The ongoing sorrow from the 9/11 terror attacks serves as a reminder of the deep connections between Canadians and Americans, even as political and economic issues arise, said the mayor of St. Catharines, Ont., during a ceremony to celebrate the expansion of its Sept. 11 memorial walking trail on Thursday.
Friday marks 25 years since almost 3,000 lives were lost when al-Qaida hijackers crashed planes into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, hit the Pentagon, and went down in a field in Pennsylvania.
This anniversary comes at a time of growing trade tensions between Canada and the United States, but Mayor Mat Siscoe emphasized that the bond between people in both countries is stronger than any trade dispute.
“At the end of the day, I think Canadians view American citizens as brothers, and cousins, and sisters,” Siscoe stated in an interview.
“The words and actions of our governments won’t necessarily change that.”
Baxter Hunt, Mat Siscoe, Chris Bittle U. S. Consul General in Toronto Baxter Hunt, left to right, St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe and St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle stand by a tree honoring Michael Arczynski, a Brampton man who was working on the 104th floor of the South Tower at the World Trade Center when he lost his life during the Sept. 11 attacks back in 2001 following a ceremony at the memorial trail in St. Catharines on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Lynett
Siscoe joined U. S. consul general for Toronto Baxter Hunt along with other officials for a tree planting event at Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm located near Lake Ontario in St. Catharines’ north end.
Siscoe noted that since its opening in 2006, the memorial trail has trees dedicated to honoring 24 Canadians along with three U. S. citizens who had ties to Canada and died during those attacks. This year they aimed to honor survivors and first responders by planting nine additional trees.
“Each tree’s plaque honors one of those Canadians killed, providing a lasting memorial to their memory,” he explained.
According to Siscoe, plaques on these newly planted trees read: “In memory of all who lost their lives and in honour of the courage of survivors and responders dedicated on the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001.”
Hunt remarked that Canada’s reaction to the events of September 11 was immediate, generous, and deeply human.
“It reminded us in our darkest hour that we were not alone. Canadians were there for us; we will never forget that,” he expressed.
“Twenty-four Canadians lost their lives during those attacks; I’m really grateful to be here today at the Memorial Trail to recognize them alongside our Canadian friends.”
Hunt mentioned how moved he was by how well city staff have cared for these memorial trees.
“Though 9/11 tells a story filled with loss and tragedy; it also tells a story about resilience-the trees along this walkway beautifully remind us not just of those we lost but also what we’ve overcome,” he noted.
Matt Siscoe, Chris Bittle, Jennie Stevens, Baxter Hunt St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe along with U. S. Consul General Baxter Hunt had discussions with MP Chris Bittle and MPP Jennie Stevens after participating in a tree planting ceremony honoring Canadians who perished during September 11’s terrorist attacks at their memorial trail on Thursday September 10th ,2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Lynett
A Canadian flag flies permanently at half-mast at this memorial trail which also features a “tree of peace.” The trees honoring victims include plaques displaying their names , ages , birthplaces , and where they died that day.
Matt Siscoe, Chris Bittle, Jennie Stevens, Baxter Hunt St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe along with U. S. Consul General Baxter Hunt had discussions with MP Chris Bittle and MPP Jennie Stevens after participating in a tree planting ceremony honoring Canadians who perished during September 11’s terrorist attacks at their memorial trail on Thursday September 10th ,2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Lynett
A Canadian flag flies permanently at half-mast at this memorial trail which also features a “tree of peace.” The trees honoring victims include plaques displaying their names , ages , birthplaces , and where they died that day.
“This is considered one significant terrorist attack ever carried out on.. North American soil,” Siscoe pointed out.
“Considering Canada’s connection given our closeness to America ; we felt it fitting to commemorate them here.” On September eleven , two thousand one , over two hundred aircraft were diverted towards Canadian airports , primarily landing at Gander N. L., which notably received thirty-eight planes carrying more than six thousand five hundred passengers after airspace above America was closed off. Three days post-attack , eighty thousand individuals gathered on Parliament Hill for national mourning according to police estimates reported by The Canadian Press that week. The Canadian Red Cross dispatched146 volunteers onto ground zero aiding recovery efforts while numerous firefighters alongside police officers from Canada provided support for survivors. Siscoe mentioned his hopes regarding how memories from this tragic event can unite people across both nations further together. “I think this grief largely belonged mainly with residents from within United States ; however it was still shared through fellow Canadians too – so ultimately this stands as recognition illustrating bonds uniting us are far more powerful than any trade conflict ” he stated proudly. ” I hope reflections upon these events serve as reminders showing us just how closely connected we remain throughout history.”( This report by Canadian press originally appeared dated Sep ten two thousand twenty six ).
( Maan Alhmidi – (source) The Canadian press )
