Remembering 9/11

The skies were blue overhead and a light breeze was blowing Sunday morning, as the Village of Island Park gathered to commemorate 9/11. Village officials presented to the public, for the first time, the piece of the World Trade Center that will become the centerpiece of a 9/11 memorial to be located on the triangle at Parma Road and Long Beach Road in the village. Mayor Michael McGinty acknowledged all who worked the acquire a piece of the Trade Center for the village.

The Island Park Fire Department presented the colors. American Legion Post 1029 Commander John Marino spoke about the events of 9/11, what that meant to the nation, and what the memorial will mean to the village. He also led those assembled in prayer.

Architect Henry Monteverde, who designed the memorial, presented his rendering to the public. The actual Trade Center piece was also on display.

Oceanside honored the 15th anniversary of September 11 with a ceremony on the Schoolhouse Green. Approximately 200 people attended ranging from senior citizens to small children born years after the tragedy.

Rabbi Mark Greenspan opened the ceremony. The Oceanside Fire Department and Cub Scout Pack 230 led by pack master Anthony Pisano presented the colors, while Oceanside High School student Dean Klebonas sang the National Anthem.

Father Nicholas Lombardi of Saint Anthony’s Church led the opening prayer, after which State Senator Todd Kaminsky and State Assemblyman Brian Curran gave some opening remarks.

The Oceanside High School Orchestra led by Director Stephanie Gallucci played “Amazing Grace” before local faith leaders, Father Lombardi, Rabbi’s Assistant Adam Zagoria Moffet, Reverend Kally Elliot, and Reverend Marion Hubbard gave some reflections on the tragedy and its legacy.

A memory board was set up for people to write down their thoughts and prayers. It will travel between the firehouse and local congregations in the coming days for others to observe and add to it.

Finally the Boardman Elementary School Chorus finished with “A Song of Peace” followed by a closing prayer.