The Twin Towers collapsed onto the streets of Lower Manhattan 11 years ago today, taking with them friends and family and a certain era in the continuing American story. On the local level, the event in New York City had very real consequences and each anniversary offers an occasion to look back and remember.

At 7 p.m. Tuesday evening at the Sloatsburg Community Fields there will be a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony featuring a contingent of officers and dignitaries representing the area,  including New York State Senator David Carlucci, New York State Assemblywoman Annie Rabbit, Rockland County Legislator Doug Jobson, Sloatsburg Mayor Carl Wright, as well as Village of Sloatsburg Trustees. The event will feature a special tribute to Denis P. Germain, an FDNY firefighter with Ladder Co. 2 who grew up in Sloatsburg and lost his life on September 11 at the age of 33. Peggy Dobrinski, Germain’s sister, will speak of the life and times of her brother.

Ladder Co. 2 lost 10 firefighters that terrible Tuesday. Germain lived in Tuxedo and served the FDNY for seven years, receiving three citations for bravery during his time with Ladder 2. He went missing the morning of September 11 and wasn’t recovered until April 9, 2002. After his body was recovered, more than 500 people paid tribute to Germain during a special service at St. Joan of Arc Church in Sloatsburg.

Approximately 343 firefighters lost their lives that day, some 20 from Rockland County. Additional information on individual Rockland firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty can be found here.

After the remembrance ceremony, which includes music by Hannah and Sarah Consiglio, there will be a candlelight procession around the Community Field.

Sloatsburg Remembrance Ceremony takes place at the Sloatsburg Community Fields Tuseday, September 11 at 7 p.m. For more information, call Village Hall at 753-2727.