Bay Ridge honors 9/11 victims and heroes at waterfront vigil Brooklyn Paper

"Local politicians, law enforcement officials, service members and community residents gathered Monday evening at the American Veterans Memorial Pier on the Bay Ridge waterfront for a 9/11 vigil honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost and the first responders who rushed into the burning towers at great personal risk. The program included musical performances by the Xaverian High School Band, the presentation of the colors and Pledge of Allegiance by the Girl Scouts, and the national anthem performed by Scarlett London Diviney."

"Addressing the attendees, many of them holding American flags, Council Member Justin Brannan recalled that 23 of his former classmates from Xaverian High School were killed in the terror attacks. They were all innocent salt of the earth, Brannan said. Souls stolen. Everyone lost someone they loved that day, but our community here in southern Brooklyn was hit very hard. Maybe as a result, we have taken seriously the charge of never forget."

Local politicians, law enforcement officials, service members and community residents gathered Monday evening at the American Veterans Memorial Pier on the Bay Ridge waterfront for a 9/11 vigil honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost and the first responders who rushed into the burning towers at great personal risk. The program included musical performances by the Xaverian High School Band, the presentation of the colors and Pledge of Allegiance by the Girl Scouts, and the national anthem performed by Scarlett London Diviney. Religious leaders offered prayers and reflections. Council Member Justin Brannan recalled that 23 of his former Xaverian classmates were killed, described them as "innocent salt of the earth," and said the community was hit very hard. Brannan emphasized the importance of funding the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Act to support thousands of first responders diagnosed with World Trade Center-related cancers linked to toxic dust exposure during rescue, recovery and cleanup operations.

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