Patriot's Day Elicits Deep Memories of 911 in the Village of Washingtonville

Some thought that memorial gatherings about 911 would fade. But Washingtonville, and indeed many New York communities remembered in droves. In quiet and sombre gatherings, hundreds of citizens who lost loved ones, and some who experienced Ground Zero themselves, remember it as if it was yesterday. Others still suffer from cancers and continue to die as a result of the toxic air that persisted both at the site and New York City.

Field full of Patriots - with Councilman John Stegenga at left and Legislator Kathy Stegenga to his right. in front of the black bench.

Washingtonville had more than its fair share of people strongly affected. Because of its proximity to New York City it had (and still has) dozens of police officers and fire department members who work in the City and/or trained as NYPD, then transferred to Blooming Grove and Washingtonville departments after moving out of the City. And still, some die...often from lung cancer. Others carry the heavy loss of those they worked with in Police and Fire Departments who did not make it out while trying to rescue others. And still others carry what is called "survivor's guilt", a kind of PTSD over having made it out alive while others they loved did not.

Local Boy Scouts play an important part in the Village's Annual 911 Memorial Event. They bring the light to the attendees' candles.

Orange County District Attorney, Dave Hoovler stopped by to pay his respects earlier in the day.

But it is always uplifting to see Chief John Salka at Washingtonville's Firefighters Memorial Park, with dozens of fellow first responders, decked to the hilt and proud of their service to their Village, their Town, and America. Chief Salka is one of those people who was so inspired by the bravery of his fellow first responders that he has dedicated his life to honoring them and traveled America teaching younger firemen a host of ways to fight fires more effectively and also more safely. For his work he has received Internationl Honors. Others have similarly turned this tragedy into humanitarian achievements.

Officials, right to left - Washingtonville Mayor Tom DeVinko, Blooming Grove Councilman Sterve Amante, and Blooming Grove Town Supervisor Rob Jeroloman

It is equally uplifting to see so many of Washingtonville's residents and officials attending the 911 Memorial Service year after year. The resilience of those who faced such tragedy has become a new strength and determination. As the evening ended, the image of Firemens Park was filled with lighted candles, staving off the increasing darkness of 9/11/25 with rays of hope saying "Community, Home, and Family."