Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Saratoga Springs holds 24th annual Sept. 11 remembrance with music, prayers and wreath-laying
Loading...
Summary
Saratoga Springs City marked the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks with a remembrance ceremony featuring music, the presentation of colors, a keynote by Sergeant Christopher Callahan and wreath placements by local public-safety leaders and civic groups.
Saratoga Springs City held a remembrance ceremony on Sept. 11, 2025, marking the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks with music, prayers, wreath-laying and a keynote address by Sergeant Christopher Callahan of the Saratoga Springs Police Department.
The ceremony opened with musical selections by Jeff Brisbane and a performance of the national anthem by Christine Taylor Price of Opera Saratoga, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor John F. Safford and a series of commemorative remarks from military and civic leaders. The presentation of colors and the striking of a bell were included as part of the observance.
The event drew local elected officials, military representatives and civic leaders. Captain Diefendorf, commanding officer of the Navy Nuclear Power Training Unit in Ballston Spa, called on attendees to remember the heroes of that day and said the attacks "ultimately claim[ed] 2,977 lives," a figure he cited while reflecting on how the events changed service members' lives. Mayor John F. Safford read a list of casualty figures and families affected and said, "We will never forget what you've done for this country or for this city."
Sergeant Christopher Callahan delivered the keynote, recalling where he was when he learned of the attacks and describing how the day shaped his generation. Drawing on personal stories, Callahan praised first responders and military members and said, "We go up because it's in our spirit to save others." He also recounted the service and sacrifice of local service members and friends who later served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The ceremony included an invocation by Minister Steven Boxley, a benediction by Rabbi Alana Simons of Temple Sinai and musical selections including "City of Ruins" and "America the Beautiful." Wreaths were placed by Saratoga Springs Fire Chief Joseph J. Dolan, Saratoga Springs Police Assistant Chief Eric Warfield and Jill Luttrell representing the Saratoga chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. A recording or performance of "Taps" was played by retired Master Sergeant Alan Moon.
Organizers noted the event is an annual remembrance organized in part by Susanna Combs. Several institutional leaders attended and were recognized from the stage, including representatives identified as Assemblywoman Carrie Warner, Mark Connor of Skidmore College, Dr. Lisa Volendorf of Empire State University and Jill Van Curren of Saratoga Hospital, and a representative for U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko.
The ceremony closed after a final musical selection and the retirement of the colors. Officials and speakers repeatedly framed the event as a local opportunity to remember victims, honor first responders and reflect on service and community resilience.
