Though it was 15 years ago, the events of September 11, 2001 have left an indelible mark on America, shaping the way we think, act and what we believe in. Mineola residents came out to remember those who lost their lives and the courageous work of first responders during a 9/11 ceremony at Memorial Park this past Sunday.
Resident Martin Bischoff, who was at the service with Boy Scout Troop 45, said he came to the event to remember those who lost their lives 15 years ago.
“I don’t think any American can forget where they were or how they felt that day,” Bischoff said. “The shock has faded, but it’s something no one can ever forget.”
Mayor Scott Strauss, a former New York Police Department EMS worker and 9/11 first responder, said September 11 was a day that changed America and united the nation.
“No one expected all our lives would be changed forever on that beautiful September morning. It’s safe to say everyone feels they lost something on Sept. 11,” said Strauss. “What we found was an unmatched sense of patriotism, faith, teamwork, determination and strength, all gained from a devastating tragedy. These things point to the best of America. Those are the things we should also remember.”
Jim Sherry, a 28-year member of the Mineola Fire Department and former Deputy Commissioner for Downstate Operations at the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, noted that Memorial Park was surrounded by things Americans value and have fought for—schools which act as polling places, libraries which are depositories of knowledge, Chaminade High School which demonstrates the freedom of religion and the private homes that so many work hard for.
“Everything around us here was threatened by Sept. 11,” Sherry said. “But America has never been defined by her fear, she is defined by the courage of her people. It’s deep within the DNA of Americans to overcome adversity, to have faith and shape their own destiny and believe in a bright future, even on the rainiest of days.”
The well-attended ceremony concluded with the Mineola Fire Department laying a wreath by the 9/11 memorial in the park and the playing of “Taps.”
