Members of the Dunkirk Fire Department stand at attention during a ceremony to remember the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. P-J photo by M.J. Stafford

DUNKIRK — The Dunkirk Fire Department hosted a ceremony Wednesday morning to remember the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

“Together, we pay homage to our fallen brothers and sisters who paid the ultimate price on Sept. 11,” said Capt. Gary Katta. He also asked people to remember the more than 360 people who died of illnesses caught from working in the debris field in Manhattan after the attacks.

Fr. Bob Owczarczak led a prayer. “Those left behind were robbed of such valuable people,” he said. “Lord, please comfort them as this anniversary comes up again… may there be a sense of peace knowing they don’t grieve this loss alone.”

Mayor Kate Wdowaisz recalled her horror watching the events of 2001 unfold on television. She pointed out the bravery and sacrifice of the first responders that day.

“Hate and division will lead to great evil, but love, unity and sacrifice can overcome even the darkest days,” Wdowiasz offered as a lesson to be taken from the attacks and their aftermath.

“Taps” was played by a duo of young trumpeters, for the thousands who lost their lives.

“23 years ago terrorists brought fury… thousands of innocent lives were taken and the lives of their friends and coworkers altered forever,” department Chief Mike Edwards said. However, he added, the largest-ever rescue effort in U.S.history saved thousands more lives on 9/11.

Edwards noted that he usually tells the story of an individual FDNY member at 9/11 remembrance ceremonies, “but today, I’m going to tell you about every one of them. They reported to work on a bright, sunny day like today … they knew there would be good days and bad days, but above all, they knew protecting life was their highest priority.”

He continued, “They did just that. They put their lives behind others and put the highest priority on the people they tried to rescue.”

Edwards said he always wears a bracelet owned by fallen FDNY firefighter Michael Fisher on Sept. 11. Edwards never met him, “but I call him my brother, and always will. Because in this service, we are all brothers and sisters as one.”

Mikaela Sciarrino sang “The Star Spangled Banner” and Owczarczak wound down the ceremony with another prayer.

“For the survivors, we pray, this day, for comfort,” he said. “What they witnessed was traumatizing and depressing. … Lord, we pray that you will surround them and put your spirit in them.”