A memorial service was held near the clock tower on Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake Wednesday to commemorate the 18th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks and pay tribute to those who lost their lives or were affected by the tragedy.
Several officials, including Lord Mayor Betty Disero, NOTL chamber of commerce president Eduardo Lafforgue, Niagara Falls MP Rob Nicholson and Shannon Mitchell representing Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates, made speeches at the ceremony. Members of the NOTL Fire & Emergency fire department, Niagara Regional Police and Niagara Emergency Medical Services were on hand, too.
“To remember this day is important to us, as first responders and as a country, a nation, a world,” Kevin Smith, Niagara EMS chief, told The Lake Report.
Royal Oak Community School students, from senior kindergarten to Grade 8, attended the service. Joe Mangiacasale, the school’s primary teacher, said they’ve been bringing children to this event for five years now.
“(We) want to make sure the next generation has an appreciation for what happened,” he said.