On September 6th, the New York City Chinatown Society held a commemorative event to mark the 24th anniversary of the “9/11” terrorist attacks. Community residents, firefighters, police officers who participated in the rescue efforts, as well as individuals who experienced the collapse of the World Trade Center, gathered together to remember the nearly three thousand victims. They solemnly read out the names of the victims from Chinatown and the neighboring areas, creating a dignified and solemn atmosphere.
In her speech, Councilwoman Vickie Paladino pointed out, “Unless you were there in person at the time, you cannot truly understand the shock of that moment – when the planes hit the towers, we could hardly believe that America was under terrorist attack.” She emphasized that while everyone else chose to flee, firefighters and police officers courageously went against the tide, a bravery that should be forever remembered.
Paladino recalled being at home in Whitestone when the attack happened, witnessing the plane crashing into the towers. “My brother lived just two streets away from the World Trade Center. This disaster was not only a trauma for the city but also a deep pain in the soul of every true New Yorker,” she said. She added that even 24 years later, there are still people willing to put on uniforms to protect the city, “This in itself is a miracle, they will always be our heroes.”
Firefighter Brian Finley recounted how his Squad 7 suffered the loss of nine team members on 9/11. “In the following months, we were either at the firehouse or digging through rubble, or attending one funeral after another. It was the support and love of the community that got us through the darkest times,” he said. He emphasized that standing up to commemorate 24 years later is a way to tell the world – “We not only have not forgotten, but we will forever engrave that memory in our hearts.”
Community Affairs Officer Michael Cillis from the 111th Precinct spoke on behalf of the police department, thanking the community for years of support. “Although I was not at the scene to rescue, like many of my colleagues, I personally faced that huge challenge. Thank you for never forgetting those lives and sacrifices.”
Councilwoman Paladino’s Chinese assistant, Qiong Fang, recalled her neighbor Vincent Morello. He was a mechanic for the fire department who later became a firefighter. He was only 34 years old when he perished, leaving behind a four-year-old child.
On September 10th, he drove the firetruck to the community so that children could experience the honor of being firefighters. The next morning, just before his shift ended, due to a delay in the relief team, he decided to join his night shift comrades at the World Trade Center fire scene. Before leaving, he made a final call to his wife, telling her he had to rush to the site – it became his last contact with his family. In the end, his body was never found, and his family held a memorial service for him in November.
Morello’s father was a former chief commander of the fire department, and his brother was also a firefighter. The family exemplified courage and dedication through their lives.
“He is our eternal hero and the role model we want our children to learn from. Because of people like him, America stands strong today,” the neighbor choked back tears.
A young violinist emotionally expressed at the commemorative event, “Although I was not born during the time of the 9/11 attacks, I deeply understand the impact of that day on America and the world.”
She recalled that on September 11, 2001, the Tarumi Violists were scheduled to perform at the United Nations headquarters, in front of the UN Secretary-General and several international dignitaries. However, this performance was ultimately canceled due to the sudden terrorist attacks.
“I have heard of many brave individuals, those heroes who never returned,” she said tearfully. It is for this reason that she and her band chose to convey their feelings through music – playing the most sincere melodies for the lives lost, the memories forgotten, and the people who continue to defend peace.
The commemorative ceremony that day concluded in a solemn and grateful atmosphere. 24 years later, the people of New York once again fulfilled their promise to “Never Forget” in their own way.