Stanford remembers Sept. 11 with tribute

STANDFORDVILLE— When the calendar turns to Saturday, Sept. 11, this year, 2021, the day that marks the 20th anniversary of the worst recorded terrorist attacks ever to take place on American soil, there will be few events taking place in New York’s Hudson Valley to commemorate the solemn occasion.

In the Harlem Valley, the town of Stanford is planning to mark the day with a dedicated day-long 9/11 memorial tribute. Many of the towns and villages contacted by The Millerton News said they wanted to support the Stanford event, which has been planned for some time. 

Pine Plains American Legion Post #426 Commander Marie Stewart said her Post isn’t doing anything for 9/11 this year because of the tribute in Stanfordville. As Stanford is just one town over, Steward said Pine Plains wanted to be “in support of that.”

Stanford has made a habit of remembering the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001. Last year it created a moving tribute to those lost on 9/11 with 2,978 flags planted on the Stanford Town Hall Hill.

The 2020 tribute also flew an American flag next to a Stanford firefighter’s uniform to represent the lieutenant who also served as a commissioner that the Stanford Fire Company lost the year before as a result of injuries he sustained while serving in the FDNY during 9/11. 

This year, starting in the morning, the Stanford Fire Company will present a 20-year memorial tribute for the victims of 9/11.

According to the fire company, at 8:46 a.m. Saturday morning, “a prerecorded, continuous-loop tape will begin, featuring the names of all of the 2,977 lost souls and voiced by local students and community members.”

A brief ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. at Stanford Town Hall at 26 Town Hall Road in Stanfordville, culminating with the illumination of a candle below each of the 2,977 flags. An Honor Guard will be posted on site throughout the day. 

Other local tributes

In Millerton, meanwhile, American Legion Post 178 Historian Sean Klay explained the Millerton Legion was unable to organize any events for 9/11 this year due to scheduling conflicts.

“Too many of its members are reservists who are still busy drilling in one service or another,” said a clearly disappointed Klay, “and since the 11th falls on a weekend it isn’t possible, since we are all drilling on the same weekend. It’s the only weekend to do drills prior to the 15th of the month and before the end of the government’s fiscal year on the 30th. However, we are looking forward to Veterans Day this year.”

The NorthEast-Millerton Library, though, did plan a special exhibit in remembrance of the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, entitled 9/11 Afterwards by Don Sexton. The art show runs from Sept. 1 through the 30th, at 75 Main St., Millerton.

The artist explained in his statement that he made the paintings en plein air of Ground Zero in his NYC neighborhood during the weeks after Sept. 11, 2001.

“In NYC I live in Tribeca, about 10 blocks north of Ground Zero. For several weeks after the tragedy, I would put on my mask, pack up my inks and oil pastels, and carry my easel and sketchbooks to vantage points around the site,” stated Sexton. “I painted en plein air the people gazing quietly and respectfully at the site. Some of these paintings have been shown individually but I have not shown them as a group until now — the 20th anniversary of 9/11.”

In Millbrook, Innisfree Garden will hold its first Community Day of 2021 and Gardens for Peace, part of a nationwide program in honor of the United Nations International Day of Peace. Launched by the North American Garden Association, Gardens for Peace (G4P) brings together 14 Japanese-influenced gardens from across the continent to promote peace. 

Through this celebration, Innisfree and other participating gardens aim to connect with local communities through activities that “provoke meaningful dialogue while promoting peace and mutual understanding.” Innisfree is partnering with the North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA), All Colors in Nature, Millbrook High School students and a number of other creative individuals.

“As part of Gardens for Peace and to mark the 20th anniversary of the worst terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, Innisfree is offering free garden admission and free or discounted special programs on September 11th to all first responders, regardless of where they live,” announced the program directors. 

Additionally, thanks to a grant from the Northeast Dutchess Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Innisfree is offering free Community Day garden admission, plus free or discounted special programs to Northeast Dutchess neighbors, residents of Amenia, Clinton Corners, Dover Plains, Millbrook, Millerton, North East, Pine Plains, Stanford, Washington, Wassaic, Wingdale and their hamlets.  

Innisfree Garden is located at 362 Tyrrel Road in Millbrook. For more information, go to www.innisfreegarden.org or call 845-677-8000.

In Amenia’s hamlet of Wassaic, the World Peace Sanctuary is inviting area residents to work toward a more peaceful planet.

On Sept. 11 it is offering a Connection to Nature Retreat, an outdoor event that will be canceled if rain is in the forecast. The sanctuary is located at 26 Benton Road. The Nature Retreat with Michael “Pondhawk” Gulbrandsen is geared to connect the community with nature in the sanctuary’s forests.

It will begin with a morning tranquility wellness walk at 10 a.m., where attendees will learn different techniques for healing from nature. At 1 p.m., the sanctuary will lead attendees in a World Peace Prayer Ceremony, followed by Dancing with Nature with GiGi Oppenheimer of White Lotus Grace at 2 p.m. At 3:30 p.m., a Nature’s Sound Circle will be held to reconnect with the land and prayers offered at a past Sept. 11 Peace Pole event.

There is a $30 fee for the workshop, and space is limited, so attendees are advised to email annmarie@worldpeace.org to reserve a spot.

Dutchess County is holding its own Sept. 11th Memorial Ceremony on the steps of the Family Court Center at 50 Market St. in Poughkeepsie on Friday, Sept. 10. Dutchess County Family Court Judge Tracy MacKenzie will host the ceremony set to begin at 8:30 a.m. that will honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro will make remarks along with those from the faith community. The service will also include a ceremonial lowering of the flag and a moment of silence to remember all the lives lost on that day, 20 years ago. The ceremony is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.

In Columbia County, residents are invited to the Copake Memorial Park on Sept. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m., to enjoy the Night Moves Band play music from the 50s to the 90s as an extension of the town’s music program for the last concert of the summer. It is the town’s way of recognizing the significance of the day and gathering together as a community.