One of the names he mentioned was Jean Roger, a flight attendant who every summer frequented Van Buren Bay at her family’s cottage. She was a flight attendant and was in the first plane that crashed into the Twin Towers.

He also mentioned his cousin, Craig Miller, a master special agent in the Secret Service, who was in New York City to supply logistics at an event that day at the United Nations. On Sept. 11, 2001 he was at the World Trade Center seeking souvenirs for his family. Witnesses said he was seen directing people out of the building.

The Legion Commander noted how after this tragedy, people responded. “On the brink of tragedy, Americans jumped to action. Police officers, firefighters, other first responders and government employees took the call and rallied to help any way they could,” Miller said.

But that passion seems to have passed. Greg Carlson, Chautauqua County veterans service director, lamented about the state of the union today.

Pictured is Kirk Miller, the Chautauqua County American Legion Commander.

“We’ve never been more divided as a nation,” he said.

He continued that he hopes people will someday reunite as Americans.

“My hope and prayer is that our nation has to never, ever has to face again another 9/11. However, I do pray and hope for the restoration of the national pride I saw lived out in the days, and the months following 9/11,” he said.

Sheriff James Quattrone noted how 343 firefighters, eight emergency medical service members, and 72 police officers were among the victims from the attack that day. That does not include those who have died in the aftermath from medical issues for those who served at Ground Zero.

Quattrone quoted a Bible verse, and referred it to police and firefighters who died that day. “In the Gospel of John, it says, ‘There’s no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ This is exactly what the first responders did on Sept. 11, 2001,” he said.

XXXSheriff Jim Quattrone was one of the speakers during the Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony Monday in Mayville

Quattrone challenged those in the audience to get involved by joining a police force, a volunteer fire department, becoming an EMT, or find some other way to help keep communities safe.

County Executive PJ Wendel teared up as he recalled receiving a phone call to learn that Celoron native Amy King, a flight attendant and personal friend of his, was one of the victims of the attacks.

“The sad part about it is that’s the flight we see over and over and over again, the second flight that crashed into the World Trade Center,” he said.

He issued a proclamation, calling Sept. 11, 2023 Patriot Day in Chautauqua County.

State Assemblyman Andy Goodell called the events of that day the “worst of humanity” and the “best of humanity.” The worst was the attack on innocent lives by terrorists, who had no reason other than to kill as many people as possible. The best was the actions of first responders who ran into the buildings to try to save as many people as possible.

Pictured is the crowd gathered in Mayville Monday at noon for the Sept. 11, 2001 remembrance ceremony.

Goodell noted how college students who are graduating today were born after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. “It’s up to us to remind the future generations that each of us has a choice as we go through life. Are our actions going to reflect on the best of humanity or not?” he said.

After the guest speakers, there was a gun salute, followed by the playing of “Taps.”

A bugle player performs “Taps” during Chautauqua County’s Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony Monday.