As Westchester County marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the county is honoring the lives lost,
remembering those who have died from 9/11-related illnesses and reflecting on how that day shaped Westchester over the
quarter-century that followed. As part of the commemoration, Westchester County has produced a new short documentary featuring reflections from every county executive who has served since September 11, 2001. The documentary brings together their memories of that day, Westchester’s response in the immediate aftermath, the lasting impact on the county and the lessons they believe should be carried forward 25 years later.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Twenty-five years have passed, but for so many of us, the memories of September 11 remain incredibly vivid. We remember where we were, what we saw and the uncertainty and heartbreak that followed. We also remember how Westchester came together. This documentary gives us an opportunity to preserve those memories and reflect on not only what we lost, but how our County responded, endured and moved forward. Most importantly, it helps ensure that the generations who did not experience September 11 understand its impact and the responsibility we all have to remember.”
Former Westchester County Executive Andy Spano said: “September 11 changed the way we live. It shattered the sense of security many Americans once took for granted and forever changed how we saw our country and the world around us. Its impact has shaped our lives, our work and our policies, and tested the bonds that hold us together as one strong and indivisible nation.”
Former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said: “I’m thankful to County Executive Jenkins for the 9/11 25th anniversary documentary, an important reminder of what we all went through in the hours, weeks and years since that horrific terrorist attack. America has always been and will always be the beacon of freedom and light around the world.”
Former Westchester County Executive and US Congressman George Latimer said: “September 11th was a national tragedy, but Westchester County has always remembered the local and human side of losing 103 of our neighbors that day — and many more thereafter due to 9/11-related illnesses. Both sets of sacrifices are recognized forever at Kensico Dam Plaza — a sign of respect that will never be forgotten.”
The documentary was filmed and edited by Westchester County Lead Videographer John Borst and is being released publicly for the first time as part of the County’s 25th anniversary commemoration.
The County also hosted two annual remembrance events at Kensico Dam Plaza: an Interfaith Prayer Vigil on Thursday, Sept. 10, that brought together members of the community and faith leaders for an evening of prayer, reflection and remembrance; and the September 11 Memorial Service on Friday, Sept. 11, which served as the county’s annual memorial service honoring the Westchester residents and others whose lives were taken on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as those who have died in the
years since from 9/11-related illnesses.
