By Hector Flores
The Rev. Herbert Kern of Calvary Lutheran Church offered the opening prayer, and ended it by saying, ³We must fight terrorism, but also pursue peace and protect the liberties and freedoms that are this country¹s glory.² Later, Kern said that despite the light rain, the event was well received, with more than 200 residents and firefighters in attendance.
Rabbi Ronald Androphy of the East Meadow Jewish Center delivered the main address, saying that Sept. 11 was the darkest day in American history. ³I spoke about grieving for those who lost their lives on the planes, the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, Flight 93 and the first responders who sacrificed their lives so that others may live,² he said afterward.
He added that recognition should also be given to the emergency personnel who are now suffering from poor health as a result of taking part in the rescue and recovery efforts at ground zero. ³We pray for them and their families,² he said.
John O¹Brien, chief of the East Meadow Fire Department, commended Eric Becker, first deputy chief, for organizing the event and making it memorable. ³Across East Meadow Avenue, an American flag was flown and held by ladders in an arch formation,² O¹Brien said. ³And above the flag was a banner that read ŒNever Forgotten.¹²
The event culminated with the laying of a wreath by Becker and Keith Hoffman, second deputy chief, at the World Trade Center monument at the park¹s town square, which was followed by a candlelight ceremony. ³The ceremony was an opportunity for the community to remember all the lives that were lost on that day,² O¹Brien said.
Photos by Ira Lewis/Herald
