A fitting 9/11 tribute in Lynbrook

In preparation for the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001World Trade Center attacks, workers in Lynbrook have begun construction on two steel beams from the twin towers that were donated to the village by the New York Port Authority. The steel will be unveiled at the village’s Sept. 11 memorial behind Village Hall.

“We are honored here that we will be able to commemorate the 10th anniversary of that Sept. 11 tragedy in such a memorable way in our village,” said Deputy Mayor Alan Beach. He and Department of Public Works Superintendent Phil Healey and his staff, residents Nick and Michael Vuotto of Oceanside Iron & Steel Supply, and Boy Scout Danny Muller — as well as other local businesses — are planning an installation ceremony in early September, at which the beams will be put on public display.

Workers have already erected the memorial’s concrete base. The Vuottos welded several base plates and provided steel reinforcement for the footing, while the DPW solidified the footing with concrete and anchor bolts to support the 20-foot-tall beams, and set up an electrical piping system for decorative lighting to accentuate the beams, Healey explained. After the concrete hardens, they will complete the work on the site, which will include water lines and landscaping.

“Being a New Yorker, working on this project means a lot,” Healey said. “I am not personally connected to 9/11, but being a member of the community, or any community, you can see how kinship is affected.”

Michael Vuotto’s brother, Joseph, was working at Fidelity Bank across the street from the World Trade Center, when the towers fell. The memories of that day prompted the Vuotto family to join in the village project. “We have been Lynbrook residents our whole lives,” Michael said. “… We’re happy to help and be a small part of it, paying tribute to the heroes and residents who helped that day.”