8:46 a.m. Wednesday – Service of Remembrance at the Town of Owego’s 9/11 Memorial in Hickories Park.
Theme: Never Forget 9/11 Victims of Global Terrorism and to honor the Bravest of the Fire Service and the Finest of Police Service and make sure all killed in the 9/11 attacks are not forgotten.
Owego Fire Police Lieutenant and 9/11 Ceremony Coordinator John D. Hitchings invites the public to attend to honor the firefighters, paramedics, police and those serving the emergency medical community.
Tioga County responded to 9/11 with EMTs and firefighters and police officers to fill spots left by their fellow emergency service teams, firemen and police officers.
All Tioga County firefighters, emergency squad personnel and police who responded to the World Trade Center are invited as special guests for recognition for their service and sacrifice.
Owego Fire Chief Jim Morris says members of the Owego, Campville, Southside, Apalachin and area Volunteer Fire Departments, Owego Police Department, Tioga County Sheriff’s Department and New York State Police Owego Barracks will honor 343 firefighters, 8 EMTs, 61 police officers and 2,581 civilians.
Keynote speech by 52nd District New York State Senator Fred Akshar. Lighting of Memorial Candles for seven who in past years gave their lives for the safety of Owego citizens. Owego Police Department Isaac Wiltsie and F. Allen Hall. Owego Fire Department Roy Wiltse, Winfield Knapp Sr., Richard Beck, Stephen Gavin and Matthew Porcari.
Posting and Retrieval of the Colors by the Color Guards of Honor from the Glenn A. Warner Post 1371, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Other program events with Master of Ceremonies Jim Raftis include the National Anthem by Andréa Mc Bride. Pledge of Allegiance. Benediction by Owego Fire Department Chaplain George Hall. Tolling of the Bell Ceremony to signal “last alarm” for the fallen first responders. Taps. “Amazing Grace” by Bag Piper.
