FDNY Holds 10-Year Anniversary Memorial Service to Remember 9/11
The 343 flags march down Fifth Avenue following the service.
It was a day to remember.
Thousands of firefighters, family members and friends gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sept. 10 to honor the 343 FDNY members killed on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as the 57 who have died in the past decade due to World Trade Center-related illnesses.
“New York City is lucky to have a group who overcomes their fear to serve others,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
The interdenominational service included FDNY members filing into the church carrying 343 American flags to honor those who were lost 10 years ago.
"An attack that was brought about by an extreme lack of humanity resulted in extraordinary acts of courage and devotion to others,” said Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano. “No group embodies that devotion and service as much as the FDNY."
The Department lost 343 members with more than 4,400 years of experience on that tragic day. And during the service each of their names were read along with a montage of personal photos.
"Each person who died was much more than a firefighter... and they each had a passion to make a difference," Chief of Department Edward Kilduff said. "Today, the faces of our 343 motivate us, to be smarter and safer."
Ashley Fodor, daughter of Lt. Michael Fodor from Ladder 21, spoke about her father during the service. She said she was dealt a double blow that year, as she also lost her mother to breast cancer. She said she remains positive and hopeful by repeating her father’s stories.
Patrick Mate Lyons, son of Lt. Patrick John Lyons of Squad 252, also read a letter to his father - a man he never met. The boy was born on Oct. 7, 2001.
"People tell me I walk like you and have your crazy sense of humor, too," he said, standing on a box to reach the microphone in front of the church. "I like when people compare me to you."
Six FDNY members who joined the Department after losing a loved one on 9/11 lit candles to honor those lost, including Firefighter Andrew Esposito (son of Capt. Michael Esposito), Firefighters Ronnie and Thomas Gies (sons of Lt. Ronnie Gies), Firefighter Woodly Joseph (brother of Firefighter Karl Joseph), Paramedic Kathleen Santora (sister of Firefighter Christopher Santora) and Firefighter Luke Allen (brother of Firefighter Richard Allen.
The service also included several musical tributes.