The town of Pelham on Thursday honored the memory of 10 members of the community who perished in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center 24 years ago, at an annual ceremony held at the memorial grove off Harmon Avenue dedicated to the victims.

The tribute, on a bright, sparkling morning not unlike that of the day of the infamous events, featured prayers by Rabbi Benjamin Resnick of the Pelham Jewish Center, the singing of the national anthem by Broadway actress Janine LaManna and a soul-stirring rendition of Taps on the bugle by Robert Sweeney, past commander of Pelham’s American Legion Post 50.

Joe Durnin, former mayor of the Village of Pelham and a leader of the town’s American Legion post, served as master of ceremonies. He introduced Town Supervisor Dan McLaughlin to speak on behalf of Pelham.

“We gather here with heavy hearts and profound gratitude,” McLaughlin said. “We remember the innocent victims, the brave heroes and the countless families forever affected by this tragic day. In the face of despair we witnessed remarkable courage, resilience, and unity. Today, we honor the first responders who risked everything, the families who have carried the weight of loss, and all those who have stood firm in the face of adversity. As we reflect on that somber day, let us reaffirm our commitment to unity, compassion and peace. May we never forget the lessons learned and continue to honor the memory of those who were lost.”

More than two dozen members of the town’s two fire departments and police departments stood at attention during the ceremony.  More than 50 people attended the ceremony, including Carole Leavey, widow of Lt. Joseph Leavey of the New York Fire Department, and members of her family.  Leavey, who had climbed up to the 78th floor of the South Tower in an effort to rescue as many people as possible, died when the building collapsed.

Over many years, Durnin and his fellow members of the American Legion have organized and led Pelham’s 9/11 ceremony. The town is now playing a larger role in the event. In his remarks, Durnin reminded the audience of why Pelham observes this date every year.

“We remember where we were on the day that changed our lives forever,” he said. “We remember the incredible selflessness shown by those inside the buildings as they helped each other to safety. We remember the unimaginable bravery of the first responders as they rushed into the Trade Towers, while the normal world around them crumbled into ruins. We remember the compassion shown to the families and to each other as we tried to deal with the incomprehensible way the world had changed in so very short a period of time.”

Durnin cited the valiant efforts of firefighters, police officers, EMS providers and others on that day, and those who searched for survivors and helped with the massive cleanup effort following the collapse of the twin towers.

After his remarks, Durnin introduced the town’s two mayors, Jennifer Monachino Lapey of Pelham Manor and Chance Mullen of the Village of Pelham, to read the names of those members of the community who died that day: Michael Boccardi, Montgomery Hord, Thomas Hynes, FDNY Lt. Joseph Leavey, Robert McLaughlin, Amy O’Doherty, Robert Scandole, Daniel Shea, Joseph Shea and Michael Tamuccio.

After the roll call of those who died, Village of Pelham Police chief Danny Green and Pelham Manor Fire Department chief Michael Greco each read a prayer common to those who serve, followed by the ceremonial ringing of the bell reserved for firefighters who die in the line of duty, rung by Village of Pelham Fire Department chief Robert Benkwitt.  Then came a rifle salute from members of the local police and American Legion, followed by the playing of Taps.

For the benediction, Resnick read Psalm 23 and the ceremony closed with LaManna leading all present in singing “God Bless America.”