Tom Reed joined with families of the victims of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, local officials and many others to dedicate the 9/11 memorial in the town of Owego. “We care about remembering the legacy of the lost and the heroism of so many on that fateful day. We must never forget them, and in that process, we must come together to support their families, their loved ones and the survivors of the deadliest terrorist attack in our nation’s history. As we pause to reflect on this tragedy, it’s only right that we make every effort to protect and defend the U.S. homeland, now and for generations to come.”

The ceremony, held at Hickories Park in Owego, commemorated the lives lost 15 years ago, and dedicated a granite bench to a local man, Derek James Statkevicus of Apalachin. Statkevicus died during the attack on the Twin Towers in New York City. Statkevicus was just 30 years old.  He was survived by his parents, Joseph and Nancy Statkevicus, who were on hand for the ceremony, along with his wife, Debra, and their two children.

“Let this memorial be a symbol, one of a nation continuing to heal and a nation remembering; a nation honoring the lost victims and the brave men and woman who risked their lives to help others,” said Don Castellucci, Jr. Supervisor, town of Owego.

The memorial includes two pieces of subway railing from the station which was under the World Trade Center Towers in New York City, a flag pole, a commemorative mosaic of New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania, and many other symbolic elements.

“As nation, we grieve the loss of so many, including Derek. This memorial is the least we can do to remember them,” Reed concluded.