Never Forget

Excerpt from today’s 911 Ceremony

We assemble here today to mark the 20th anniversary of the 911 terrorist attacks on America and to remember our first responders, our loved ones and our friends who perished the moment the planes struck the towers and their eventual collapse, especially Sloatsburg’s own Denis Patrick Germain.

Denis Patrick Germain‚ was born October 19‚ 1967‚ and grew up in Sloatsburg‚ NY. He graduated from Suffern High School and Ramapo College in Mahwah. He was one of five children and the youngest of three brothers. He was a loving and caring uncle to seven nieces and nephews and a good and loving son to Philip Mickey Germain and Margaret Peggy Germain. His sister Peggy Dobrinski is one of our wonderful residents here in Sloatsburg as well.

 Dennis was a seven-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department serving with Ladder Company 2 in Manhattan. He was also a fireman at Tuxedo Fire District Company 2. In his short career as a Firefighter, he was recognized for outstanding performance‚ exemplifying professional character and exceptional ability and awarded three citations for bravery.

Dennis was a genuine and humble person who dearly loved and was proud of his family. His infectious laugh and wide grin brought a smile to your face whenever you were in his presence. He was never affected by power or money and never tried to impress anyone. He always did things at his own pace and never demanded anything of anyone except sincerity.

Today, as in many, oh so many days, we remember.

 Rest in eternal peace brother.

Dennis was not alone that day, he was surrounded by heroic brothers and sisters, some who made the heavenly sacrifice, and others whose struggles and sufferings continue to this very day.

 Let us also acknowledge and pray for all those first responders who are very ill or have succumbed to various 911 related illness, of which there are far too many. These brave men and women, ran into that dark abyss and rescued thousands of souls, extinguished the fires, crawled through the rubble, removed tons of toxic materials in search of survivors. They stayed for months at ground zero, at the morgue and the nearby landfills recovering evidence and human remains for the very appreciative families.

Their 911 has not ended and will unfortunately continue for years to come.

Fidelis Mortem