9-11 Firefighters Memorial.
As we approach the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, St. Michael’s Cemetery will once again host its cherished “Remember Me Run and Walk,” honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost that day and the many first responders and recovery workers who later succumbed to illnesses linked to their service at Ground Zero.
The event will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 2 p.m. on the grounds of St. Michael’s Cemetery. Participants are invited to run or walk a two-mile course through the cemetery’s peaceful, park-like setting while paying tribute to those who sacrificed so much in the aftermath of the attacks.
Each participant will dedicate their run or walk to an individual who died as a result of the September 11 attacks or from illnesses related to recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site. Upon crossing the finish line, participants will ring a memorial bell in honor of the person or persons they have chosen to remember.
9-11 Firetruck.
Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in each category. Following the event, attendees are invited to remain for live inspirational music, refreshments, and reflections from local community leaders.
For many Americans, the question, “Where were you on September 11, 2001?” remains unforgettable. The events of that day left a lasting impact on families, communities, and the nation as a whole. In the days and months that followed, St. Michael’s Cemetery sought a meaningful way to honor those who were lost and the first responders who answered the call to serve.
That commitment led to the cemetery’s first September 11 memorial service in 2003. Working alongside Al and Maureen Santora, whose son Christopher Santora lost his life responding to the attacks, St. Michael’s created a lasting tribute to the Queens firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice. Christopher, the youngest firefighter lost on September 11, is commemorated through a memorial that includes a monument listing the names of the Queens firefighters who perished and a statue depicting him in his firefighter uniform.
9-11 First Responders Monument.
Over the years, St. Michael’s Cemetery hosted annual September 11 remembrance events, bringing together families, first responders, and community members. Those gatherings were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, though a special memorial service was held in 2021 to mark the 20th anniversary of the attacks. In addition, St. Michael’s has erected monuments honoring the NYPD, PAPD, all Firefighters lost that day, and a First Responders monument.
Now, as we commemorate the 25th anniversary, St. Michael’s is proud to revive one of its most meaningful traditions. The return of the “Remember Me Run and Walk” offers an opportunity not only to remember those who were lost, but also to recognize the courage, service, and sacrifice that continue to inspire future generations.
Community members of all ages are encouraged to participate, whether by running, walking, or cheering on those taking part. Together, the event will serve as a powerful reminder that the lives lost on September 11—and the heroes who answered the call in its aftermath—will never be forgotten.
Christopher Santora Memorial including the monument listing the names of the Queens firefighters who perished.