[0:00] Good morning. Like the welcome you to the Joint Soulsbury Fire Department, Soulsbury Police Department 9-11, rememberants. Thank you all for attending this morning. If you can, have a seat. We still have a few up front. Otherwise, you know, make yourself comfortable. At this time, we're going to welcome the honor guard to present the arm or colors.

[1:03] Thank you, honor guard, and this time we would like to please remain standing,

[1:08] like to invite Miss Angie Jenkins to sing in the National Anthem.

[2:03] Oh God, he's streaming at

[2:28] what's still there, oh say does that

[2:48] all the day.

[3:08] Thank you very much, Miss Angie.

[3:10] This time, everybody can be seated.

[3:17] Before we get too far, much further along, I just want to recognize some of the dignitaries we have with us today.

[3:22] We have Senator Corretta's delegate beachum, Mayor Taylor, or City Administrator Nick Rice,

[3:31] Council President Jackson, Council Vice President DeShield, Councilwoman Gregory, County Council

[3:39] President Kenan, and County Council Vice President Mary.

[3:42] If I missed anybody, I'm sorry.

[3:44] I'm sure a mirror will call me out.

[3:49] At this time, I'd like to invite the chaplain up for an indication.

[3:56] Good morning, everyone.

[4:00] Let us pray.

[4:02] Heavenly Father, today we remember the heavy hearts of all those who lost their lives

[4:07] on September 11th.

[4:10] And we especially honor the firefighters, police officers, EMTs,

[4:16] and first responders who ran towards danger while others were running away.

[4:21] We remember their courage, their sacrifice, and the families and loved ones who still

[4:29] carry their loss.

[4:31] Watch over those who serve today.

[4:34] Give them strength, wisdom, courage, and protection.

[4:40] We ask for your comfort, your peace, and your blessings upon all those who serve and protect.

[4:49] in your holy name we pray. Amen.

[4:57] Thank you, chaplain. At this time, our fire chief

[5:00] Rob Franklin has to remarks.

[5:15] Good morning. 25 years ago, on September 11th,

[5:20] 2001 at 846 AM, the world changed. American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of

[5:28] the World Trade Center, beginning a day that would forever be remembered as one of the darkest

[5:33] moments in our nation's history.

[5:36] But September 11th is remembered for more than just destruction.

[5:41] It's remembered for the courage of people who, in the face of unimaginable danger, chose

[5:46] to run towards it rather than away.

[5:50] Firefighters, police officers, paramedics, emergency workers, and ordinary citizens answered

[5:56] recall. Among them were 343 members of the FDNY, who climbed the stairs of those towers,

[6:05] knowing the danger that awaited them, and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others.

[6:12] For generations the fire service has used the ringing of the bell to signify the end of a firefighter's

[6:17] tour, to let their brothers and sisters know that their work was complete,

[6:25] and that they had

[6:26] 2001 far too many firefighters never heard that bell.

[6:32] Their final alarm became a call that they would never return from.

[6:38] Today, 25 years later, we gather not to simply remember a moment in history,

[6:43] but to remember the people who gave everything on that day.

[6:47] We remember the 343 firefighters and members of the FDNY.

[6:52] We remember the police officer's paramedics and emergency workers and civilians who never made it home.

[6:59] We remember the families who have carried that loss for 25 years.

[7:05] And we remember the countless heroes who showed the world what courage, sacrifice, and service truly means.

[7:13] Today the bell carries a deeper meaning.

[7:16] Each ring is a reminder that they are not forgotten.

[7:19] A reminder of the lives they lived, the families they left behind, and the sacrifices they

[7:25] made.

[7:26] A reminder that the courage displayed on September 2nd.

[7:30] Number 11 did not end when the tower's fell. It lives on and every firefighter who answers the alarm, every

[7:37] first responder who runs toward danger and every person who chooses service over self. And so,

[7:45] on this 25th anniversary, we ring the bell 25 times, not to simply mark the passage of time, but

[7:51] to honor a legacy that time can never erase. As we begin, let us remember that at 846, the first

[7:59] alarm sounded. And when that alarm came, they answered. They climbed. They served. They sacrificed.

