Westchester remembers its 9/11 victims at The Rising in Valhalla

The nation paused Wednesday to mark 18 years since the Sept. 11 terror attacks, and a special ceremony was held honoring those killed from Westchester.

The county hosted the annual remembrance at "The Rising" at the Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.

The Rising, the memorial honoring Westchester victims of 9/11, was officially dedicated in 2006 on the fifth anniversary of the attacks. The memorial consists of steel rods that extend from the base like the spokes of a wheel before reaching skyward and intertwining. The base is called the Circle of Remembrance where there are 111 stones bearing the names of each victim and an inscription from the family.

The victims' families chose the spot on the eastern corner of the plaza, as well as the design created by architect Fredrick Schwartz.

Mourners also visited the Fallen Memorial Walkway dedicated to Westchester soldiers killed in the fight against terrorism. There is also a beam from the World Trade Center donated by former New York Gov. George Pataki.

In addition to those who died on Sept. 11, the names of over a dozen victims who died of 9/11-related illnesses were read at the ceremony.

Rachele Nicoletti says she walks the memorial every day and picks a person to study. "Every day, I always try to pick out a name, and think about that person, but today, I'm going around and thinking about everyone."

Margaret O'Hanlon lost her husband, New York City firefighter Michael O'Hanlon, two years ago to a 9/11-related illness. She says he never regretted his time at Ground Zero.

At the end of the ceremony, the crowd made its way to the monument were white carnations were placed on each of the names.