Niagara Falls: 9/11 memorial service canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions

From the Office of Mayor Robert Restaino:

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the safety of the public, the City of Niagara Falls and Niagara Falls Fire Department made the unfortunate but necessary decision to cancel the 9/11 memorial service.

In lieu of a public gathering and service, the public is encouraged to privately honor the memory of those who died that day. Alternatively, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center is hosting a September 11 Day of Service and Remembrance that features socially distanced gathering at Schoellkopf Park. More information about these events will be posted on http://911dayniagara.org/.

Niagara Falls Fire Department Chief Joseph Pedulla, who oversees this memorial service, said, “For the past 19 years, the Niagara Falls Fire Department has been holding a service to remember the events of 9/11. Due to the restrictions in social gathering, we must regrettably cancel this year’s memorial service. Ultimately, public safety is our greatest concern and we believe this is the right decision. We all must do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19. We hope that public will privately honor the memory of those who died. We are hopeful that we will resume this tribute next year, on the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.”