25th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorated in Times Square Through Remembrance, Service and Hope

New York City marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks with a commemoration held at the New York City Police Department booth in Times Square, a location chosen to honor the enduring service of first responders and to bridge remembrance with a message of hope and humanitarian action. The event, led by Rev. Massimo Parrino, President of the L. Ron Hubbard Foundation, brought together police officers, rescue workers, religious and community leaders, and government representatives to remember the victims and celebrate the courage that emerged from the tragedy.

The setting was deeply symbolic: the NYPD booth in the heart of Times Square, one of the world's busiest public spaces, underscored the department's role in protecting New Yorkers and visitors alike, a mission that was tested profoundly on 9/11 when officers rushed toward danger. Captain Bellingeri of the NYPD's Patrol Borough Manhattan South, Midtown South Precinct, participated alongside local Times Square operations, emphasizing the continued dedication of public safety personnel.

The commemoration was intentionally aligned with World Humanitarian Day, creating a bridge between sorrow and action. Rather than dwelling solely on the past, the event encouraged reflection on how individuals can respond to suffering through service, strengthening communities and building a better future. This theme was personified by the presence of Jeff Samerson, a retired FDNY Emergency Medical Technician who served New York City for 27 years and worked as a rescue worker following 9/11. Samerson's rendition of the U.S. National Anthem was a moving highlight of the gathering.

Several other public servants were recognized for their contributions, including Michael Robinson, Special Officer with the Department of Homeless Services; Michelle J. Alleyne, CUNY Hostos/BMCC Special Officer with the Temporary Morgue Emergency Assistant Unit; Edwinna Herrera, Department of Transportation; and Marilyn Miller, New York City Police Department. Congressman Adriano Espaillat of New York's 13th Congressional District also presented a special recognition via his Government and Community Relations Director, Shana Marks, honoring the Volunteer Ministers for their service following 9/11.

The link between the tragedy and the humanitarian response was further illustrated by the Scientology Volunteer Ministers' experience. Following the attacks, approximately 800 Volunteer Ministers came to Ground Zero to assist. Since then, the organization has grown to more than 250,000 trained volunteers prepared to help in times of need, with humanitarian educational initiatives carried out in over 190 countries. This narrative underscored the event's central message: while tragedy must be remembered, it does not have to define the future.

Twenty-five years later, the commemoration served as a reminder that the response to 9/11 revealed the capacity for courage, compassion, and solidarity. By linking remembrance with World Humanitarian Day, the organizers honored those lost while calling on the living to continue serving others and building stronger communities. As participants concluded, the message was clear: "We remember those we lost. We honor those who served. And we continue the work of helping others." The event, held in the vibrant setting of Times Square, reaffirmed that New York continues to live, work, and serve, and that the commitment to helping others remains the most meaningful way to honor the past.