The sounds of the DeWitt 9/11 memorial are familiar, but this year it looks a little different. The chairs are six feet apart, and many people watch a live stream to keep social distancing.

What You Need To Know

  • DeWitt held a smaller ceremony than usual and streamed the memorial online

  • Binghamton leaders preached unity

  • Solvay and Geddes held their first memorial to honor service and sacrifice

Town councilor Joseph Chiarenza and his son place a wreath on a steel beam from Ground Zero. Chiarenza says it’s important to remember the tragedy under any circumstances so children, like his 12-year-old son, learn about the past.

“It’s so important to honor your folks that have gone past you, community servants, folks in the military, first responders, the people that give every day," said Chiarenza. "Our doctors are people that are giving every day and people behind the scenes that we don’t even know about.”  

In Binghamton, firefighters take a moment to honor fallen heroes. Leaders preach a message of unity, reminding us that then and now, we are Americans first.

“We were not Democrats or Republicans," said Binghamton mayor Rich David. "We were neighbors and friends and patriots. That’s the America we’re capable of. And today we renew the promise we made nineteen years ago. We will never forget.”

Despite canceling most events this year, Solvay and Geddes came together for the first time. Deputy Town Supervisor Ed Weber was a police officer in 2001.

“It just hits my heart that we lost so many members of the police department in New York City and the fire department," said Weber. "And it’s an honor to honor the heroes that we have here." 

Whether it's the first ceremony or an annual memorial, the message is the same: never forget.