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County Executives Who Have Served Since 9/11 Reflect on the Day, Westchester’s Response and the 25 Years Since
As Westchester County prepares to mark 25 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the County is honoring the lives lost, remembering those who have died from 9/11-related illnesses and reflecting on how that day shaped Westchester over the quarter-century that followed. As part of the commemoration, Westchester County has produced a new short documentary featuring reflections from every County Executive who has served since September 11, 2001. The documentary brings together their memories of that day, Westchester County’s response in the immediate aftermath, the lasting impact on the County and the lessons they believe should be carried forward 25 years later.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Twenty-five years have passed, but for so many of us, the memories of September 11 remain incredibly vivid. We remember where we were, what we saw and the uncertainty and heartbreak that followed. We also remember how Westchester came together. This documentary gives us an opportunity to preserve those memories and reflect on not only what we lost, but how our County responded, endured and moved forward. Most importantly, it helps ensure that the generations who did not experience September 11 understand its impact and the responsibility we all have to remember.”
Former Westchester County Executive Andy Spano said: “September 11 changed the way we live. It shattered the sense of security many Americans once took for granted and forever changed how we saw our country and the world around us. Its impact has shaped our lives, our work and our policies, and tested the bonds that hold us together as one strong and indivisible nation.”
Former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said: “I’m thankful to County Executive Jenkins for the 9/11 25th anniversary documentary, an important reminder of what we all went through in the hours, weeks and years since that horrific terrorist attack. America has always been and will always be the beacon of freedom and light around the world.”
Former Westchester County Executive and US Congressman George Latimer said: “September 11th was a national tragedy, but Westchester County has always remembered the local and human side of losing 103 of our neighbors that day — and many more thereafter due to 9/11-related illnesses. Both sets of sacrifices are recognized forever at Kensico Dam Plaza — a sign of respect that will never be forgotten.”
Former Deputy Westchester County Executive Susan Tolchin said: "Everyone who was alive 25 years ago knows exactly where they were and what they were doing on September 11, 2001. In County Government, we were huddled in the emergency bunker, planning how to care for the survivors, who sadly never came. But generations have grown up without a personal experience of that fateful day. That's why honoring the 25th Anniversary with this mini-documentary is so important. It's a way to remember that out of the horrible grief and loss, the families of 9/11, the government, and the Westchester community came together to build The Rising, our soaring structure of hope, so that we will never forget. I was honored to be an integral part of it. I thank County Executive Jenkins, the Board of Legislators, Communications Director Catherine Cioffi and Videographer John Borst for this important piece of Westchester history."
The documentary was filmed and edited by Westchester County Lead Videographer John Borst and is being released publicly for the first time as part of the County’s 25th anniversary commemoration.
The County will also host two annual remembrance events at Kensico Dam Plaza:
Interfaith Prayer Vigil
Thursday, September 10 at 5 p.m.
Kensico Dam Plaza
The vigil will bring together members of the community and faith leaders for an evening of prayer, reflection and remembrance.
September 11 Memorial Service
Friday, September 11 at 2 p.m.
Kensico Dam Plaza
The County’s annual memorial service will honor the Westchester residents and others whose lives were taken on September 11, 2001, as well as those who have died in the years since from 9/11-related illnesses.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend both events at Kensico Dam Plaza and join Westchester County in marking this solemn milestone.
