September 24, 2025 — PEF leaders, members, and staff honored the memories of members who were killed in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, in New York City, observing a moment of silence and reading off each of the names.
“Today, we join with our fellow Americans to honor their memory with a moment of silence, a tribute to lives cut short but never forgotten,” said President Wayne Spence. “The attacks were meant to break our spirit, weaken our values, and shake our democracy. I think they failed. Instead, it brought us together.”
President Spence said in the days and months that followed, PEF stood shoulder-to-shoulder with members and their families, helping them face unimaginable grief while navigating painful challenges with benefits, insurance, and support.
“There were no bodies, sometimes for months,” he said. “No one should have to worry about being able to pay their bills while dealing with this grief. PEF staff and the PEF Membership Benefits Program mobilized to help our members’ families.”
The union holds a ceremony each year outside PEF headquarters in Latham, N.Y., at a memorial wall inscribed with the names of those who died that day or in the ensuing years from sicknesses related to the falling towers. Most of the PEF members who died were from the Department of Taxation and Finance and two members were from other agencies. This year, Secretary Treasurer Joe Donahue, and Vice Presidents Randi DiAntonio, Bruce Giddings, and Darlene Williams had the solemn task of reading the names.
“The years may pass, but our memories endure,” said President Spence. “We will never forget.”