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City ceremony remembers horrors of 22 years ago

By M.J. Stafford 3 min read

The Dunkirk Fire Department and the Dunkirk Professional Firefighters Local 616 hosted a ceremony Monday to remember the terrible events of Sept. 11, 2001.

It was a beautiful, warm, sun-splashed Monday morning -- reminiscent of the day 22 years prior in New York City, when terrorists crashed planes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, killing thousands. Hundreds more died when a third hijacked plane was crashed into the Pentagon. A fourth hijacked aircraft was allegedly headed for the White House but crashed in a Pennsylvania field after passengers tried to retake the plane.

The Rev. Bob Owczarczak said at the ceremony, "This is a day that changed the world. I remember wondering about my uncle who worked in the towers.

I remember just turning 18 and thinking I was going to be drafted into the military.

I remember being on my senior class trip only a month later and seeing the smoke still rising from the building. I remember being nervous as I thought that the United States could be attacked again."

He continued, "Even through all these horrific events... there was good that came out of this tragedy. Men and women, much like yourselves, volunteered to go to New York City and help. People had a new respect for their country and proudly displayed the 'Red, White and Blue' on their doorstep. People went back to churches and prayed that God could help all those affected. People all over the United States were united, not worrying about race or ethnicity, but focusing on love of their country and their neighbor."

Owczarczak said Monday was a day to remember first responders who lost their lives on Sept. 11. A bell was rung to honor the 343 Fire Department of New York members who died that day. FDNY reported last Sept. 11 that 299 more firefighters have passed away from illnesses contracted from the tons of toxic dust whipped up by the attacks. Hundreds more deal with chronic illnesses.

Dunkirk Fire Chief Michael Edwards spoke of FDNY's Steven Siller, who walked on foot, in full gear, through the city's tunnels to the World Trade Center after hearing of the attacks but getting confronted with traffic jams. He lost his life that day trying to save others.

The Tunnels to Towers foundation was started in his name, and has raised over $500 million to assist first responders and veterans with housing and education, Edwards said.

"Firefighter Siller could have continued to his golf outing, he was off shift that day. But he did not. He could have turned around when he got to the Battery Tunnel and said, 'Well, I tried but couldn't get through,' but he did not," Edwards said. "He abandoned his vehicle, put his gear on and went to where he was needed."

Three Dunkirk High School students were part of the ceremony. Marencia Bohn and Hazel Bache sang the "Star-Spangled Banner" and Peter Felt played "Taps" on his trumpet. Owczarczak closed the ceremony with a prayer.

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