NEW YORK, NY, August 25, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ — In the heart of Times Square, New York City marked the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, with a solemn yet uplifting commemoration bringing together remembrance of one of the city’s darkest moments with a message of humanitarian service, courage and hope for the future.
The commemoration was held at the New York City Police Department booth in Times Square, a particularly meaningful setting for an event honoring the victims, survivors and first responders of 9/11. The location placed the commemoration directly within a space dedicated to public safety and the continuing service of the NYPD in the heart of one of the world’s busiest public areas.
The event was led by Rev. Massimo Parrino, President of the L. Ron Hubbard Foundation who served as Master of Ceremonies, welcoming the Scientology Volunteer Ministers, religious and community leaders, police officers, rescue workers, government representatives and other authorities and guests gathered for the occasion. His opening remarks emphasized that the commemoration was intended not only to remember the tragedy of September 11, but also to recognize the courage, service and humanitarian commitment that emerged in its aftermath.
Twenty-five years ago, NYPD officers were among those who responded immediately to the attacks, running toward danger to protect and assist others. The department’s response became an enduring example of courage and public service. The NYPD continues to play a vital role in protecting New Yorkers and the millions of people who visit the city each year.
The choice of the NYPD booth in Times Square therefore gave the commemoration a special significance: a place devoted to public safety became the setting for remembering those who gave their lives in service and for reaffirming the importance of helping others.
The event was intentionally connected with World Humanitarian Day, creating a bridge between remembrance and hope. Rather than looking only backward at the tragedy, the commemoration reflected on how people can respond to suffering by serving others, strengthening communities and preparing for a better future.
Among those participating was Captain Bellingeri of the NYPD, Patrol Borough Manhattan South, Midtown South Precinct, together with local Times Square operations and units.
The commemoration also honored Jeff Samerson, a retired FDNY Emergency Medical Technician who dedicated 27 years to serving New York City and who worked as a rescue worker following 9/11. Samerson performed the U.S. National Anthem, creating one of the most moving moments of the gathering.
Several individuals representing the broader community of public servants and rescue and support workers were also recognized, 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.
The event also featured a special recognition from Congressman Adriano Espaillat of New York’s 13th Congressional District, presented by his Government and Community Relations Director, Shana Marks, honoring the Volunteer Ministers and its program – developed by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard – for their service following 9/11.
From Ground Zero to a commitment to help
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers’ experience provided another important link between the tragedy of 9/11 and the humanitarian message of the commemoration.
Following the attacks, approximately 800 Volunteer Ministers came to Ground Zero to assist. Since then, according to the event presentation, the organization has grown to more than 250,000 trained volunteers, prepared to assist people in times of need, whether facing natural or man-made disasters. Its humanitarian educational initiatives have also been carried out internationally in more than 190 countries.
The story reflects the central message of the commemoration: tragedy must be remembered, but it does not have to define the future.
September 11 remains a profound reminder of the devastating human cost of violence and hatred. But the response of first responders, volunteers and ordinary citizens also revealed something equally powerful—the capacity of human beings to act with courage, compassion and solidarity when others are in need.
By bringing the remembrance of 9/11 together with World Humanitarian Day, the organizers sought to honor those who were lost while recognizing the responsibility of those who remain: to continue serving, helping others and building stronger communities.
The setting in Times Square reinforced that message. Twenty-five years after New York faced an unprecedented tragedy, the city continues to live, work and serve—and the commitment to helping others remains one of the most meaningful ways to honor those who were lost.
As the commemoration concluded, participants were reminded:
We remember those we lost.
We honor those who served.
And we continue the work of helping others.
Twenty-five years later, the message remains clear: we cannot change what happened on September 11, 2001—but we can choose what we do with its memory.
The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office represents the Church in the Nation’s Capital and works with many organizations to improve human rights, criminal law reform, drug education, and religious freedom internationally.
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