DVE-News/TV reporters attend Deerpark 9/11 Memorial Service

were invited to the Deerpark 9/11 Memorial Service on September 11, where they became a part of the ceremony. They hung up ribbons for people who were lost in the 9/11 attacks. They listened to the chorus and band from Port Jervis High School. People were invited to the podium to tell their stories. Afterward they were invited inside for refreshments and they interviewed people from the Bronx Fire Department and New York City Fire Department.

Chris Edwards was a firefighter with the 81st ladder company in the Bronx during the 9/11 attacks. He spoke about helping to pull people from the rubble. He has since retired and now volunteers extensively to help people around the country going through natural disasters.

He remembers when he heard about what happened. He said he was fearful for his children, but relaxed when he heard they were in lockdown. He then felt he could go toward the towers. He had to stop by the hospital to cancel an appointment with his doctor. He noted hundreds of people waiting on line to donate blood to help the victims. His doctor asked him to let him know if his family was found.

He recalled driving and listening to the radio and hearing that the second tower was struck by a plane, that everyone driving just stopped their cars in disbelief. People were crying and in shock. He said he wanted kids to know the bad was bad but the good was great for the nation that day and for months afterwards. The nation came together, no matter what race, religion, age Republican or Democrat. People helped each other and came together. He said that more of that is needed these days.

Then students met with Lieutenant Rennish. During his interview, students asked where he was when he first heard about the attacks. He was taking care of his father when his father told him to watch the television. When asked if he was scared of the attacks, he said he was not; he was angry. He called it a horrible tragedy and should not be forgotten. After the attacks he felt more passionate about his work in the fire department.

Students asked how to keep the remembrance of 9/11. He suggested talking about the good and the bad. Asked how to prevent this from happening again, he said we unfortunately can’t. He went to the National September 11th Memorial Museum of New York City with his wife. He said it was difficult to lose his friends and brothers.

He originally wanted to be a police officer but became a firefighter. When asked if he wanted to go back to work after the tragedy, he said it gave him courage and the fight to go back.

Many lessons were learned that day and continue to teach and educate new people every day. The reporters were not born yet, but they will never forget what they learned and will continue to talk about what happened.

Story contributed by Emily Giblin, Patrick Tamplin, Sekai Jones, Connor Stewart and Kendall Eckert