Flags were flown, patriotic music played, alarm bells rang, and people sang along as Brockport Firefighters gathered with other first responders, local military groups, and the community to commemorate the anniversary of those unprecedented attacks on American soil 21 years ago.
Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers, EMTs and Paramedics come from the tri-county region each year. For the last several years there has also been a contingent from the Pike Fire Company in Wyoming County who make the trek to spend time with local volunteers. Fire trucks and military vehicles were the backdrop during the ceremonies emphasizing the importance of the day, and reinforcing the message to remember those we lost 21 years ago, and those we continue to lose as a result of health issues arising from the effects of the attacks.
Brockport Fire Chief Scott Wainwright welcomed area first responders, friends, and neighbors when he took the microphone during the closing ceremony. He thanked everyone for coming and for spending part of their Patriot Day in Brockport at the memorial.
Local dignitaries, SUNY Brockport ROTC students, and local clergy came together, joining first responders on the small plot of land in the village of Brockport. They shared in the ceremonies, the honor guard, and the comradery, which is very evident each year. Monroe County Legislator Jackie Smith shared her thoughts, and she and her husband, Kevin, donated the large American flags that fly above and on the memorial. NYS Senator Rob Ortt spoke at the closing ceremony, as did NYS Assemblyman Steve Hawley. Their messages were heartfelt and appreciated by those in attendance. Michael Barbato, a participant with the Flower City Chaplain Corps, was the keynote speaker for the evening. He spoke of his visit to Ground Zero during the recovery efforts, and how that impacted him as a military reservist, a father, and a man of God.
Brockport Firefighters will continue to host a Vigil on this National Day of Remembrance at their memorial for generations to come. It shall stand as a reminder to “Never Forget” that fateful day, and the countless heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.
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