On Sept. 11, the Matamoras Borough held a 9/11 memorial service in the Veterans Memorial Park and Education Center at Airport Park.
“While we need to continue to never forget the events that occurred on September 11, I would also like us to remember September 12th,” Cory Homer, mayor of Matamoras, said. “We were one nation united together against evil and terrorism. It was neighbor helping neighbor, communities coming together and a situational response our nation had never seen before.”
The event began with a performance by Port Jervis’s Broome Street Band, immediately followed by a presentation of arms by the Devore Quinn American Legion Post #468 and Boy Scout Troop 1071. The Boy Scouts hung up a wreath for the duration of the memorial.
Speakers included state representative Jeff Olsommer as well as Richard Maggs and Richard Weber. Between speakers, the Hope Church Choir from the Hope Evangelical Free Church in Matamoras performed a musical interlude.
“It’s wonderful to see the turnout we had. I hope it grows every year,” Katherine Lemon, a longtime Matamoras resident, said.
Lemon and her husband have lived in Matamoras for all 60 years of their marriage. Her husband served in the Air Force and was a firefighter for 50 years.
Pastor Will Green of the Hope Evangelical Free Church finished the memorial with a closing prayer. Then, the Broome Street Band played “God Bless America,” and trumpet player Al Gessner played taps.
“I think it’s important to know the past, and we should remember those that ran towards a problem, to sacrifice, to help,” said Bill Gaa, former cross country coach at DV. “We shouldn’t forget those things.”
