By Jeff Lipton
They also read the names of police officers and Port Authority and other emergency personnel lost in the attacks.
The fire department held a moving ceremony in front of the firehouse on Franklin Avenue to mark the one-year anniversary of the attacks, including sounding the sirens and lowering the flag to half-mast and then raising it again, and reciting prayers. But it was the name-reading, handled alternately by five members of the department, which was the most meaningful.
It was one of several memorial services held throughout the Five Towns last week in a tribute to Sept. 11 victims.
As the long list was read off, several in the crowd that had gathered in front of the firehouse for the ceremonies wiped away tears.
This whole thing is a very difficult process, even a year later, said Chief Harlan Wank of the Hewlett Fire Department. You try to process it in your mind.
The Hewlett Fire Department decided to hold last Wednesday's ceremony, which drew a crowd of onlookers, to make certain that the memories of those lost don't fade too far away, Wank said. We need to move on but we want to make sure we don't move away too quickly.
After the names of the fallen heroes were read, Wank was even overcome by the sheer numbers of fellow brethren who perished. Take a second to think about all the names we read, Wank told the crowd. I don't know about you but I got a knot in my stomach.
The Hewlett Fire Department paid special tribute to Kevin O'Rourke, who had been a member of the department for 17 years and perished in the attacks as a member of the city's Rescue Company 2.
He was the man when it came to firefighting, Wank said. Knowing that he isn't around in the community any more is making it very hard.
A total of about 15 Hewlett firefighters responded to Ground Zero. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about it, Wank said.
Leg. Jeff Toback (D-Oceanside), who attended the ceremonies, said, Everyone grieves in their own way. The emotions of the day are very personal to many people and I'm glad the Hewlett Fire Department gave the community an opportunity to get together and remember the events.
Capt. Richard Breen of the Hewlett Fire Department recited prayers for the victims and their families.
Those who attended the hour-long ceremonies were obviously moved by what they saw and heard.
It's just something that was overwhelming, said Mary Voyes of Hewlett, who had come from a memorial Mass at St. Joseph's R.C. Church to attend the firehouse ceremonies. My husband was a fireman and I lived here all my life. I'm here to show my support for them.
Jean Moleno, also a Hewlett resident, said her husband has been involved in the fire department for 50 years and I thought it was good to be here with him at this time.
As he ended the commemoration, Chief Wank thanked those who attended, but said, I hope we don't ever have to do this again.
