Waterford's connection to 9/11 remembered 25 years on

A quarter of a century after the September 11 attacks, those involved in Waterford's annual commemoration hope the city will continue to remember the victims and first responders for years to come.

Speaking following this year's 25th anniversary ceremony, Deirdre Woodbyrne said it remains important to honour both those who lost their lives and those who responded to one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in history.

"I think it is important to honour the lives lost that day, and the tremendous acts of bravery and courage by so many who saved the lives of so many more," she said.

Ms Woodbyrne noted that more than 400 first responders died on September 11, 2001, while thousands more have since died from 9/11-related illnesses linked to toxic exposure.

She said the presence of a piece of the Twin Towers in Waterford serves as a powerful reminder of the events of that day.

"To have a piece of the Twin Towers in Waterford is a powerful reminder of the day when the world as we knew it stood still. Empathy and kindness bonded us together; stranger helping stranger," she said.

The city's connection to the attacks is closely linked to Waterford crystal engraver Sean Egan, who helped acquire the piece of steel from the World Trade Center that now forms part of the city's 9/11 memorial.

Mr Egan said the monument provides people with a place to pay their respects, not only on the anniversary itself, but throughout the year.

"It's nice to see so many people in Waterford turning up at an event like the 25th anniversary of 9/11. It's somewhere to go to pay our respects, especially now since we have a piece of steel from the World Trade Center, and it doesn't have to be on the anniversary, you can come down anytime," he said.

He added that as a city welcoming thousands of American visitors each year, it is important that Waterford demonstrates its support and appreciation for those affected by the attacks.

"As a city that hosts thousands of American visitors it's only right that we show that we care about ordinary people who do extraordinary things like all first responders," he said.

Mr Egan said that since the piece of steel arrived in Waterford in 2018, a small ceremony has been held annually to mark the anniversary.

This year's 25th anniversary commemoration attracted members of the emergency services, elected representatives and the wider public.

"What stood out for me was so many of our own first responders that turned up along with the Mayor and city councillors and the general public who all came together to pay our respects," he said.

Ms Woodbyrne said the current commemoration grew from a small gathering at the memorial.

"My son and I visit the 9/11 Memorial on the anniversary each year. In 2025, when we placed flowers on the Memorial with Sean and a few others, we decided to reach out to more people, working with Waterford City and County Council, the Emergency Services, and WLR and the local community to let more people know about the 25th Anniversary Commemoration," she said.

"It was a moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks to the First Responders."

Looking ahead, Ms Woodbyrne said organisers hope the annual gathering will continue into the future.

"It is our hope to continue to always gather on that day each year," she said.

Twenty-five years after the attacks, Waterford's memorial continues to serve as a place of remembrance and reflection, honouring those who lost their lives while recognising the courage, sacrifice and compassion shown in the aftermath of one of the defining events of the modern era.