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17 minutes of silence as Syracuse remembers Sept. 11 attacks

Ellen Abbott
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WRVO News

The city of Syracuse remembered 9/11 and those lost in the terrorist attack at a somber ceremony at Forman Park. A moment of silence stretched on for 17 minutes -- the time between the first and second attacks on the twin towers in New York City 17 years ago.

Mayor Ben Walsh says it was powerful.

Credit Ellen Abbott / WRVO News
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WRVO News (file photo)

"Oftentimes we get caught up in our day to lives and daily activities,” Walsh said. “And standing in silence for 17 minutes and reflecting back on that day, on those we lost and those who still serve, it was very touching.”

Sometimes silence says more than words.

Two tall candles brightened the gloomy morning, flanking flags with the names of the almost 3,000 people who died that day, many of them first responders. Syracuse Police were on the right, led by Chief Frank Fowler.

“People made a tremendous sacrifice on that day. And people to this day are still prepared to make the same sacrifice," said Fowler.

Syracuse firefighters were on the left, led by Chief Michael Monds.

"It really makes you think of all that goes in to making sure people are safe and making sure people are protected properly,” Monds said. “At the end of the day we’re all citizens, and I think we all want peace.”

Ellen produces news reports and features related to events that occur in the greater Syracuse area and throughout Onondaga County. Her reports are heard regularly in regional updates in Morning Edition and All Things Considered.