Commemorative plaque presented to Gies family

A commemorative plaque was presented to the family of the late Ronnie E. Gies from the Jewish National Fund-USA last month.

Gies was an FDNY lieutenant who lost his life during the Sept. 11 attacks while rescuing civilians.

The Gies plaque recognized that an orchard of trees had been planted in Israel by Jewish National Fund-USA in recognition of the late Lieutenant so that his bravery and valor may be remembered for years to come, as stated in their press release.

Gies’ name is also forever inscribed in stone at the organization’s 9/11 Living Memorial located in the foothills of Jerusalem, also according to the press release. Their memorial is the only 9/11 memorial to be created outside of the United States, and it contains the names of many Jewish victims who lost their lives in the attacks.

“Being a member of the Merrick Fire Department and learning about the Gies family, I was really inspired by Ronnie E. Gies, his legacy, and how the family is involved,” said Stefan Oberman, the director of communications for the Jewish National Fund-USA and a volunteer fireman for the Merrick Fire Department. “I thought this seems like a fantastic opportunity this year to specifically honor Chief Gies, his family, and the legacy that he left as an FDNY Lieutenant.”

Gies’ son, Ronnie Gies, is the 2nd Assistant Chief of the Merrick Fire Department, following in his father’s footsteps. He, his brothers, Ex-Chief Tommy Gies and Ex-Captain Bobby Gies, and their mother, Carol Gies, were all present to receive the plaque upon the completion of the ceremony.

The Jewish National Fund-USA holds around 40 commemorations and ceremonies across the country with an estimated 2,000 people attending, according to Oberman. They partner with local schools, houses of worship, police stations, and fire houses, like the Merrick Fire Department.

“Every year, we honor first responders, security officials, people that protect the community,” Oberman said.

Jewish National Fund-USA looks to build a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist education, as per their press release statement. Their commemorative gatherings serve as an opportunity to honor local first responders and security professionals while recognizing the enduring friendship between the U.S. and Israel.

“That’s why we feel passionately about (the memorial),” Oberman said, “because of what we created, but also because we want to recognize and honor the relationship between Israel and America.”