Honoring the extraordinary efforts in the aftermath of a devastating tragedy
From Arc Allegany-Steuben,
The Arc Allegany-Steuben will gather on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at PWI, located at 2718 Andover Road in Wellsville, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, and recognize the remarkable contributions of The Arc Allegany-Steuben associates, families, friends, and the greater Wellsville community who came together in the days following the attacks to support an unprecedented mission.
Following September 11, The Arc Allegany-Steuben was called upon to produce 25,000 DNA identification kits needed to help identify victims of the World Trade Center attack. What would normally have been an effort requiring weeks to complete was accomplished in just 48 hours, thanks to an extraordinary outpouring of determination, generosity, and community support.
Twenty-five years later, the organization is extending an open invitation to everyone who answered the call.
“We want this commemoration to be about more than remembering a tragic day in our nation’s history,” said Christopher Koehler, Vice President of Business Operations for The Arc Allegany-Steuben. “It is also an opportunity to recognize the incredible people who came together when they were needed most. The response from our associates, families, friends, businesses, and community was truly remarkable, and we want everyone who played a part to know that we remember and appreciate what they did.”
The commemoration will provide an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives, honor those who responded with compassion and action, and reflect on the spirit of unity that brought The Arc Allegany-Steuben and the Wellsville community together during one of the nation’s darkest hours.
The Arc Allegany-Steuben encourages anyone who participated in or supported the DNA identification kit effort 25 years ago to attend. Whether they worked directly on production, provided materials or resources, volunteered their time, assisted behind the scenes, or supported the organization and its associates, all are welcome.
The organization hopes this gathering will also provide an opportunity for those who were part of the effort to reconnect and share in remembering a remarkable moment in The Arc Allegany-Steuben’s history.
