By Zarah Kavarana, with additional reporting from Matt Moment and Sabrina Sucato
It’s difficult to process the number of years that have passed since the September 11 attacks, especially over two decades later. 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 in the Hudson Valley.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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 Eric David Laxman that incorporates steel remnants from the World Trade Center site.
A memorial service begins at 11 a.m. at the lodge.
This candlelight vigil is a beautiful way to commemorate those lost while surrounded by a sense of community. The vigil will begin at the Putnam Heroes Memorial at 7 p.m.
A memorial service begins at 5 p.m. at Town Hall.
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There will be a tri-municipal ceremony for Croton-on-Hudson, Buchanan, and Cortlandt from 1-1:30 p.m., including a procession, moment of silence, and ringing of the bell.
At 8:30 a.m., a tribute will begin, with a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. Afterward, refreshments will be served.
This 9/11 memorial service will be held at 8:30 a.m.
All are invited to this “special ceremony with prayer, respect, and honor” at 7 p.m.
This Orange County town remembers those lost with a full day of live music, food, and beverages.
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This memorial ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m., but attendees are well-advised to arrive 15 minutes early. Those unable to attend in-person may stream the event via the Rockland County Government Facebook page.
This gathering begins at 8:30 a.m. with a ceremony scheduled for 8:46 a.m.
This ceremony will start at 8:30 a.m., and is organized collaboratively by community members, the LaGrange Fire Department, and the LaGrange Sunrise Rotary.
Join in this commemoration by the town and Village of Mamaroneck as well as the Village of Larchmont at 5 p.m.
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This ceremony begins at 5:55 p.m. in the park.
This 7 p.m. ceremony will honor those lost with a candlelight vigil, song, and prayer.
A memorial ceremony will begin at 5 p.m.
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The annual Hometown Heroes Remembrance will occur from 6:30-7 p.m.
This city’s annual memorial ceremony begins at 3 p.m.
Join in this candlelight memorial ceremony at 7 p.m.
This public ceremony will be held outside of Village Hall at 2 p.m.
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Join in this period of remembrance at 3 p.m.
A memorial service will be held at 9 a.m.
This ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m. in the park.
Join in this 9 a.m. service at the city’s 9/11 memorial.
Related: Former Editor Shares Her Memories of September 11, 2001