The terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 were not only an attack on the U.S., but an attack on the world.

New York City, a metropolis of commerce, finance, the arts and entertainment, is home to people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and on that infamous day, the townspeople of Nissoria, Sicily lost two of their own. Each year since, to honor and remember the lost pair, Nissoria has invited NAS Sigonella to participate in a local ceremony.

"Terrorism is global and it affects everyone," said Armando Glorioso, mayor of Nissoria. "After the events of Sept. 11, I went to NYC to show support, to try to put myself in the shoes of those who had lost everything."

During the remembrance ceremony he stated, "Today we remember that tragic day by observing a moment of silence while we raise the flag from half mast in honor of the fallen."

Carolina Chiara stood in the back of the crowd during the ceremony, reflecting on her memories of that day, 14 years ago.

"I left New York after 34 years and returned home to Italy while my son stayed behind," said Chiara. "I was watching TV when the events unfolded. I called my husband over to the TV. I thought I was watching a movie about the Twin Towers, where my son was working on the 107th floor at the 'Windows of the World.' That was when the first plane struck."

In disbelief she and her husband continued to debate the reality of what they were watching when the phone rang. Her son, Benito, was on the line describing the incredible, infamous events as they unfolded before his eyes. Benito was a banquet director working 12 to 14-hour shifts at Windows of the World. Except on Sept. 11, he arrived late because he was getting documents ready from a local church for his Sept. 21 wedding.

"My brother was one of the lucky ones. However, two of Chiara's cousins were not, Vincenzo di Fazio and Salvatore Lopes. Even a small community like Nissoria, a world away from New York, was affected by the tragedy," said co-coordinator of the event, Mario Chiara, son to Carolina and brother to Benito. "Since then, Nissoria has been the only town in all Europe to dedicate a public area to 9/11 and the first and possibly only town still annually commemorating the tragic event. Gathered among the commemoration are the Italian and American military members and the townspeople of Nissoria."

As he concluded his remarks, Glorioso underscored the lasting effect the tragedies had in bringing Americans and Italians together:

"This tragedy has created a permanent bond between the town of Nissoria and NAS Sigonella. May we continue to share and grow through community relations events."





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