9/11 Memorial Prayer Vigil Held in Queens; Community Leader Koshy O. Thomas Leads Gathering

NEW YORK: A 9/11 Memorial Prayer Vigil was held on September 13, 2026, at Santoor Restaurant Hall in Queens, New York, to remember and honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The special memorial gathering was organized under the leadership of prominent community activist Koshy O. Thomas, with Dincil George and Usha George also playing key roles in organizing the event. The gathering paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragedy, as well as their families, survivors, and first responders.

Participants observed a minute of silence and offered prayers for the victims and survivors of the attacks.

Among those who attended were Devendra Vora, Phillip Mathew, Raju Joseph, George Parambil, Mariam Singh, V. M. Chacko, Sujith Moolayil, John K. John, Cherian Perumal, Rogis Philip, Don Thomas, Gins Joseph, Lisa Mannikkarottu, John Moolayil, Mary Philip, Alex S. Esthapan, Jessy Joshy, Usha George, Johnny Zakaria, Cherian Palathara, George Chacko, Ujwala Moses, Shaji Ennaseril, and numerous other community and cultural leaders and local residents.

The gathering came just two days after the 25th anniversary commemoration held on September 11 at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York. Former Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton attended the New York ceremony together. President Donald Trump did not attend the New York event and instead participated in the commemoration at the Pentagon.

The Queens gathering conveyed a strong message that the memories, sacrifices, and lives lost on September 11 will never be forgotten. Expressing his gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the memorial, Koshy O. Thomas said the gathering reaffirmed the community's commitment to remembrance, unity, and peace.