Wantagh pays tribute to 9/11 victims

Wantagh American Legion Post 1273 held its 14th annual Patriot Day ceremony on Sunday to remember those who were killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Due to past low attendance, the ceremony was moved to the second Sunday in September, which also is expected to set a precedent for future commemorations.

Starting at 10 a.m. elected officials and other guest speakers spoke to an audience of nearly 80 people, sharing thoughts and ideas of what 9/11 means to them.

With the sound of traditional bagpipes echoing the tune of “Amazing Grace,” members of boy scout troops were in attendance: the American flag and town flags at their sides.

Although many of the boys were too young to remember the event, their participation held a strong emphasis within the community.

“We have a great community relationship here and with the scouting community especially,” said former post commander, Tom Fitzsimmons. “We are very tied into that and they do a lot of good things.”

Although the new post commander, Ken Kelly, couldn’t make it to the service, other long-time members spoke on his behalf.

About halfway through the service, red, white and blue wreaths were presented to the post from various groups including the Wantagh Fire Department, the Chamber of Commerce, the Wantagh School District, the Wantagh-Seaford Homeowner’s Association, the Wantagh Kiwanis and Republican clubs, and the Preservation Society.

Later on, the names of local people who died in the terrorist attacks were read aloud, while a bell was struck for each in honor of their service and memory.

“Even 14 years later,” State Sen. Michael Venditto said, “this community is one of the many communities I’m privileged to represent on Long Island that have shown not only great resolve but that will stand together and make sure we remember those who’ve lost and those whose families are still suffering.

“The most important thing we can do as elected representatives is show our residents that we stand with them and that we will provide any resources they need to move forward,” he added.

Other representatives including Councilwoman Erin Sweeney and Legislator Norma Gonsalves also spoke about the impact of 9/11.

On behalf of Kate Murray, Sweeney spoke of “staying strong and staying brave,” while also emphasizing the idea of “protecting our freedoms of gathering together and speaking our minds, the American privileges that were attacked on that day.”

Gonsalves added, “No matter what anyone tries to do, we as a country cannot be destroyed.”

The service ended on a somber note, with a prayer from the chaplain and a 21-gun salute from the firing squad. After the service, everyone gathered for light refreshments and conversation in the dining hall.

“Just to see all of us come together on a day like today, and really show the patriotism we have in this country really moved me,” said Heidi Felix, president of the Wantagh Kiwanis club.

Venditto also spoke of how the Scouts, as well as other young people, are doing an excellent job representing the new generation and passing on the memory of that tragic day.

“We’ve shown tremendous resolve as a community and as a nation,” Venditto said. “There are better times ahead for Wantagh.”