Alamogordo NM
9-11-2025 10:54pm

Alamogordo Honored 9/11 Heroes in 24th Annual Remembrance Organized by FDNY Veteran Archie Koenemund

Alamogordo Honored 9/11 Heroes in 24th Annual Remembrance Organized by FDNY Veteran Archie Koenemund - AlamogordoTownNews.org Chris Edwards

 Alamogordo, NM — September 11, 2025 on a quiet stretch of Lovers Lane, the city of Alamogordo gathered in solemn unity to mark the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The annual remembrance ceremony—anchored by retired FDNY firefighter Arthur “Archie” Koenemund—has become a local tradition rooted in national grief, personal loss, and enduring service.

Arthur “Archie” Koenemund - AlamogordoTownNews.org

Koenemund, a decorated veteran of the New York City Fire Department, served during the September 11 attacks and at Ground Zero. His brother, Kevin Delano, also a firefighter, died in 2008 from 9/11-related illness. “What goes through my mind on this day is the loss of my brothers back in New York,” Koenemund said before the memorial parade. “Also I honor my brother, Kevin Delano, who died in ’08 related to this. That’s what I want people to not forget.”

A Fire Truck Turned Memorial

One of the most striking features of the ceremony was Koenemund’s fully restored 1968 Mack C Model fire truck, equipped with a 1,000-gallon-per-minute pumper and a 500-gallon tank. The truck, once used in Franklindale, Pennsylvania, was refurbished by Koenemund himself and now serves as a rolling tribute to the fallen. It was the main feature of the memorial parade down Indian Wells Road, parked on Lovers Lane flanked by emergency patriots with flags raised in honor of the 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, 8 EMTs, and nearly 3,000 civilians lost on 9/11.

Noted during the event was the toll of 9/11 continues to climb long after the towers fall. As of 2025, more than 400 FDNY members have died from illnesses linked to toxic exposure at Ground Zero—surpassing the number of firefighters who died on the day of the attacks. Nationwide, over 8,200 individuals have died from 9/11-related illnesses, and nearly 50,000 people have reported cancer diagnoses tied to exposure at the site. The World Trade Center Health Program now monitors more than 140,000 survivors and responders, underscoring the long-term health crisis that followed the tragedy.

Koenemund’s organized tribute, and the ceremony itself, served as a reminder that the devastation of 9/11 did not end when the smoke cleared—it continues to unfold in the lives of those who answered the call.

Patriot Guard Leads Parade- AlamogordoTownNews.org
US Veterans Motorcycle Club Trinity Chapter - AlamogordoTownNews.org

Community Representation and Support

This year’s remembrance was supported by the Alamogordo Fire and Police Departments, the Otero County Firefighters Association, the New Mexico Patriot Guard, the US Veterans Motorcycle Club Trinity Chapter and dozens of volunteers. Emergency particpated as parade route participants, and the traditional bell ceremony—four sets of five chimes—honored the fallen first responders.

Koenemund’s legacy in Alamogordo extends far beyond this annual event. He helped organize the Otero County Firefighters Association and led its first joint training in La Luz in 1978, drawing on his experiences in New York.  He later served with the New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office, Otero County Emergency Services, and local volunteer departments, becoming a mentor and resource for generations of firefighters.

First Meeting of Otero County Firefighters Association 1978 - AlamogordoTownNews.org
First Joint Training of Otero County Firefighters Association-1978

Musical Tribute and Civic Unity

Local vocalists Denise Merchant and Lenore Whitney delivered stirring performances that brought comfort and reflection to attendees. Their voices, paired with the solemn cadence of the parade, reminded all of the power of remembrance and resilience.

Denise Merchant and Lenore Whitney Performed Patriotic Songs at 9-11 Lovers Lane Event 2025 - AlamogordoTownNews.org

 A Guard of Honor

New Mexico Patriot Guard State Captain Jim Ernst led the parade, demonstrating his continued dedication to honoring fallen heroes and supporting the families of those lost in service.

Remembering Al Marchand

Also honored was  a mention of Al Marchand, a retired Alamogordo law enforcement officer died aboard United Airlines Flight 175, which struck the South Tower. 

Weekend of Remembrance Continues with Climb the Cube

The tribute extends beyond the 9-11 evening ceremony, continuing through the weekend with the Climb the Cube memorial stair climb to be hosted at the New Mexico Museum of Space History. It will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025. The event invites participants to climb the equivalent of 110 stories, symbolizing the heroic ascent made by first responders in the World Trade Center towers.

Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., and participants are encouraged to sign up in advance due to limited space. The event features a raffle for a fire helmet donated by Milton Blankenship of Casco Industries, to be awarded to an active Chief or Deputy Chief firefighter. Commemorative t-shirts were available for $20, with proceeds supporting programs for families of fallen service members.

“Each step in Climb the Cube represents resilience, courage, and sacrifice,” said April James of the New Mexico Museum of Space History. “It’s an opportunity for all of us to honor heroes while showing that their spirit continues to inspire us."

For more 9-11 thoughts see a Commentary by Chris Edwards on  why Alamogordo's 9-11 events matter...

https://2ndlifemediaalamogordo.town.news/g/alamogordo-nm/post/334953/why-alamogordos-9-11-events-matter-chris-edwards

Sources and Citations

• FOX 5 NY: More FDNY Members Have Died from 9/11 Illnesses Than on 9/11

• Legal United States: Long-Term Deaths and Health Toll from 9/11 

• Climb the Cube Event Details – New Mexico Museum of Space History 

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