[8:07] And they never came home. May each ring of this bell carry their memory forward. May it

[8:13] remind us of their courage. May it honor their sacrifice. And may it remind us 25 years later,

[8:21] they while the years may pass, we will never forget. At this time, we are ring the bell 25 times.

[8:29] In honor, in remembrance, in gratitude for all those who gave their lives on September 11th, 2001.

[10:25] Thank you, please be seated.

[10:33] Now, like to invite, police chief Dave Mineshine to say some remarks.

[10:50] Good morning, Aaron.

[10:56] First, I'd like to thank Chief Rampton and the Soldiers of the Fire Department staff for once again hosting

[11:00] our joint 9-11, a remembered ceremony.

[11:05] It's my honor this morning to stand alongside my fellow

[11:08] First responders, city leaders, distinguished guests, and all those who are

[11:13] assisted in making this ceremony possible this morning.

[11:18] It's hard to believe now that it's been 25 years since our nation faces the

[11:22] series of terrorist attacks that would change our country forever.

[11:27] One of the darkest days in our country's history and one that I will personally never forget.

[11:33] Today we live in a time where one in three Americans, an entire generation,

[11:38] We're not yet born on 9, 11, 2011, 2001.

[11:45] And many others were too young to clear remember what happened and understood the magnitude

[11:50] of those events.

[11:54] 25 years ago is long enough for 9, 11 to become history, but those who weren't there now

[12:01] learning about the event on the internet, classroom, and textbooks.

[12:06] But for those of us who were here and do remember, it still feels remarkably close, and then

[12:15] as why ceremonies like this matter, they matter not simply to look back at the world

[12:20] of changing events, but to remember and honor those we lost, to honor survivors and the

[12:27] families whose lives were forever changed.

[12:31] As well as to remember those who continue to live with the physical and emotional scars of that day.

[12:38] And to ensure that the past continues to teach our young footballs, who we are, what we value,

[12:46] and why we must remain vigilant as Americans.

[12:51] Twenty-five years ago today, I was serving two uniforms.

[12:54] First, as a patrol sergeant with the Cellsbury Police Department,

[12:57] and the second as a senior master sergeant in the United States Air Force.

[13:03] I vividly remember getting that call, a night shift getting off at A.M., that morning

[13:08] on September 11, 2001.

[13:12] I was awakened by phone calls from my police and military colleague shortly after the North

[13:17] Tower, the World Trade Center, with struck.

[13:21] Glue to the television, moments later, I watched the South-Heller Tower get struck.

[13:26] Then the Pentagon, and finally, learning of Flight 93 over Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

[13:33] Like so many others that day I felt helpless, and disbelief, learning of their homeland, was under attack.

[13:40] As a police officer and a member of the military, I understood this was more than attack on buildings.

[13:46] This was intact on our people, our way of life, and our sense of security.

[13:52] those attacks were ever changed the course of my life my military service

[13:57] our profession and the future factory of our country in the years it

[14:04] followed we entered decades long war on terror one who's effects in many ways

[14:09] still linger today but today is not about war it's about people so today we

[14:19] the owner in 2009-177 innocent people who were taken from us. Among them, 412, first responders,

[14:29] firefighters, police, and EMT alike.

[14:35] Everyone of those lives was so much more than a number.

[14:41] They were fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, husbands, wives, friends, and neighbors.

[14:49] They were ordinary people who did extraordinary things that day.

[14:54] These brave souls embody the highest ideals of our profession.

[14:58] Service, courage.

[15:00] And sacrifice.

[15:06] So many that day did exactly how they had been trained. Without hesitation, instinctively running towards danger. So others may live.

[15:15] Because that is what Perscher funders do.

[15:20] Former New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton once spoke about the reality of police officers facing fear.

[15:26] Every day when they suit up, to go to work.

[15:31] That reality extends across our entire first responder family.

[15:36] Police officers suit up, firefighter suit up.

[15:40] EMT professionals suit up every day to protect our citizens

[15:45] in the uniform and circumstances, maybe different times,

[15:50] but the commitment remains the same.

[15:54] Every day, first responders leave behind people they love.

[15:58] A family that waits, worries, and hopes their loved one will come safely.

[16:03] While knowing there is no guarantee with the day may break.

[16:08] So in addition to those we lost, we must also remember those who survived.

