Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - "We bless this tree to grow strong as a reminder of life, a reminder of love, a reminder of new life in the name of God."
As many across the United States remember and honor those who lost their lives during the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001, Western New Yorkers paid tribute in a number of ways throughout the region on Monday.
In East Buffalo, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown was joined by Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo, members of the Buffalo Fire Department and other first responders outside the Engine 21 fire house in for a tree planting ceremony to honor the thousands of people who died 22 years ago, including hundreds of first responders. It was also a ceremony to thank and honor the first responders and others across all communities who responded in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks that rocked the country.
"Today, we will plant this tree donated by our local Home Depot at the Jefferson and Kingsley fire house. As we watch this tree grow, let us remember those who lost their lives, and salute the many heroes who brought Americans from diverse backgrounds together, making us a stronger nation," said Mayor Brown during Monday's ceremony.
For firefighters, police officers and other first responders that serve the community, there is always the sad reality that an incident they are responding to may present the possibility of them being seriously hurt or even losing their life in the line of duty. Commissioner Renaldo has no doubt that on Sept. 11, 2001, many of those responding to New York, Washington, D.C. or Pennsylvania had that thought run through their minds that once they arrived and witnessed the size and scale of the incident they were facing.
"Our firefighters serve every time they put on their uniforms, and many of them spend your days off serving friends, family, our community and our nation. On a day we gather to remember, we should also pledge to serve in whatever meaningful way that we can. For in service, we can find resiliency," said Commissioner Renaldo on Monday. "This tree will serve as a living tribute to the firefighters, first responders, law enforcement personnel, military, and civilians who gave their life that tragic day. It will also serve as a symbol of resiliency, a reminder that Americans will remember, rebuild and continue to serve their country in times of need and in times of crisis."
When Mayor Brown was a member of the New York State Senate at the time of the Sept. 11 attacks, he remembers going to New York City and visiting the Ground Zero site shortly after along with the Governor of New York, George Pataki, and every member of the New York State Senate.
"It was an eerie sight," Mayor Brown recalled. "We could see the rubble, we walked among the rubble. We could see the site still smoldering, but still, at that time, in the immediate aftermath with the rubble from the Twin Towers still smoldering, there were firefighters, there were police officers. there were members of the clergy and others who were sifting through the rubble still working, still serving, still trying to make a difference for our country and our community."
Among the several Buffalo firefighters and police officers who elected to volunteer their efforts to helping first responders in New York City after the Sept. 11 attacks was Buffalo Fire Cpt. Tony Liberatore. He says when he and others first arrived in Lower Manhattan, they weren't sure why they were going down, and didn't know if their assistance was needed in rescue operations.
"Shortly thereafter, we realized there wasn't much of a rescue operation, and we would be involved in either supporting New York firemen and policemen in recovering bodies or whether we'd be just handing them water, or turned around to go home. But it just so happened that the individuals we brought were well prepared to go in and assist, and they needed to help at that time," said Liberatore during Monday's ceremony. "What an honor it was to go down there and work hand-in-hand with some great Buffalo firemen, as well as Buffalo policemen who were willing to step up. Knowing that Buffalo is the second-largest city in the State of New York, we wanted to help out any way that we possibly could. We shortly thereafter realized we would be working on our hands and knees, and digging with our fingers to try to preserve the dignity of the individuals that we lost. We helped our brothers out of New York City, and what an honor was to work side-by-side with them."
Monday was also a day to recognize fallen Buffalo firefighter Jason Arno, who died in the line of duty back on March 1, 2023 while fighting a fire along Main Street in Downtown Buffalo.