As another anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attack approaches, Owego, Campville, Southside, Apalachin and other Volunteer Fire and Emergency Squad personnel will again pay solemn homage to the victims with a ceremony steeped in reverence and remembrance. The ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 11, starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Town of Owego’s 9/11 Memorial in Hickories Park. Face masks or other face coverings and social distancing will be required.
9/11 ceremony coordinators Town of Owego Supervisor Donald Castellucci and Owego Fire Police Lieutenant John Hitchings have extended an invitation to all to “Honor Our Brothers and Sisters.”
Theme: Never Forget the 9/11 Victims of Global Terrorism and to honor the Bravest of the Fire and Emergency Service and the Finest of Police Service and make sure all lost in the 9/11 attacks are not forgotten.
Members of the public are invited to be at the 19th annual memorial event to honor the firefighters, paramedics, police and those serving the emergency medical community. It’s the fourth at the Town of Owego’s 9/11 Memorial after 15 years at the Baker Fireman’s Memorial Statue in Owego.
Those firefighters, EMS and police who responded to the World Trade Center are invited as special guests for recognition for their service and sacrifice. Make your presence known by being in front of the memorial.
Especially remembered by Town of Owego Deputy Supervisor Dean Morgan is former Town of Owego Apalachin Resident Derek James Statkevicus, son of Joseph and Nancy Statkevicus. He was a Vestal High School graduate and Eagle Scout with Apalachin Troop 43. Derek was employed by KBW Bank and was on the 86th floor of the World Trade Center, South Tower.
First Responders say there is simply nothing more honorable, more courageous, or more heroic than someone giving their life so others can live. Their annual ceremony is a small way for us in Owego and Tioga County to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11.
Owego Fire Department Chief Jim Morris says the remembrance ceremony will honor 2,977 innocent souls including 343 firefighters, eight EMTs, 61 police officers and 2,585 civilians. Fire Lieutenant John Hitchings will ring the Firemen’s Bell four times – 8:46 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 9:37 a.m. and 10:03 a.m. – the exact times of the hijacker’s attacks.
Wreaths Across America has asked Owego and Tioga County citizens to join a national call to wave American flags outside for one minute at each of those times. Those at the Hickories Park will look at the large American flag hoisted by the Campville Fire Department aerial truck by the 9/11 memorial.
Tioga County responded to 9/11 with EMTs, firefighters and police officers to fill spots left by their fellow emergency service teams, firemen and police officers. Personal reflections by former Owego Fire Chief Ken Easton who led the Owego First Responders the 9/11 Twin Towers support teams locations.
A bagpiper is a traditional part of solemn firefighter events. Bagpiper Pete Ziolkowski leads the procession. Flags will be at half staff by the Honor Guard of the Glenn A. Warner Post 1371, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Speakers include Town of Owego Supervisor Donald Castelucci Jr. and Owego United Methodist Church Pastor Rev. James Stevens. Also, 23rd District Congressman Congressman Tom Reed, 52nd Senate District Senator Frederick J. Akshar and 124th State Assemblyman Christopher Friend.
A symbolic ceremony will remember the seven who in past years gave their lives for the safety of Owego citizens. From the Owego Police Department Isaac Wiltsie and F. Allen Hall. From the Owego Fire Department Ray Wiltse, Winifred Knapp Sr., Richard Beck, Steven Gavin and Matthew Porcari.
Tolling of the Bell Ceremony will signal “last alarm” for the fallen first responders.
Other program events with Master of Ceremonies Jim Raftis include the National Anthem bugled by Steve Palinosky. Invocation by Owego United Methodist Church Pastor James Stevens. Benediction by St. Patrick’s/Blessed Sacrament Deacon Mike Donovan.
VFW Color Guard Leader Walt Beardslee brings the Color Guard to attention. Bagpiper Ziolkowski plays Amazing Grace to lead the Color Guard out to conclude the memorial program.
Owego/Tioga County did not forget and we shall never forget. Next year a special 20th anniversary remembrance.
