By:John C. O'Connell
Community lauds bravest and finest
As a tribute to all the firefighters, police, EMS personnel and other courageous men and women who died trying to save others on September 11, the Green Hornets Football organization played a special game of honor at Firemen's Field on Saturday.
Under the bright field lights brought in for just this occasion, the Green Hornets played their first-ever night game. The 12- to 14-year-olds played the Farmingdale Hawks.
Valley Stream firefighters, New York City police officers, firefighters, celebrities, bagpipe bands, local officials, and special guests attended the ceremonies before the game. In addition, Nassau and Suffolk law enforcement officers, Central High's kickline, school bands, an honor guard, and local Army Reservists were also on hand.
Many hundreds of spectators crowded the stands to watch the ceremonies of tribute and the game.
"The Valley Stream Green Hornets are proud to honor the victims and the heroes of the tragic Sept. 11 events," said Dr. Steven Zwick, business manager and pre-game announcer. He introduced the Valley Stream Central Streamers kickline team, the Valley Stream Green Hornets Cheerleaders, as well members of the FDNY, NYPD, Nassau County Police Department, Valley Stream Fire Department and Valley Stream Auxiliary Police Department.
Central High School junior Toni Rosenbaum sang the Star Spangled Banner. She received a tremendous ovation for her performance, as did the Streamers, Green Hornets Cheerleaders, and all who participated in the tribute.
The Color Guard was piped in by the NYPD bagpipers, and consisted of NYPD, FDNY and VSFD members.
"I think it is really great that so many Valley Stream residents came down here tonight to participate in this important community event," said Mayor Ed Cahill. "God bless the Fire Department and the Police Department and all our heroes overseas right now. And God bless America, the greatest country in the world."
"The idea to host this event came from the Friday, Sept. 22 Mets game I attended," said Denis Cirenza, one of the Green Hornets' coaches. At the event, firemen, police officers, EMS workers, doctors and the bagpipe band all walked onto the field before the game.
"The feeling of sadness, courage, patriotism and bravery was truly overwhelming. So I felt if we can bring that same feeling to the people of Valley Stream on a smaller scale, it wold be something special for them to experience," Cirenza said.
"I also feel it would bring the town together and bring a sense of national, regional and town pride."
