Lynbrook hosts solemn 9/11 ceremony

Susan Grieco/Herald

The Glor na nGael pipe-and-drum band played “Amazing Grace.”

Susan Grieco/Herald

Sen. Dean Skelos addresses the crowd.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Lynbrook Firefighter Chris Kelly held his 17-month old daughter, Taylor.

Susan Grieco/Herald

A Family member of Andrew Stern leaves a flower on his stone marker.

Susan Grieco/Herald

The steel beams from the World Trade Center were erected at the village's memorial.

Jeff Wilson/Herald

Lynbrook Firefighters and officials saluted the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Colleen Fitzsimons Cabral and her son, Ty, in red, stood near her father Richard Fitzsimons’ memorial stone in Lynbrook.

Susan Grieco/Herald

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Fourteen-year-olds Eric Luvczenko and Jack Ligiori, of Lynbrook, stood at attention at the village’s Sept. 11 memorial, looking at a glaring reminder of that day in 2001: twin monuments made of two steel pieces that were part of the World Trade Center.

They were just 4 at the time of the attacks, and the two Lynbrook Junior Fire Department members do not remember the life-changing event, but they have come to know what it has left behind. “It’s sad,” Ligiori said, “and my mom told me when it happened everyone just became silent, and so respectful right after.”

Luvczenko and Ligiori said they were honored to be a part of the village’s remembrance ceremony last Sunday, which was attended by more than 300 people. After the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem, the Rev. William Breslawski, pastor of Our Lady of Peace Church, and the Rev. John Fahey Jr., of St. James United Methodist Church, offered opening prayers. Then village officials, led by Mayor Bill Hendrick, read the names of the 19 Lynbrook victims, which are etched in stones around the memorial.

Members of their families and the village’s Junior Fire Department laid flowers at each stone before a moment of silence. The Glor na nGael pipe-and-drum band played “Amazing Grace.”

“It seemed like only yesterday that we watched two great edifices fall to the ground,” Hendrick said, addressing the crowd, “and sat stunned, wondering what happened to our world … We remember the victims … and we remember to remain vigilant against enemies that affected our life. We must quietly and safely protect the American way. We must never forget.”

Deputy Mayor Alan Beach recounted his experience as a first responder with the New York City Fire Department. “As I stand by you, I stand as one of the lucky ones, one of the first responders,” he said. “Pain and loss remain, but I am inspired by those who gave their all to help others. I was a witness to the greatest kindness that ever took place.” Beach encouraged the attendees to cherish every day, keep their loved ones safe and never forget what happened a decade ago.