Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, Niagara County legislators Michael Casale and Irene Myers, Town of Porter Supervisor John “Duffy” Johnston, and Village of Lewiston Deputy Mayor Tina Coppins.

“Your presence here today is deeply appreciated and reflects the strong and enduring partnership between our two countries,” Dow said.

NFP GM/Managing Editor Joshua Maloni contributed to this report and took the photos.

New York State Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, Niagara County Legislator Irene Myers, Town of Porter Supervisor John “Duffy” Johnston, Village of Lewiston Deputy Mayor Tina Coppins and Niagara County Legislator Michael Casale.

••••••••

Scenes from the event.