Thunder of Niagara Air Show

The Thunder of Niagara Air Show at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station featured special tributes this weekend to mark the 9/11 anniversary.

A procession including fire, police, EMS and military members of all branches honored those who lost their lives in the attacks 10 years ago. There was a salute to the first responders. They also honored troops who serve in defense of our country and especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Soldiers' Angels who live in and around Niagara county were lucky enough to attend; Lisa Perillo attended this year with her family and reflected on the experience: " It was just awesome. Really inspirational. I felt really lucky to be able to enjoy that with my family...The Thunderbirds honored and paid tribute to the innocent civilians we lost on 9/11, everyone in the Armed Forces who had given their life in the war against terrorism, and singled out a soldier from Niagara Falls who'd fallen in the line of duty....it really made me proud to be an American and I know I wasn't the only one there who felt that way."
The Thunderbirds changed the signage for this anniversary event to reflect the NY city skyline.

Tracy Steen is a Soldiers' Angel and has worked in Niagara county for 7 years, her reflections on this fateful day:"As a first responder, I found the show to be incredibly moving and was in aw through the entire thing.As the commentator remarked that there won't be a dry eye in the house, I remember thinking he's got to be kidding. But then as the procession started and the recordings began to play, I soon found myself moved to tears, for those who were lost, those who lost, and all those who have continued to fight. That horrific day 10 years ago took a toll on thousands and thousands of lives. While many people do not need a memorial or ceremony to remember that day, I believe Thunder over Niagara was the perfect way to honor the heroes that shined that day, and those that continue to shine everyday. No one will keep us down, we will only continue to soar."

"This airshow is more important than any other we've done," said Capt. Ben Canetti, Director of the 2011 Thunder of Niagara Air Show and Niagara Military Affairs Council member. "It's main purpose will be to remember those who were lost and to give notoriety to others who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty."

The name of Specialist Alan Dikcis will be placed on Thunderbird One and fly in his honor. He was killed by a roadside bomb last year in Afghanistan.

"Today as we perform in Niagara Falls, we remember . . . the tragic loss of nearly 3,000 Americans, the bravery of America's first responders, the courage of those on Flt 93 who won the first battle against terrorism, and the selfless service of those who have fought terrorism abroad in the days since to keep Americans safe at home. We are so proud to represent those that at this moment are fighting to keep America from having to experience the horror of that September day ever again."TB1
U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds showline 9-11-11


"On the evening of September 11, 2001 and the days following, the skies of our nation were silent except for the sounds of military aircraft of the United States. In Western New York, we could hear the engines of the KC-135 tankers and C-130 Hercules from the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Base as they launched on their missions to assist in protecting our nation from further attack."


"The terrorists never won...they may have thought they won; they inflicted terrible damage on peoples' lives...but they were never going to defeat America. They just didn't understand us. They didn't know that we are a Nation of compassionate, kind people who are very courageous..." George W Bush.


sources: Thunder of Niagara,
US Air Force Thunderbirds
Honor the Fallen
The George W. Bush 911 Interview



Submitted by: Marie Wheeler-Nicholson