Rensco Honors 9-11 Victims And Heros
by Doug La Rocque
“Never forget” still remains on the lips of those old enough to remember the horrific events on the morning of September 11, 2001. 19 years later, people gathered around the flag pole outside the Rensselaer County Office Building in Troy to commemorate those who lost their lives when planes crashed into the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and a field in Shanksville, PA. That plane, brought down by a group of courageous passengers to prevent it from striking its supposed target, the White House.
Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin was the first to speak, saying “Today is a day that only grows in importance. For those who were there, or saw the events of that day, September 11, 2001 is unforgettable. For those too young to remember, the events of that day helped shape the world you live.
We remember those who fell and whose lives were taken by immense cruelty. The memories of those lost will not dim, as long as we resolve to bear witness to men and women placed in harm’s way that day.
September 11, 2001 was a day of tragedy. But it also became a day of heroism and hope, of great acts of compassion and courage performed by brave men and women at every turn.
We resolve to never forget. We resolve to carry on the memories of those lost, including those from Rensselaer County. And we resolve to remember those who rose up in the face of evil, and gave or risked their lives to protect their fellow man.”
Legislative Vice Chair Kelly Hoffman also rose to share comments from Colonel Jude Mulvery, a member of our military and a resident of East Greenbush as to her experience at Ground Zero.
“The soldiers served on the front line of Ground Zero for weeks, bringing their unique skills and capabilities to support the disaster recovery efforts. I handed out food and water. At one point, I was walking around with a group of men that were working on clearing the debris and I found a high heel shoe. Just a single shoe. I think I stared at that shoe for minutes, before I could find my voice, to call someone to retrieve and preserve it. It’s still in my head. I remember seeing all of the “have you seen” posters. They lined the length of the walls, each was a different lost individual. The enormity was staggering. After work, I went back and read every single one of them. “Rainbow Never Forget” was the infantry’s new motto, recalling its presence at the first incident in the global war on terror.”
Ms. Hoffman reiterated “This is from one of our soldiers who today is once again deployed and currently serving in the Middle East.
Retired Troy Assistant Fire Chief James Hughes also spoke about his time in New York after the attack, its impact on him and the rest of the volunteers from Troy and Rensselaer County who tried to help in anyway they could.
Friday’s ceremony was brief, but its impression was long lasting.