[16:14] Those whose lives were forever changed by what they saw, what they breathed, and what they carried home that day.

[16:22] We must remember the thousands who came afterwards, those who searched, rescued, recovered,

[16:30] rebuilt and refused to let their fellow Americans behind.

[16:37] The scars of 911 continue, were now more than 9,000 continued to suffer, were had

[16:44] perished, from illnesses caused by exposure to toxins released in the aftermath.

[16:49] families continue to grieve, and our nation continues to continue to carry the weight of that day.

[16:57] But there is something else worth remembering about the days and weeks that followed September 11th.

[17:02] Americans came together in ways we had not seen in generations.

[17:09] Differences that once seemed so important suddenly seems much smaller than the things we now share.

[17:16] We stood together at that time, we cared for one another, and we recognized that despite our differences, we are all Americans.

[17:27] 25 years later, perhaps one of the greatest ways we can honor those we lost is to rekindle that sense of unity and to find it again today.

[17:39] Right here in Solvesbury, we understand that service is more than profession.

[17:46] It's a commitment to stand ready to answer the call every day, to be there for our neighbors,

[17:54] to always have our best day when others are having their worst.

[18:02] We honor the legacy of those lost, not only by remembering them, but by serving our community

[18:09] with excellence, compassion, courage, and resilience.

[18:16] Twenty-five years have passed, but we have not forgotten.

[18:20] We will not forget the lives we've lost.

[18:23] We will not forget the families that continue to carry that loss.

[18:27] Let the courage of those we lost not be in vain.

[18:33] Let the memory be in inspiration, not to remind us of what happened,

[18:37] But to challenge us, what we will continue to do moving forward together in response.

[18:46] So today we stand together police fire, EMS, as public servants with our community, and

[18:52] our friends, and our family.

[18:55] We have all sworn in oath that we choose to protect and serve, and 25 years later, and

[19:02] forever more, that is what we'll do.

[19:06] Thank you.

[19:16] Thank you, Chief.

[19:19] At this time, I'd like to invite Senator Carosa up for some remarks.

[19:35] Good morning.

[19:37] I want to first thank God for bringing us all together on the 25th anniversary of the September 11th

[19:47] Terrace Attacks.

[19:48] It is with deep respect and gratitude that I publicly thank Salisbury Mayor Randy Taylor and

[19:56] the city of Salisbury and Salisbury Fire Chief Rob Frampton and the Salisbury Fire Department

[20:03] for making this 9-11 remembrance service a top priority for our short community.

[20:14] The theme remains the same, never forget, especially during the 250th anniversary of America's

[20:23] independence. We will always remember, honor, and be grateful for the lives of all those

[20:33] we lost during the September 11th, terrorist attacks, their families, all the first responders,

[20:40] and all the heroes from the events from September 11th. Make no mistake, we saw evil that day,

[20:51] When terrorists cowardly killed nearly 3,000 people, as they were going about their everyday life in America,

[21:01] those terrorists attempted to destroy our home country.

[21:08] But we also saw the best in Americans responding with courage, grace, and unity.

[21:16] We came together as Americans with resolve and determination with love of our country and with love for one another.

[21:30] It was a moment in our history that could have crushed or broken the spirit of the American people.

[21:40] Instead, we united, we rallied, and we recommitted to fighting for our American way of life.

[21:51] In the mix of great grief, especially the family members who lost a loved one on September 11th,

[21:59] there was story after story of the American spirit shining through, and of the unsung heroes stepping up for our country and for each other.

[22:11] We remember and honor all those who lost their lives on September 11, all the first responders, all the firefighters, all the law enforcement, and others who courageously responded.

[22:25] Like the firefighters I saw personally battling the fire on the...

[22:30] Pentagon roof, well into the night of September 11th, and the morning of September 12th.

[22:38] Like the military members who rushed to the Pentagon's daycare center to safely evacuate 140 infants

[22:46] and toddlers. Like the passengers on Flight 93 who stormed the cockpit to make sure the fourth

[22:54] plane did not reach Washington, DC, saving hundreds and possibly thousands of lives.

[23:03] Like the flight attendants who had the grace and the poise to make calls back to report critical

[23:10] information on where the terrorists were sitting, which helped authorities identify the terrorists.

