ELDRED, NY — The Town of Highland’s 9/11/2001 commemoration celebrated the fallen and emergency services, both in NYC and locally, and promoted unity locally and abound. Local Broadway luminary Margo Seibert,  perhaps best known for her critically acclaimed performance as “Adrian” in the  Broadway musical ROCKY, as well as television roles in “Boardwalk Empire,”  “Elementary,” “Instinct,” “The Good Cop,” and “FBI International” sang “The Star  Spangled Banner” before a healthy crowd of observers, after an opening prayer by  Father Richard Bretone of St Anthony’s Parish in Yulan. Also from the St Anthony’s in  Yulan, Elisa Joergle passionately played “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless  America”. SupervisorJohn  Pizzolato recounted his own 9/11 experience, having just  graduated college in May of 2001 and moved to Brooklyn, where he witnessed the  fall of the second tower over the “..haze that fell over the East River.”  

Other speakers included Pastor Dave Lehmkuhl of the Barryville United Methodist  Church, Former Town of Highland Supervisor Andy Boyar, Pastor Nancy Vonderhorst of the Pond Eddy United Methodist Church, and a ceremonial wreath laying from the  Lumberland Fire and Ambulance’s Eric Robles, Yulan Fire Department’s Phil  Deyermond, Highland Lake Fire Department’s Warren Wagner, and Highland  Ambulance President and Founding Member, former councilperson Chris Tambini, as well as their respective companies. The new reusable wreath made from olive branches was designed by Floral Cottage’s Sue Smith.  

Also in attendance were councilmen Jim Akt and councilman Tom Migliorino, former  Supervisor Jeff Haas, and a supportive and honorable presence lead by Pete Carmici and the VFW. Each of the speeches touched on universal respect, love, unity, and harkened back to that singular tragic day that brought New Yorkers and Americans together. Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and Sullivan County Legislator Matt McPhillips  also paid their respects in Eldred.

Refreshments were served in the town hall to a packed crowd following the ceremony.