During a recent government meeting, the Montgomery legislature recognized the efforts of the Putnam County Youth Bureau and Haldane School District for their youth-led 9/11 memorials, commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The memorials, which will take place on September 11, aim to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost, including residents from Putnam County.

The Putnam County Youth Bureau will host its fourth annual event, where youth volunteers will read the names of the deceased, fostering a sense of remembrance and education among younger community members. This year, the initiative has expanded to synchronize memorials across the county, with one event at the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services open to the public, while the Haldane School District memorial will be limited to students, faculty, and community officials.

Zoey Umchai, a senior at Brewster High School, expressed gratitude for the proclamation and invited community members to attend the ceremony, emphasizing the educational aspect for youth who were not alive during the attacks. The event will also include readings of testimonies and names of those who have passed away from related complications, highlighting the ongoing impact of that tragic day.

In addition to the memorial discussions, the meeting addressed administrative matters, including the acceptance of minutes from previous meetings and a fund transfer within the sheriff's department with no fiscal impact. The legislature also approved funding for county fire instructor training for the remainder of 2024, ensuring continued support for emergency services in the region.