By Andrew Hackmack
But most special for her was Valley Stream's commemoration held on Sept. 11 at the Hendrickson Park memorial area.
That is where there is a bench dedicated to her brother, Robert Caufield, a Valley Stream resident who was killed at the World Trade Center. He was an electrician and was working on the 95th floor of the North Tower. "He just happened to be assigned there that day," Fennelly said.
Caufield is one of 14 Valley Stream residents who died in the terrorist attacks, along with numerous others who grew up in the community and graduated from local high schools. Fennelly was just one of dozens of family members and other loved ones who attended the village's ceremony.
Village Mayor Ed Cahill noted that every four years, right around Labor Day the spotlight is on national politics. He said in watching this year's conventions, he noticed an outpouring of patriotism from the candidates, delegates and American citizens. He said it reminded him of what makes America great but also of the forces of darkness and evil that hates what America stands for.
"It's painful to remember that Tuesday morning of horror," he said. "It hurts to recall the collective disbelief and numbness we survivors of that day experienced."
Cahill said that it is both an obligation and an honor to remember the events of that day. "In gathering together as family members, neighbors and friends of those who perished," he said, "we are honoring each victim who lived their lives in our midst. We keep them alive in our minds, in our hearts, in our prayers and in our memories."
Town Councilman and former Valley Stream mayor Jim Darcy said that far too many people have let the importance of the day slip away from them. Many, he said, "choose to wrap themselves up in some cozy, pre-9/11 fantasy world." This is a tragedy in itself, Darcy explained.
"I have great difficulty understanding how so many among us have managed to say, 'to get beyond 9/11,'" he said. "I don't know about you, but I can't. I can't remember a damn thing about Sept. 10, 2001. Yet, I can vividly recall every moment of 9/11 as if it was yesterday."
He said he also remembers the countless firefighters, police officers and other emergency personnel who demonstrated great courage and heroism that day. Darcy remembers the "solace and strength" of America as regular people took extraordinary measures to help each other. "My mind easily recalls the terrific transformation which came across our nation in the days and weeks following 9/11," he said. "I remember how we set aside our differences and took stock of our common humanity."
Darcy said it is time to renew the vows made that day to make the world a better place.
Central High School Principal Dr. Joseph Pompilio said he makes an announcement each Sept. 11 recalling the day and its significance. He also said that it is discussed in social studies classes. Pompilio noted that the school's youngest students, the 10th graders, were only 8 years old when the attacks happened. "It's very sobering when you realize that," he said.
Pompilio said students treat the day with reverence. "They know the importance of it, what it means and the lives lost," he said. "It makes them more aware of what goes on in the world today."
Valley Stream Fire Chief Antonio Nuzzi said this day holds significance for the department because about 100 members are New York City firefighters, police officers or emergency service personnel. Like Darcy, Nuzzi recalled the extraordinary efforts that followed the attacks. "The most important thing is how everyone united together and helped out like they were family," he said.
Caufield was the only member of the Valley Stream Fire Department killed that day. He grew up in Valley Stream along with Fennelly and brothers Doug and Dennis, the latter who was a past chief of the fire department.
Fennelly praises the village for its upkeep of the memorial and for holding the service every year. "We're so happy the village has continued this," she said, "and to have the representation of our local officials."
Comments about this story? AHackmack@ liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 265.
