© 2024 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace
Buffalo, NY 14202

Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
WBFO Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Your NPR Station
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Buffalo Area Remembers 9/11

By Eileen Buckley

Buffalo, NY – All across Western New York ceremonies, dedications, musical tributes and healing services were held yesterday to remember those who died in the devastating attack on America last September 11th.

One of the first observances held Thursday was in downtown Buffalo. Members of the American Legion joined with an area Lutheran church to honor the victims of 9/11. Later on the University at Buffalo dedicated a stone at the North campus to remember those from the UB community who were injured or lost in the attacks.

In Niagara Square, city leaders, and the Buffalo police and fire departments paid tribute to New York City police and firefighters killed in the attacks on the World Trade Center. Fire sirens sounded to mark the precise moment of the collapse of both towers. Mayor Masiello says Americans are joining together to fight a "common enemy."

"Looking back over the last year, we've learned a lot about courage and compassion," Masiello said. "About the strength that comes with unity and about what really matters."

In Blasdell, at the Mercy Flight heliport, pilots, flight paramedics and nurses gathered with the Erie County Executive to remember emergency service workers killed in the terrorist attacks. Joel Giambra says Americans have strengthened their "resolve to fight global terrorism." Several doves were released during the ceremony.

"We release these doves to remind us that freedom is a right given by God and that no terrorist will ever take that right from us," Giambra said.

Wednesday night at LaSalle Park, Western New Yorkers were joined by Canadian friends for a "Partners in Freedom" observance. Others attended a peace vigil at Hoyt Lake in Delaware Park, sponsored by the Western New York Peace Center. And the soothing sounds of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra filled Westminster Presbyterian Church. The BPO offered a "concert of commemoration."