[23:19] We see that same American spirit shining through today with this 911 911 911 Remembrance Service.

[23:32] As we join together this morning on the 25th anniversary of the September 11th Terras attacks during the 250th year of America's independence.

[23:49] Let us always remember that we live in the greatest country in the world and that our God

[23:58] given rights will always be worth fighting for and protecting.

[24:04] Let us in public service today remember that job number one is protecting the American people.

[24:13] May guide, continue to bless all of our September 11th Patriots, first responders and families, and all of us here today.

[24:25] Let us be inspired to do our part to serve our country, and our community, and to serve each other, and may God always bless the United States of America.

[24:41] Thank you.

[24:48] Thank you, Senator Corrosa.

[24:50] At this time, Mayor Taylor has a proclamation.

[25:01] Good morning.

[25:03] I want to thank everybody for coming today.

[25:05] I want to thank Chief Frampton and his team for putting

[25:07] Senator Pachay in appropriate

[25:10] to vet together to commemorate 9-11.

[25:14] Today is a solemn opportunity for our community to come together

[25:17] and remember, honor and reflect on the day

[25:20] that changed the nation forever.

[25:22] 25 years later, we remember the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives that day.

[25:28] We remember the firefighters, the police officers, the EMTs, the paramedics, and others

[25:33] first responders who created a rant towards help to help others.

[25:37] We remember the passages and crews aboard the four planes, the people working in the World

[25:41] Trade Center and the Pentagon and all those whose lives were lost to take in that

[25:45] day.

[25:46] We remember the families who lost loved ones and the countless people whose lives forever changed.

[25:53] We also recognize the brave men and women who responded in days of weeks to come.

[25:57] September 11th showed us the very best of the human spirit

[26:01] and the face of tragedy people came together.

[26:06] Neighborhoods, help neighbors, strangers, help strangers in our nation stood united.

[26:11] As a community, we understand the meeting of service and sacrifice.

[26:16] Our first responders and public servants continue that tradition day after day.

[26:21] As we mark the 25th anniversary, it's especially important that we share these stories

[26:25] with younger generations, so they understand only what happened, that also the courage,

[26:31] compassion, and unity that's followed.

[26:34] 25 years later, we remember those we lost.

[26:36] We honor those who served, we recognize those who continue to see the scars of that day and above all, we never will forget.

[26:45] Thank you.

[26:46] At this time, I'd like to give a provide a proclamation for both Chief of Police and the Fire Department.

[26:53] Please, please, and the Fire Department and the Police Department and the Police Department and the Police Department and the Police Department and the Police

[27:05] Department and the Police Department.

[27:14] As

[27:39] we have heard today on September 11, 2001, our nation was changed forever. In the days

[27:47] and weeks that followed, we witnessed something incredibly powerful. We came together. As has

[27:53] been said, differences seem smaller, and neighbors looked out for neighbors. First responders

[27:58] stood shoulder to shoulder, and across this country, Americans were reminded that what

[28:03] us is far greater than what divides us.

[28:07] Out in front of our operation side of the building, on the grassy lawn, you'll see a lone

[28:12] flowering dogwood.

[28:15] This tree was recently planted, and this is the first of 25 trees to be planted across

[28:19] the city.

[28:21] As we plant the first of 25 trees to commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9-11, we are reminded

[28:27] of that same spirit of unity.

[28:29] This project is more about more than just planning trees.

[28:35] It's a reflection of what can happen when we work together towards something bigger than any one department

[28:41] or organization can complete.

[28:45] The Solzbury Fire Department, Solzbury Police Department, Field Operations, Communications, the Solzbury Zoo, ABC,

[28:53] and the Department of Infrastructure and Development have all played a part in bringing this vision to life.

[29:01] Twenty-five trees, twenty-five years, one community.

[29:07] May these trees serve as living reminders of the lives lost,

[29:11] the courage of those who ran toward danger and the unity that brought our nation together when we needed it most.

[29:18] And they remind us that just as we stood together then, we are stronger when we stand together today.

[29:26] Thank you.

[29:37] Thank you, Chief.

[29:39] This time, Deputy Chief Abarski has a musical reflection for us.

City of Salisbury

Transcript