Wantagh and Seaford to remember 9/11

Patriot Day services will be held in Wantagh and Seaford to honor local residents killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The Wantagh American Legion Post 1273 will hold its service and ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 10 a.m., at the Legion’s Post, at 3484 Park Avenue in Wantagh. In Seaford, a candle-lighting ceremony will take place next Thursday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m., at Seaford High School.

John Sottnik, third vice commander of American Legion Post 1273, said its 9/11 ceremony is being held for the first time on the Saturday before Patriot Day so that “the community may more fully participate in this service of remembrance. Although the date is burned into our memory, we are hoping that more schoolchildren and working adults can be there to remember those who were lost and to offer prayers and kind thoughts to all who were murdered that day.”

The ceremony, which is expected to be approximately a half hour in length, will open with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Post Commander Mark Greaker. American flags will be presented, and Greaker will speak. A prayer from Post Chaplain Jack Bergersen will follow, and local dignitaries will also offer their thoughts and prayers for those who died.

“We will read the names of the people from Wantagh who perished and toll the bell for each victim,” said Sottnik. “We will play ‘Amazing Grace,’ followed by a 21-gun salute.”

The ceremony will conclude with a presentation of wreaths by local organizations. “Then there will be the playing of taps and the flag will be retired,” said Sottnik. Light refreshments will be served after the ceremony.

“There are few among us who did not know someone who was a direct casualty of this horrific act or was not profoundly affected by the terror of that day,” said Sottnik. “We urge all the organizations in town as well as community members to attend this ceremony.” It will take place rain or shine.