ALBANY, N.Y. - A ceremony was held Tuesday, the eleventh anniversary of the September 11, 2011 terrorist attacks, at the New York State Museum in Albany.
About 75 members and retirees of the New York City Fire Department, along with local fire fighters and dozens of community members, attended the World Trade Center exhibit in the museum observing six moments of silence during the ceremony; the first at 8:46 a.m. the time the first plane hit the North Tower, 9:03 a.m. the time the second plane hit, the time when the towers collapsed, as well as the attacks on the Pentagon and the plane that was taken down in a field in Pennsylvania.
The ceremony was held directly in front of one of the heavily damaged fire Engine 6 Pumper destroyed 11 years ago on that fateful day as it responded to the North Tower. Engine 6 lost four members of the New York Fire Department on September 11.
Engine 6 stands as the center piece of the World Trade Center: Rescue, Recovery, Response exhibit in the museum. It has become an annual meeting place in Albany for those connected to Engine 6.
The Captain of Engine 6 at the time of the attack, NYFD Deputy Chief Roger Sakowich, says though eleven years have passed today does not get easier, but having this exhibit and the chance to reflect on the day is a good way to honor the heroes who died on September 11.
Lt. Governor Robert Duffy was in attendance, as well. "This is the imprint on today's generation, what we have to do to honor those who lost their lives and those who serve, is to make sure everybody truly understands and appreciates what this means."
Lt. Governor Duffy went on to say how he hopes that the 9/11 ceremony can be a teaching moment as well for the students who were not alive eleven years ago, or too young to remember the attacks.
Tuesday morning's ceremony at the museum coincided with the ceremonies in New York City, which were broadcasting live during the ceremony in Albany.
The first moment of silence was held at the state museum at 8:46 a.m., the time the first plane struck the North Tower. (Photo: NEWS10)
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