Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Wednesday marked 23 years since Islamic terrorists associated with Al-Qaeda orchestrated and carried out one of the deadliest attacks on American soil on Sept. 11, 2001.
A total of 19 terrorists hijacked four passenger airplanes during the early morning hours that Tuesday, and then used them as weapons to kill nearly 3,000 people.
Two of the hijacked planes from Boston were flown into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, while another hijacked plane out of Washington, D.C. was flown into the Pentagon. A fourth hijacked plane out of Newark, New Jersey, that was intended to strike the Capitol building in Washington, ended up crashing near Shanksville, Pa.
The Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park hosted its annual 9/11 Remembrance ceremony on Wednesday to honor those who not only perished in the terrorist attack that morning 23 years ago, but also those who volunteered their time in the recovery efforts, and those who served the country and the community in light of the attack.
"The Flag of Honor on my right contains all [the victims'] names. They were parents sending their children off to school for the first time. They were off-duty firefighters who just stopped by the firehouse for a cup of coffee when the alarm sounded. They were grandparents flying to meet their newest grandchild. They were financial analysts who showed up to work early to prepare for a presentation," said President and CEO of the Buffalo Naval Park, Paul Marzello on Wednesday. "They had families, friends, loved ones, all with hopes, dreams and aspirations that were all cut short by this tragic incident."
Wednesday also marked, for the second year in a row, the Buffalo Naval Park's largest day of volunteerism with the 9/11 Day of Service. This event saw around 120 National Grid employees, along with close to 50 employees with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield taking part in day-long activities around the park, including welding, carpentry work, removing rust, running electrical wire, and painting the historic vessels.
"We brought National Grid employees, Highmark employees, and we came down and started the process of doing construction work, lighting work, welding, painting, cleaning, anything that we can do to help maintain these wonderful ships that are here as part of the Buffalo Naval Park," said regional director at National Grid, Ken Kujawa on Wednesday. "Over the course of the last year, I've had employees come up to me and say, 'Ken, I had such a great time at the Naval Park, and it meant so much to do work on the Croaker, on The Sullivans and on the Little Rock. Are we going back?' And here we are."
"Highmark is pleased to have provided a $5,000 donation again this year just to help cover some of the costs of the supplies," added Michael Ball, vice president of Highmark Western and Northeastern New York. "We understand that sacrifice is made, and we're deeply grateful to all of our servicemen, women and first responders. Today, as we remember the lives lost on Sept. 11, we are reminded of the importance of unity and of our resilience. This Day of Service is a powerful symbol of community coming together to honor those who are lost, and to build a stronger future."
The park's ships were closed for the day as part of the 9/11 Remembrance. Access to the vessels will re-open on Thursday.