Waterford marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 attacks
Brian Jackman, Ambulance, Catherine and Andrew Bernos, Rescue 117, John Scully, Fire Service, and Tony Madigan, Ambulance Service, at the 9/11 Memorial Service at Bishop's Palace. Photo: Joe Evans
Waterford residents gathered on Friday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in the United States.
The annual ceremony honoured the victims of the terrorist attacks and reflected on the lasting impact of September 11, 2001.
The commemoration brought together members of the local community, civic leaders and emergency service personnel to pay their respects and remember those who lost their lives when hijacked aircraft struck the World Trade Centre buildings in New York, the Pentagon in Washington DC, and another crashed in Pennsylvania.
The ceremony took place at the Bishop's Palace Memorial Garden beside the city's permanent 9/11 memorial, which features a piece of structural steel recovered from the ruins of the World Trade Centre.
A moment of reflection was observed during the service in honour of the thousands of people who died in the attacks.
Those in attendance paused to remember the victims and acknowledge the impact the tragedy continues to have around the world 25 years later.
The memorial has become a focal point for annual commemorations in Waterford and highlights the city's enduring connection to one of the most significant events of the 21st century.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Liam Brazil reflected on the strong historical ties between Ireland and the United States and paid tribute to the firefighters, police officers, paramedics and other first responders who risked their lives to save others.
He said the monument honoured “ordinary people doing extraordinary things”.
"Today, we honour those who died. We stand with those who survived. We recognise the families who have carried their grief for 25 years. And we express our lasting gratitude to all those who served, responded and sacrificed," he said.
Crystal engraver Sean Egan also addressed the gathering, speaking about his personal connection to the events of September 11 and the lasting bond formed in the years since the attacks.
In memory of the victims, Mr Egan created a collection of commemorative crystal sculptures, which are currently on display at the House of Waterford.
Reflecting on the milestone anniversary, he thanked those who attended the ceremony and the wider community for continuing to remember the lives lost.
"I am very grateful for everyone who has attended here today and the people of Waterford's continued remembrance of the lives lost in 2001," he said.
Deirdre Woodbyrne also paid tribute to the victims of the attacks and to those who responded during the aftermath.
She said: "Today's ceremony honours the lives lost that day, and we remember the acts of bravery and selflessness by so many who saved countless lives. I am grateful to the members of the Emergency Services, elected officials, and community members who all gathered here."
Twenty-five years later, Waterford's 9/11 memorial remains an enduring symbol of remembrance and a lasting expression of solidarity with all those impacted by the events of September 11, 2001.
