Staten Island residents, FDNY families, active firefighters and retirees gathered Wednesday at the Staten Island FerryHawks baseball stadium to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The ceremony honored the men and women who perished on that day and the brave first‑responders who have since died from illnesses tied to their service.
Patriotic tribute and water salute
A New York City fireboat fired a solemn water salute while two ladder trucks stood beside the stadium, each flying a large American flag. Along a fence surrounding the field, flags were attached to the names of firefighters who fell on 9/11 or later died from 9/11‑related illnesses.
Personal stories of loss and pride
Among the mourners was Mia Welsh, whose father, Robert Welsh III, died in August 2023 from a glioblastoma linked to his exposure at Ground Zero. “I try to be half the person he was,” Welsh said, adding that her mother had been scheduled to work in the South Tower that morning but arrived late. “I’m proud my father gave his life saving other people,” she continued, refusing to let grief eclipse pride.
Thomas Glenn Smith Jr. also shared his family’s sacrifice. His father, Thomas Glenn Smith Sr., served with FDNY Engine 224, known as the Trench Dogs, in Brooklyn Heights. Smith recalled his father’s account of the day: “From where he was on Hicks Street, they had to drive through the Battery Tunnel; he said he had a lot of fear.” Smith’s father succumbed in March to lung cancer linked to 9/11 exposure. “It’s very hard. I try not to get emotional all the time, but I have a lot of pride,” Smith said.
Fire Commissioner’s acknowledgment
Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore addressed the crowd, recognizing the ongoing toll on FDNY families. “I cannot pretend to know your pain, first in losing so many in a single day and then continuing to lose our people to illness in the years since,” she said. “There are no words that can make the burden any lighter.” Her remarks underscored the lasting impact of the attacks on the department and the community.
Commemorative materials and a pledge to remember
Attendees received commemorative books containing messages from the mayor, the governor and the president, reinforcing the shared commitment to never forget those who gave their lives. The ceremony concluded with a collective pledge to keep the memory of the fallen alive for future generations.
Community significance
The memorial highlighted the deep ties between Staten Island’s neighborhoods and the FDNY, reminding residents that the sacrifices of first responders extend far beyond the tragic day itself. By honoring both the immediate victims and those who later suffered from service‑related illnesses, the event reinforced the borough’s dedication to faith, family and liberty—core values that continue to guide the community.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
