Turkish-Americans in Westchester hosted 9/11 Commemoration Program to remember and honor our officials and citizens who lost their lives at 9/11 tragic incident. There were many officials who attended to the event including Westchester CE Robert P. Astorino, Public Safety Commissioner George N. Longworth, Acting Emergency Services Commissioner John Cullen, Senior Advisor to CE Edwin J. McCormack, and NY Assemblyman Tom Abinanti.
Date:
September 15, 2011
Reception Time:
4:00 pm
Event Time:
4:30 pm
Venue:
TCC Westchester
Speaker:
Robert P. Astorino - Westchester County Executive
Abstract:
Reception
Welcome Speech
National Anthem
Moment of Silence on remembering 9/11
TCC Introduction Video Presentation
Speech on behalf of TCCW, Murat Bayram
EastWest Institute video on Fethullah Gulen
Speech by Hon. Robert P. Astorino, Westchester County Executive
Recognition Award to Public Safety Commissioner, George N. Longworth and his remarks
Recognition Award to Acting Emergeny Services Commissioner John Cullen and his remarks
Prayers by Peace Islands Institute - Interfaith director-Ibrahim Sayar, and by Manhattan College-Religious Studies Department Chair-Andrew Scotnik
Closing
Objective of Event
Turkish-Americans in Westchester hosted 9/11 Commemoration Program to remember and honor our officials and citizens who lost their lives at 9/11 tragic incident. There were many officials who attended to the event including Westchester CE Robert P. Astorino, Public Safety Commissioner George N. Longworth, Acting Emergency Services Commissioner John Cullen, Senior Advisor to CE Edwin J. McCormack, and NY Assemblyman Tom Abinanti.
Guests enjoyed their elegant refreshments sponsored by Zeytinia Gourmet Food Market, before program started. Also, Westchester CE asked for tour Turkish Cultural Center Westchester building, which he told he was curious about it. He commented that the culture have much in common with the Italian culture, where Mr. Astorino’s ancestors are from. He also praised about Turkey’s rich culture, history, and fine mix of religions and civilizations for years.
After Mr. Astorino’s building tour completed, the program has started. Guests remembered 9/11 by respectfully holding moments of silence. Next, Director of TCCW spoke on behalf of Turkish-Americans stating the grievances of any terror activity for any reason referencing from Qur’an, global thinkers, and Turkis Muslim Scholar and civil society leader Fethullah Gulen. Mr. Bayram continued his statement bringing attention to growing social problem, Islamophobia, that saddens and concerns Turkish Americans deeply. He stated that there are intentional
defamation campaigns, which were proven recently and explained in details in the report called Fear Inc. by Center for American Progress, going on against Fethullah Gulen whom teachings inspired many people from diverse ethnicities, diverse faiths, but mostly Turkish people including Turkish Americans in US to establish institutions to promote harmony in communities, global peace, and education. Bayram stated that as Turkish Community in Westchester, we are willing to work with our officials to strengthen better understanding and prevent possible misconceptions..
Hon. Robert P. Astorino started his speech praising Turkish people’s integrity, tolerance, and trustworthiness by giving an example of a man who lived in Tarsus, Mersin, Turkey. He thanked Turkish Community for hosting such event and working with County officials. Astorino stated the attemps or mission of 9/11 is failed which were to create chaos in the nation. However, he underlined, after the 9/11 incident, our community as a whole gathered to love each other much more, and strengthen their ties in opposition to missions of the terrorist. Astorino told that we will continue to be together against the supporters of hatred in societies.
Recognition plaques presented to Public Safety Commissioner George N. Longworth on behalf of 60 police officials from Westchester County who lost their lives at 9/11, and to Acting Emergency Services Commissioner John Cullen on behalf of 43 fireman from Westchester County who lost their lives at 9/11. In his remarks, Longworth stated that he is much honored to see Turkish Community standing with Westchester County and with Americans. John Cullen remarked his own expericen during 9/11 and thanked Turkish-Americans to remember it. As the commissioners delivered their remarks, there happen to be tear coming from some of the guests eyes.
The Program was concluded prayers from Andrew Scotniki, Chair of Religious Studies Department of Manhattan College, and from Ibrahim Sayar, Director of Interfaith Platform, Peace Islands Institute.
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