MONTOUR FALLS, NY (WENY) - The Montour Falls Fire Department held the 20th Anniversary 9/11 Ceremony this morning at the Shequaga Falls Park. The event honored the victims lost in September 11th attacks by hanging an American flag over the falls. 

The morning ceremony kicked off with a Presentation of the colors from the fire department’s Honor Guard. Many guest speakers were invited afterward to reflect on the day 20 years later. 

Mayor of Montour Falls Jim Ryan has been an active member of the fire department for over 4 decades. He expressed his feelings in honoring the attacks.  

“It’s something that has been spoken within the fire service as I speak to their members,” Ryan said. “It’s always something they’ve wanted to memorialize and today they brought that together. Personally, I have been a member of the fire service for 48 years and I have multiple emotions about today.” 

Chief of Montour Falls Fire Department Jake Burns was in 9th grade when the towers were struck. He expressed how educating future generations would preserve the memories. 

I think one of the best things people can do is teaching the younger generation,” Burns said. “I think the people that were around that day just need to carry on that memory and simply just never forget like we stated on September 12th.” 

Former FDNY Lt. Steve Casquarelli also attended the ceremony. On September 11th, he and his crew were called from Brooklyn to help with clean-up efforts. He, like Burns, highlighted what people should take away from the 20th anniversary. 

“Keep in mind the 2,983 Americans that we lost that day in all 3 crash sites. New York City, Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and Arlington, Virginia,” Casquarelli said. “Keep them all in mind... even their families, those people have to be thought of too. They lost a loved one that day so there’s 2,983 families that are also suffering. I think we need to keep in mind and honor them.” 

Montour Falls is already planning the 2nd annual 9/11 ceremony for the 21st anniversary next year.