Approximately 100 people gathered at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay on Thursday, Sept. 11, to remember the 9/11 terrorist attacks, honoring 25 individuals from Oyster Bay and East Norwich who died.
“We look for answers, we look for meaning, and we ask why. And I think that’s a big part of what brings us together for our 9/11 services,” said state Sen. Jack Martins, who organized the event.
Martins said the annual ceremony was started by former state Sen. Carl Marcellino, who represented Oyster Bay from 1995 to 2018.
“We will never heal, but we will continue to come together to support one another, to make a difference, and always remember our loved ones,” said Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino.
The ceremony was preceded by a candle-lighting ceremony, where local residents, friends, and family paid tribute to their loved ones. Despite the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, the speakers focused on the national unity that the attacks brought.
“If you ask me what the lessons are of 9/11, it’s exactly that — one of the toughest moments in our country’s history, and then the resilience that we showed in caring for each other, and the support we gave each other, in the aftermath,” Martins said.
“Amidst the horror and the grief, there is a little bit of pride. What does it mean to be a New Yorker? That when the symbol of everything grand and wonderful — the greatest buildings ever built — start to come down, our heroes run towards the wreckage and said ‘We’re here to help,’” said Rabbi Jason Fruithandler, who leads the Woodbury Jewish Center.
“Although I wasn’t born when 9/11 occured, I will always remember stories that my family members, teachers, and community have shared with me throughout the years. 9/11 is a symbol that when we are in our darkest of timeless, unity and resilience will bring us all together,” said Ava Walia, a Syosset eighth-grader who was named the National All-American Miss Nassau County Pre-Teen.
Members of the Syosset VFW attended the ceremony and led the “Pledge of Allegiance.” Firefighters from the Oyster Bay, Baville, Atlantic Steamer Fire Co. No. 1, Locust Valley and East Norwich departments attended the event, as well as the Oyster Bay Boy Scouts Troop 253.
Saladino thanked the first responders who came to the event.
“You run into danger while most people run away and most times for people you’ve never met,” he said.
Brookville Mayor Daniel Serota and Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard Lamarca read aloud the names of those who died in the attacks: Joshua Todd Aron, Timothy Byrne, Christopher Ciafardini, Michael A. Friedman, Peter Victor Genco, Wade Green, Brooke Alexandra Jackman, Joseph A. Kelly, Thomas A. Mahon, Lester Vincent Marino, Edward J. Papa, Bernard E. Patterson, Laurence Polatsch, Bart J. Ruggiere, Jonathan S. Ryan, Francis John Sadocha, John “Pepe” Salerno, Lt. Michael Shea, Adriane V. Scibetta, Christopher Paul Slattery, Michael Taddonio, Daniel P. Trant, Frederick Thomas Varacchi, Joshua S. Vitale, Gabriela Silvina Waisman.
Nassau County Legislator Samantha Goetz, Oyster Bay Council Members Andrew Monteleone and Vicki Walsh, and Plandome Manor Mayor Barbara Donno were in attendance as well.
The Oyster Bay Community Band led the ceremony in “The Star Spangled Banner,” “Evening Prayer,” “Hymn to the Fallen,” and “Taps.”
