911 Memorials, Utica Illinois    Home 
Partnering with Jeff Parness, director of New York Says Thank You Foundation, a weekend of solemn events and good old fashion fun was had by one and all in Utica Illinois. Chaplain Steve Holden had the privileged to participate in an incredibly unique event the weekend of September 11 this year.
The NYSTY foundation (newyorksaysthankyou.org) was formed in the midst of the San Diego wildfires when Jeff's son Evan asked his dad if there was something they could do for the people in California since everyone across the nation had been so good to the people of New York during the World Trade Center event. 

Parness could not get his 5 year old son's words out of his mind. He began to talk with family and friends, loaded a U-Haul and took off on his cross country trip to "deliver the goods" to people affected by the wildfires in the San Diego area. After a few breakdowns and several good stories along the way, he finally arrived to the lights and cameras of the major networks much to his surprise. 

It was in a small town of Harbison Canyon just outside of El Cajon where Jeff Parness and Chaplain Steve Holden met and a friendship was formed. New York Says Thank You does an outreach to a community adversely affected by tragedy on the anniversary of 9-11 every year to say "Thank You" from the people of New York. 

Jeff and Chaplain Steve kept in touch as time went by and spoke about the tragedy of the people of Utica, a small town on the Illinois River that was struck by a deadly tornado. On the evening of Tuesday, April 20, 2004, a tornado tore through the small town of 850, killing eight residents as they sought safety in the stone and brick restaurant pub from their trailer park. 
It was against this backdrop that Parness choose Utica for this years outreach. With the help of the local Lions Club, United Way, Utica Fire Department and a host of towns people, an event was planned that also reached out to other people in neighboring Granville that sustained major damage but no loss of life. 

A contingency of 30 New Yorkers, including 18 New York City firefighters set their sights on Utica to say "Thank You" and reach out to the people of Utica on this years 9-11 anniversary. In addition, 10 residents of Harbison Canyon joined them for additional support. 

An entire weekend of events was planned and over 400 trees planted in memory of the victims. Chaplain Steve was asked to deliver invocations, reflections and a community wide memorial service on Sunday, September 11. " It was one of the most memorable events I have ever had the pleasure to be involved with" said Chaplain Steve. 


Due to the work Chaplain Steve did in New York and Harbison Canyon, as well as Utica, The United States Emergency Chaplains Corps has formed a relationship with the New York Says Thank You Foundation and serve as Chaplain for them in as many future events as humanly possible. Plus the fact that Jeff and Steve have become good friends has a lot to do with that as well.

USECC and NYSTY look forward to a long and eventful relationship for many years to come. For the full story, and a ton of great photos of the events in Utica, please go to newyorksaysthankyou.org.
 
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