Events

February 26, 1993 World Trade Center Bombing Remembered at 9/11 Memorial

Published

2 months ago

February 26, 2026

Thirty-three years have passed since terrorists first attacked the World Trade Center on a cold February afternoon in 1993, but the memories of those killed remain vivid for family members, first responders, and survivors.

On Feb. 26, 1993, at approximately 12:18 p.m., terrorists led by Ramzi Yousef detonated a rental truck packed with roughly 1,200 pounds of explosives in the public parking garage beneath the North Tower. The powerful blast tore through multiple sub-basement levels, killing six innocent people and injuring more than 1,000 others. Tens of thousands of workers were forced to evacuate as thick, black smoke filled stairwells and corridors throughout both towers.

The attackers intended for the explosion to topple the North Tower into the South Tower, a catastrophic plan that ultimately failed. However, the devastation near the blast zone was immediate and deadly.

The six victims killed in the bombing were John DiGiovanni, Robert Kirkpatrick of Suffern, NY, Stephen A. Knapp, William Macko, Wilfredo Mercado, and Monica Rodriguez, who was seven months pregnant at the time.

On Thursday afternoon, hundreds gathered at the 9/11 Memorial Plaza in Lower Manhattan for the annual remembrance ceremony. Family members of the victims stood alongside first responders and Port Authority employees who were present during the 1993 attack. Together, they honored the lives lost in what would become a grim precursor to future acts of terrorism on American soil.

Though the 1993 bombing did not bring down the towers, history would later mark it as a harbinger of the devastation that followed on September 11, 2001. On that day, terrorists succeeded in destroying the Twin Towers, killing nearly 3,000 people and forever changing the nation.

More than three decades later, the 1993 bombing remains a solemn reminder of the lives taken, the resilience of New York City, and the enduring commitment to remember those who were lost.

Photo by Amy Dreher

Events

Tappan Memorial Day Parade and Field of Honor 2026 to Honor Local Heroes

Published

4 days ago

April 25, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

TAPPAN, NY — Each year, Carl A. Schelin Post 1271 of Tappan partners with the Volunteer Fire Association of Tappan and the Tappan Reformed Church to host a Memorial Day parade honoring fallen veterans and active servicemen and women. The parade begins at the Masonic Hall on Western Highway and concludes at the Tappan Triangle in front of the Tappan Reformed Church.

In addition to the parade, organizers are preparing to launch the 5th Annual Field of Honor® in Tappan. The patriotic display will run from May 16 through July 18, 2026, at the Manse Lawn field.

More than 300 American flags are expected to be displayed in solemn formation, each representing an individual hero. Flags may be sponsored to honor active-duty military members, fallen service members, veterans, first responders, hometown heroes, frontline workers, as well as victims of 9/11 and COVID-19.

Organizers say the display serves as a powerful community tribute. “Each U.S. flag represents an individual and tells a story,” they noted, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and unity.

The Field of Honor is made possible through donations, sponsorships, and volunteer support. Community members can participate by sponsoring a flag, becoming a corporate sponsor, or making a donation. The event is open to all and not limited to Tappan residents.

Sponsorship forms are available at the Tappan Fire Department on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., at local businesses, or online at https://www.healingfield.org/event/tappan-ny-2/.

Events

Suffern Street Fair 2026 takes place May 3, Experience Arts, Crafts, Food Vendors, Music, and Kids’ Activities

Published

4 days ago

April 25, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The annual Suffern Street Fair is set to return on Sunday, May 3, 2026, bringing a full day of entertainment, shopping, and activities to the village. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine.

Now in its 31st year, the long-running street fair has become a staple spring event, drawing visitors from across the region. Attendees can browse a wide selection of vendors featuring arts, crafts, photography, jewelry, home goods, sculptures, and collectibles.

In addition to shopping, the fair will offer a variety of food options, live music, and activities for children. Family-friendly attractions include miniature golf and bumper cars, making the event appealing to visitors of all ages.

Organizers say the fair continues to grow each year, offering a mix of local artisans, entertainment, and community spirit. With something for everyone, the Suffern Street Fair remains one of the area’s most anticipated seasonal events.