Local 9/11 Memorials and Events Honor Those We Lost

Honor the memory of the victims of September 11, 2001 at these moving dedications and gatherings throughout the Hudson Valley.

It’s difficult to process the number of years that have passed since the September 11 attacks. In honor of the heroes and neighbors lost amid that tragedy, we’ve compiled a list of notable sites and organized memorial events where you can pay your respects.

Memorials

9/11 Memorial Park, Poughkeepsie

The memorial, which features two steel beams collected from the rubble of the World Trade Center, was erected at Civic Center Plaza in 2014. Surrounding it are cement benches and two maple trees, one of which is dedicated to fallen Poughkeepsie firefighter Timothy Gunther, a 21-year-old who died from a heart attack while responding to a local fire in May 2015.

Rockland County September 11 Memorial, West Haverstraw

Nestled within the Haverstraw Bay Park, a steel I-beam from the World Trade Center hails above two giant marble slabs, engraved with the names of all 81 Rockland resident victims.

Ulster Hose 9-11 Memorial, Kingston

A 3,300 lb. steel piece from the remains of the towers is the focus of this memorializing monument. It’s surrounded by bricks engraved with the names of the 343 fallen firefighters who selflessly put their lives on the line to help others during the attacks, as well as replicas of the Twin Towers to represent the 110 World Trade Center floors. Plaques have been added more recently naming FDNY members who have since died due to 9/11-related illnesses.

Putnam Heroes Memorial Monument, Carmel

Within Carmel’s Spain Cornerstone Park, you’ll find a modest stone and marble structure dedicated to the eight Putnam residents who died during the attacks, as well as first responders who’ve passed from related illnesses.

Columbia County September 11 Memorial, Valatie

A service project initiated by Valatie and Kinderhook Girl Scouts, the memorial is comprised of two tile-covered towers with the names of all uniformed personnel who died in the attack, as well as illustrations created by community members.

Orange County Arboretum 9/11 Memorial Garden, Montgomery

The 9/11 Remembrance Walkway and Garden is located within the 35-acre Orange County Arboretum, which features a rotating granite earth sculpture at the center. Around it, bronze plaques list the names of all 44 Orange County residents who died in the attack.

9/11 Memorial Garden, Suffern

Located at Rockland Community College, the memorial garden is a spot for the Hudson Valley to reflect and remember those who died in the attack. At the center of the park lies “Spirit Rising,” a sculpture by David Laxman that incorporates steel remnants from the World Trade Center site.

Events

September 11

Poughkeepsie 5 and 8:30 p.m. Patriot Day cruise and wreath laying with Nothing But Time Sailing Charters, LLC

Suffern 7 p.m. ceremony at Suffern Village Hall

Valatie 6 p.m. commemoration at Volunteer Park

Warwick 6-7 p.m. memorial service at Warwick Veterans Memorial Park

Related: Our Editor Shares Her Memories of September 11, 2001