By Rachel Kalina
A number of chairs were sectioned off to honor the families of four Malverne residents who died on Sept. 11, 2001: Urban, Haran, Bart and Donovan. Led by Malverne trustee William Malone, the ceremony featured songs, prayers and commemorative speeches.
"This is a day none ever want to forget," Malone said. "Judging by the turnout last year and the one we anticipate now, we know the residents of Malverne haven't forgotten."
During his speech, Malone stood adjacent to a sign that read "Malverne Remembers." Soon after Malone's introduction, members of American Legion Post No. 44 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1073 were asked to advance the colors. A large American flag reminded those in attendance of their patriotism. Elsewhere in the audience red, white and blue was reflected on t-shirts, hair scrunchies and scarves. One of those scarves was worn by Trudy Sortino, whose veteran husband helped to carry the flag.
"We lost a lot of people," Sortino said of 9/11.
She added that events like the one held that night at Reese Park "bring people together in unity."
Malverne Fire Chief Mike Latronico said the ceremony was a positive gathering for the community.
"These are very good events," he said. "[Sept. 11, 2001] was a very sad time for everyone, for the brothers we lost."
Latronico led his 30 accompanying fire fighters in salute when the time came. About four fire trucks could be seen looming behind the standing observers throughout the ceremony, along with a Malverne Volunteer ambulance. Police officers in uniform also came to show their respect.
Representatives from the New York Police Department, the Fire Department of New York, the Port Authority Police Department and the U.S. Military placed a red, white and blue wreath of flowers on the 9/11 memorial plaque as a bagpipe played loudly in the background.
Its sad notes were not even interrupted by a passing train, and the families of victims took their turns laying roses on the plaque against this somber background. Sniffles could be heard among the Malverne community, and when the procession was over, everyone joined together to sing "God Bless America."
"It's good to see so many of our friends and neighbors here tonight," said James J. Callahan III, Deputy Mayor. "So much has happened in our lives and in the world since [9/11]. We've gone back to the ebb and flow of our lives. In other ways, it feels like it was only yesterday."
Callahan compared 9/11 to a wound that has since scarred over: somewhat healed, but never forgotten.
"We must remember and preserve the memories of those who died," he said.
