On Saturday, May 9, Honor 37 — named in memory of the 37 Port Authority police officers killed in the line of duty on September 11, 2001, while rescuing thousands from the World Trade Center — held its 24th 9/11 Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony to begin its four-day cycling tour to Washington, D.C., kicking off National Police Week.
Honor 37 was blessed to have Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop emeritus of New York, offer a prayer for the safety of all law enforcement officers, as well as the Honor 37 riders and support staff, as they journey to D.C.
The ceremony’s keynote speaker, Port Authority Police Department Superintendent Edward Cetnar, spoke about the history of Honor 37, founded by two Port Authority police officers, and its dedication to the families and memories of America’s fallen law enforcement heroes.
Frank Conti, president of the Port Authority PBA and the longest-standing sponsor and supporter of Honor 37, reminded all in attendance of Honor 37’s commitment to the families of law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to others.
9/11 Memorial & Museum Chief Executive Officer Beth Hillman welcomed attendees to the memorial and thanked Honor 37 members for their selfless efforts to ensure the fallen are never forgotten and always honored.
The founders of Honor 37 made a promise to themselves 24 years ago during their first tour in May 2002: that Honor 37 would always begin its annual tour on the sacred grounds of the World Trade Center. It is a promise that has been kept with the unwavering support of the Port Authority Police Department and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
Honor 37 thanks the PAPD Special Services Section, the PAPD Honor Guard, PAPD Pipes and Drums Band, PAPD national anthem singer Police Officer Michelle Nicolas, the PAPD WTC Command and the Port Authority PBA for their continued support.