The Dunkirk ceremony was first, getting underway at 9 a.m. Paul Narraway from the city’s First Baptist Church offered a prayer. High schooler Mikaela Sciarrino powerfully sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” later returning to sing “God Bless America.”

“On this day, we come together as a community to remember lives lost, and to know that the bravery and compassion of those who died brought this country together,” said Mayor Kate Wdowiasz during her brief speech.

It was Dunkirk Fire Chief Nick Barber’s first 9/11 memorial as the city’s top ranked firefighter. He continued a practice of previous Chief Mike Edwards from past 9/11 services, telling a story of a FDNY firefighter who lost their life in the attacks. Barber talked about Orio Palmer, a battalion chief who was killed trying to rescue people from the World Trade Center.

An Amtrak train rumbled through town on the nearby tracks as Barber spoke, a reminder that America rolls on — and a stark contrast from Sept. 11, 2001, when law enforcement halted most long-distance travel over concerns about more attacks.

OBSERVER Photo by M.J. Stafford — Dunkirk High School students Alexander Biscaro and Daniel Hoth, left, play “Taps” at the Dunkirk Fire Department’s 2025 ceremony to remember and mourn the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America.

Barber asked the gathering to remember not only the firefighters killed outright in the attacks, but those who died from illnesses contracted while working at Ground Zero.

“Today is our day to renew our promise to never forget,” Barber said.

A bell was rung to remember the fallen firefighters of 9/11. Two more high schoolers, Alexander Biscaro and Daniel Hoth, played “Taps” on trumpets.

Dunkirk Police Chief Chris Witkowski also offered remarks. The ceremony ended with a closing prayer by Narraway.

Fredonia’s memorial was at 10:30 a.m., opened by a short welcome and remarks from Chief Josh Myers. The ceremony was the Fredonia Fire Department’s first 9/11 memorial since 2021.

Mayor Michael Ferguson opened his speech by thanking the fire department’s volunteers for refurbishing the bell that was about to get rung.

“When someone runs into a fire … doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or volunteer, you’re putting your life on the line,” the mayor commented. He read a proclamation declaring a day of remembrance in the village for the fallen, speaking of “our commitment to never forget their bravery, sacrifice and service.”

Cathy Ullman, Fredonia Fire Department assistant chaplain, read a prayer by Gary Kozlowski. It put out a call “against jihad, against racism, against religious intolerance, leading to a future where all can live in freedom and without fear.”

The department’s head chaplain, Bob Hayward, also offered prayers.

Bob Sayers also spoke. He was on one of two Fredonia Fire Department crews that went to Ground Zero in New York after the attacks.

Myers and other department members rang the bell to honor the ones who didn’t come back.