Syracuse first responders held an annual service Tuesday in remembrance of lives lost in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. More than 100 people, including local politicians, law enforcement and fire department personnel, attended the memorial at Forman Park.

A class of police and fire department cadets stands at attention during a 17-minute moment of silence.

Police Chief Frank Fowler (right), standing alongside Mayor Ben Walsh, calls the cadets in formation to attention as the ceremony begins.

A 17-minute moment of silence began at 8:46 a.m., the time that Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center’s north tower. Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh lit candles that were placed on two podiums by Syracuse Fire Chief Michael Monds and Syracuse Police Department Chief Frank Fowler.

The moment of silence ended at 9:03 a.m., which is the time that Flight 175 struck the south tower.

Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney, Walsh and Fowler, from left, at the ceremony.

One of the two candles lit at the service. Candles are lit and placed on the memorial in Forman Park, where they stay for the remainder of the day.

Rep. John Katko (R-Camillus) and Democratic challenger Dana Balter attended the memorial, along with Common Councilors and other local politicians. But local carpenter Buerin Oates, who has helped set up the memorial service for years, said the event is far from political.  

 “It’s not an event for speeches,” Oates said. “It’s about honoring those people’s lives.” 

Rep. John Katko (R-Camillus) stands in silence with law enforcement officials.

Democratic congressional candidate Dana Balter, Common Councilors and other city officials at the service.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh at the memorial.

–Photos by Staff Photographer Dan Lyon

Published on September 11, 2018 at 7:33 pm