Merrick commemorates lives lost

Merrick lost 24 of its sons and daughters in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Thirteen years later, their families, friends and community members continue to remember the lives they lived and mourn their loss — attendance at the Merrick Fire Department’s 9/11 memorial service grew this year compared to the past, according to Ron Luparello, a Merrick Fire Department spokesman.

“The service went very nicely,” Luparello said. “We appreciated the community turnout.”

The ceremony took place Thursday evening at the firefighters’ monument at Merrick Avenue and Sunrise Highway. Merrick firefighters in dress uniform assembled for remarks by local leaders and a moment of silence in front of the monument, which bears the bold words, “Never To Be Forgotten.”