ROCHESTER, N.Y. — ​A local organization in Rochester is making sure we don’t forget those who lost their lives and the families that were impacted by the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

The Veterans Outreach Center hosted “Operation We Remember” at the Blue Cross Arena Friday, where former CIA operative and Air Force veteran Dan Caster served as the keynote speaker.

During his service, Caster says he was engaged in the efforts to capture Osama Bin Laden.

Other officials also touched on the impact that 9-11 had on them.

“It’s been 20 years since our nation and the world was changed forever,” 138^th District Assembly Member Harry Bronson said. “For many, 9-11 remains a lift experience. We know where we were when the news broke. We have a story, a connection and a deep understanding of that day. For young adults of today and future generations, there is no memory of that tragic day. So we must share with them, less we forget. What that fateful morning meant for our country.”

20^th anniversary 9-11 shirts can be purchased at VOC’s Stars and Stripes Flag store on South Avenue with proceeds supporting services needed for local veterans.

Over in Henrietta, the Rochester Institute of Technology hosted its annual ceremony Friday in front of the Student Alumni Union. Taps were played in front of a flag at 8:46, 9:37 and 10:03 a.m. as a tribute to those who died in each attack.

Spectrum News 1 caught up with a cadet second lieutenant on how 9-11 has influenced his life.

”It’s one of the primary reasons I decided to serve,” the cadet said. “I was barely alive on the day that it happened. I remember every single year in school learning about it. It resonated in me throughout the way that I would want to stand up for the people we lost that day and make sure it never happens again.”