Westchester County hosts interfaith prayer vigil and 9/11 memorial service

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Westchester County is holding a two-day event to honor the lives lost on Sept. 11, along with those who died as a result of 9/11-related illnesses. "After he came home a couple days later covered in soot, 7 ½ years later he was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer," says Georgia Asciutto. Asciutto's husband was a civilian with the FDNY. "It was grueling and gruesome work, you were racing time to find as many people as you could," says Asciutto. He, like the dozens of other names on the 9/11 First Responders Memorial at the Kensico Dam, are lives lost too soon. "Those who worked on the pile who contracted illnesses who died before their time is growing in number," says Westchester County Executive George Latimer. That's why Latimer says opportunities of remembrance are so important. On Tuesday evening, there was a prayer vigil from leaders of multiple different faiths around the county. "This is obviously sad and we are grieving but I think memorializing people who were selfless in their acts of bravery, also bring pride and honor to them and us as the family," says Asciutto. “This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. It is our duty to gather to remember and honor the brave souls from Westchester County whose lives were tragically cut short, as well as those who have since suffered from 9/11-related illnesses. This interfaith vigil and memorial service serve not only as a tribute to their memory but also as a testament to our community’s resilience and unity. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the families affected and ensuring that the legacy of their loved ones lives on," says Westchester County Executive George Latimer. MORE INFORMATION Sept. 11 Memorial Service September 11 at 3 p.m. Kensico Dam Plaza "