NORWICH – Ten years ago on September 11, the nation was challenged with something as great as we have ever faced. This past Sunday we were challenged yet again with remembering that horrific date and realizing the immense changes our country has gone through since that time.

In honor of the men and women who were lost on that tragic day, the governor’s office, in conjunction with the New York State museum, developed an exhibition that was showcased at 30 locations across the state and included a display at the Chenango County Council of the Arts on West Main St. in Norwich.

“We could not feel more honored to be chosen as one of the locations to display this incredible exhibit,” said Council of the Arts Executive Director Victoria Kappel.

The exhibit which was brought to the Arts Council gallery over two weeks ago, was scheduled to open at the end of August but was pushed back numerous times due to the effects of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. However, after countless hours of planning and effort on the part of Gov. Cuomo’s office, an opening ceremony was held on Sept. 11 in the Martin W. Kappel Theatre at the Council of the Arts.

After thanking Kevin McCabe of the Governor’s office, Kappel said she was particularly pleased with the exhibit for two reason. She explained that young adults of today were only children when the attacks occurred and this exhibit would give them a chance to learn and understand what that day was like.

She also stated that Sept. 11 marked our nation at its strongest when we came together as one family to overcome those hardships.

“I hope this will help us remember that,” she said.

Following Kappel’s introduction, Cliff Crouch, R-NYS Assembly 177th district, spoke to the crowd.

“I am honored and humbled to be here today,” he said. “We all remember what we were doing that day ... our lives have changed so much since then.”

He went on to describe his first visit to Ground Zero and his shock at the number of flyers hanging from every utility and light pole.