CAZENOVIA — On Sunday, Sept. 11, the Cazenovia community will observe the 21st anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks with a candlelight vigil in Memorial Park on Albany Street at 7 p.m.
The ceremony will serve to remember the victims of the attacks and honor the heroism of the first responders and service members who answered the call of duty.
The candlelight vigil is coordinated annually by members of Project CAFÉ (Community Activities for Everyone), a non-profit teen organization that, as part of its mission, organizes Cazenovia community service projects and events in the hopes of improving and connecting the entire community.
“The student leaders are proud to carry on this tradition that was initiated by other students 21 years ago,” said Mayor Kurt Wheeler, who also serves as an advisor to the Project CAFÉ student leaders. “The entire era they have grown up in has been impacted by 9/11.”
This year’s 9/11 Observance will feature representatives of local emergency response and veterans groups, music, silent reflection, and more.
According to Wheeler, Project CAFE leaders will welcome the community, lead the pledge of allegiance, and light the candles. The Cazenovia Fire Department will place a wreath on the village’s monument for fallen firefighters, and a member of the Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps will likely speak on behalf of first responders. The Cazenovia American Legion Post 88 will provide the Color Guard, the Cazenovia Police Department will offer traffic control and attend the ceremony, and Maggie Dougherty will lead the Cazenovia High School Chamber Choir in “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful.”
All are welcome to attend.
Throughout the year, Project CAFE is also instrumental in organizing the July 4th parade, Winter Festival, Earth Day, and other events.
“Project CAFE students are thrilled to have leadership roles in Cazenovia that are only available to adults in other communities,” said Wheeler.
To learn more about Project CAFE, visit projectcafe.org.
