By Lauren Young

Staff writer

DeWitt Town Board members, community leaders, first responders, veterans, members of the clergy and members of the community gathered at DeWitt Town Hall’s 9/11 Memorial Monument on Tuesday, Sept. 11, to honor those who died on September 11, 2001, along with the families left behind and the first responders who answered the call to service that day, and for the many days, weeks and months that followed.

The ceremony, held at 5400 Butternut Drive, featured DeWitt Police Chief John Anton as the Master of Ceremonies, with the “Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful” performed by Megan Mawhinney.

Town Supervisor Ed Michalenko was absent for the ceremony, as he was mourning the loss of his wife’s brother who died on 9/11, but released a statement in a press release about the ceremony.

“Part of our commitment to building community in DeWitt is reaching out, not only to our own residents and families, but to the broader community,” said Michalenko. “There’s so much media, technology and political dysfunction distracting us every day now. An event like this reminds us what is important: the real value of our community and our country, and the value of building that community together.”

“We are here today to honor those who have suffered, as we all realize and strive to live our values of mutual respect, human dignity and respect for life,” said Kerry Mannion, DeWitt deputy town supervisor. “We seek security without embracing discrimination, we use our voices to protect human life, to seek greater justice and to pursue peace as participants in a powerful democracy.”

“For Jews, this is the end of the new year; a time of hope but is also a time to reflect on the past. As Americans, we do the same thing,” said Rabbi Daniel Fellman of Temple Concord in Syracuse, who gave the invocation. “We reflect on where we’ve been, what we’ve endured, and we look ahead — to the promise of our great nation, to the hope that we all carry for the memory living on for all of those who gave their lives.”

For many, seeking home was common reaction after the terrorist attack, said Guest Speaker Father Sean O’Brien, pastor of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, as he recalled canceling a long-planned trip with friends to return home after hearing of the terrorist attack hours away.

“As more and more you became aware of the gravity of what happened, you may have felt the same way — I belong home,” said O’Brien. “For the last 17 years, there has been a new type of unity. Whenever we call to mind, 9-1-1. Perhaps, just perhaps, we need to work on that unity every day of the year.”

To honor 911 victims, O’Brien said, is to make, “the best of our lives in order to best respect their lives.”

“We owe it to the men and women of 911 to never let this happen again,” said Captain Chardette James, commander of the Syracuse Army Recruiting Company and a decorated West Point graduate. “Just as important [as it is] to stand our ground and to defeat terrorism, we must also demonstrate to the enemy our love of life and our respect for humanity.”

“The smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed that tragic day,” said Onondaga County Sheriff Eugene Conway.

Other highlights of the ceremony included the posting of the colors by the 174th Based Air Force Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance by Kenneth Andrews, chief of civil administration for the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, a wreath presentation by Elaine Lostumbo and Joe Chiarenza and a rifle salute by the DeWitt Police Honor Guard. Bagpiper Jack Heines also performed before and after the ceremony, playing “The Rowan Tree” and “Amazing Grace.”

The Town of DeWitt and Manlius Police Departments were also present, along with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Troopers. The East Syracuse, DeWitt, Jamesville, Kirkville and Minoa Fire Departments were also present for the ceremony.