In Bay Ridge neighbors, elected officials, the NIA Community Services Network and many more joined forces for their annual 9/11 vigil to honor and remember the nearly 3,000 lives that were lost.

Around the country, thousands are remembering the tragedy that struck New York City 22 years ago. Sept. 11, 2001 made an impact around the world as they watched the Twin Towers fall. All types of heroes were put in danger and brought a new meaning to the job of being a first responder. 

Captain Kristin Schafer, of the 63 Precinct, said that tragedy shifted our country. 

"What happened on that day changed the world and all of us especially those of us who personally bore witness to the events I refuse to let the sacrifices made by the men and women of the NYPD FDNY and Port Authority EMS and every single civilian who lost their lives in the attacks be in vain," said Schafer.

State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and dozens of Brooklyn residents were reminded of what it means to be a New Yorker. Many say the lives that were taken during that tragedy will always be in our hearts.

"Through grotesque violence we realized or perhaps we were reminded that human beings are capable of heinous actions that defy explanation. The world we thought we knew was simply no more the devastation brought by the attacks of Sept. 11 will forever define the lives of all those who lived through that day ," said State Sen. Andrew Gounardes.  

Many members of the Bay Ridge community said the courage and sacrifice that came from that tragedy keeps New York City united.