Dozens gather for sunset candlelight vigil
While this year marks the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on America, Nassau County residents and officials gathered at Eisenhower Park to honor the memory of those who lost their lives. A sunset candlelight and remembrance ceremony was held on Sept. 6 at the county’s 9/11 Memorial.
“It was my distinct honor to host the Nassau County Memorial and Remembrance Observance to reflect on residents who lost their lives that tragic morning, those who responded to render aid to our fellow citizens, those who continue to give their lives from post 9-11 injuries and to say thank you to our first responders and our service men and women who continue to make sacrifices to secure our freedom and safety,” said County Executive Edward Mangano.
Members of the East Meadow Fire Department performed flag detail and served as Color Guard for the ceremony. Names of the 349 Nassau County residents who lost their lives in the attacks were read by family members at the memorial, which features two semi-transparent aluminum towers representing the World Trade Center towers, rising 30 feet above a fountain. The memorial also contains two pieces of steel recovered from the World Trade Center.
Family members who participated in reading the roll included: Margie Miller, widow of Joel Miller; Conor Cahill, son of Michael Cahill; Kerri Kiefer-Viverito, sister of Michael Kiefer; Vicki Tureski, sister-in-law of Steven Pollicino; Ursula Broghammer, widow of Herman Broghammer; Barbara Stern, mother of Andrew Stern; Rosemary Cain, mother of George Cain; Marilyn Weinberg, mother of Steven Weinberg; Jane Pollicino, widow of Steven Pollicino; Marc Wieman, widower of Mary Wieman; Sean Hunter, brother of Joseph Hunter; Linda Wilson, sister of Donna Wilson.
“On the 11th anniversary of the attacks we still vividly remember the horror of that day, and hold in living memory the names of our relatives and neighbors who perished. By remembering and honoring those who lost their lives, we come together as Americans, more united and more determined, to protect our liberties. Those who perished on 9-11 know that justice has been rendered by our troops,” Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos said.
Immediately following the ceremony, attendees participated in a moving candlelight vigil at the county’s 9/11 Memorial. The ceremony was sponsored by MSC Industrial Direct and McCourt & Trudden Funeral Home in Farmingdale.
Christy Hinko contributed to this article.
