Jen Wilkinson, FEO, September 14, 2026
A gathering at Mather Arch on Friday marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, bringing together Fort Erie residents, local officials, first responders and representatives from across the Niagara River to remember those who lost their lives and honour those who rushed to help.
Overlooking the Peace Bridge, Mather Arch provided a fitting setting for the commemoration. The bright September sky echoed the clear skies remembered from September 11, 2001, a connection Mayor Wayne Redekop noted during his remarks. The ceremony also reflected on the enduring friendship between Canada and the United States and the ties that connect communities on both sides of the river.
Local performer Selena Carlson opened the ceremony by singing both the American and Canadian national anthems.
Rev. Martha Lockwood shared a personal connection to New York City, where she had lived in Pennsylvania and spent considerable time, including working at summer day camps and preaching in the city.
“I developed a love affair with the Big Apple,” she said.
Twenty-five years ago, Lockwood was preparing for work when she saw the morning news and realized something terrible was unfolding at the World Trade Center.
She reflected on the heroism, sacrifice and compassion that emerged in the days and weeks that followed, from first responders and passengers who acted to save others to the people of Gander, NL, who welcomed stranded travellers.
“Let us never forget the outpouring of love, compassion and kindness that followed 9/11,” Lockwood said, urging those gathered to remember the feeling that “we are all in this together, no matter what side of the Peace Bridge you live on.”
Mayor Redekop spoke about the significance of holding the ceremony at Mathers Arch, beside the Peace Bridge, a place that represents the close relationship between Canada and the United States.
He emphasized that the relationship between the two countries extends far beyond being neighbours, pointing to shared families, friendships, businesses and decades of cooperation.
City of Buffalo Deputy Mayor Eugenio Russi attended the ceremony and spoke about his own personal connection to September 11. His brother-in-law, Joseph, survived the attacks, while Joseph’s brother, Bobby, was killed.
Russi brought a motorcycle that had belonged to Joseph and had been restored as a tribute to Bobby. The motorcycle bears the names of firefighters who lost their lives in the attacks.
“We respect you just like you respect us,” Russi said. “That’s why I’m here today. “He concluded, ” We mourn together, just as friends and family do.”
Deputy Fire Chief Chris Smith spoke about the victims and the first responders who knowingly entered danger to save others. Rev. Daniel Bennett then led a prayer, followed by the reading of the names of Canadians who died on September 11 and a moment of silence.
Rev. Bill Thomas reflected on the striking similarities between that September morning and the day of the commemoration.
“September the 11th, 2001 was a beautiful day,” he said, recalling where he was when he heard the news. Twenty-five years later, he noted, it was again a beautiful autumn day.
But there was one difference.
“Today, they were eerily full,” Thomas said of the skies, “whereas in 2001, they were eerily empty.”
The ceremony concluded with prayers for peace, reconciliation and those who continue to be affected by the events of September 11.
As the gathering came to a close, the message shared throughout the morning was clear: while September 11 changed countless lives, the compassion, courage and friendship that followed remain worth remembering.
