Bells toll for Seaford 9/11 victims
Tom, Timmy, John, Rob and Michael — if you live in Seaford you know these hometown boys who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Last week, on Patriot’s Day and the 13th anniversary of 9/11, hundreds of Seafordites gathered on the lawn of Seaford High School to honor their memories and to celebrate their inspirational leadership. The 9-11 Seaford Memorial Committee sponsored the ceremony.
“We gather to remember, console and persevere,” said committee member Stephen Bongiovi. “In the worst of times, this was the greatest possible response. It is an event that welded us closer together as Americans and as New Yorkers. We embrace patriotism, service and each other as never before and we thank the families [of the victims].”
The ceremony also reaffirmed Seaford’s commitment to volunteer service. Bongiovi presented a portfolio of service pledges from school clubs and community members to U.S. Congressman Peter King. “We hereby continue our commitment to service,” Bongiovi said. “We do so in memory of those who [died that day and who] have touched our hearts.”
Bongiovi briefly spoke about each victim, all Seaford High School alumni. Tom Haskell, class of 1982 “developed a innate capacity for leadership,” said Bongiovi. He was the youngest battalion chief in the New York Fire Department. Brother Timmy Haskell, class of 1985, “was devoted to his community and service” and volunteered with the Wantagh Fire Department, Station Three, before joining the New York Fire Department. John William Perry, class of 1982, was a “Renaissance man — linguist, actor, published writer and a New York City Police officer,” said Bongiovi who “was putting in his retirement papers when he heard the call and responded.” Robert Francis Sliwak, class of 1977, was described as a “driving force committed to his family and friends” and Michael Robert Wittenstein, class of 1985, “was committed to the betterment of the world from an early age. He was a leader filled with wit and insight and intensely loyal to family and friends.” Both Sliwak and Wittenstein worked for Cantor Fitzgerald.
The ceremony began with a procession in front of the high school, led by the Nassau County Police Honor Guard, followed by the NCPD Pipes and Drums and uniformed personnel from the Seaford, Wantagh and New York City fire departments, and the Freeport and New York City police departments. Community scout troops were also included in the procession.
Honored guests included the families of lost Seaford High School alumni as well as officers of numerous community organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, the Historical Society, the Lions and Kiwanis clubs, the Fire Department, the Seaford Wellness Council and the Seaford Library. Speakers included U.S. Rep. Peter King, Superintendent of Seaford Schools Brian Conboy, Seaford Board President Bruce Kahn, Seaford High School Principal Emeritus Raymond Buckley, Monsignor Steven R. Camp of St. Christopher R.C. Church of Baldwin, the Rev. Robert L. Hayden of St. William the Abbot Church and the Rev. Ronald Klose of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.
A bell tolled for each of the five victims as their names were read by the Rev. Frank Nelson of Maria Regina Church, Rabbi Marci N. Bellows of B’Nai Torah and the Rev. Steven M. Knutsen of Seaford United Methodist Church. The Seaford High School Band and Honors Chorale provided musical interludes.
Finally, firefighter Jeremy Riddle, FDNY Engine Company 332, sang a musical tribute as the candles were lit. As the sky grew dark and night approached, hundreds of tiny points of light lit up the Seaford High School lawn and reminded residents that even in darkness there is light. “In the last moments of their lives they did extraordinary things,” said Camp when speaking of the victims. “In a moment of hatred they reached out to humanity. There is no amount of evil which can destroy us.”
