By Howard Goldstein
On Sept. 11, 2002, Americans will gather together to remember the event that forever changed the nation. Though saddened and sobered, Americans defied the terrorists' aims. Our nation remained united. Our people were not broken by fear. And though there were some inevitable exceptions as emotions ran high, and frightening moments that tested our solidarity, we remained united as a nation. We did not turn on one another and factionalize as the murderers of Sept. 11 had hoped.
In the microcosm of W. C. Mepham High School, Sept. 11 will be commemorated by the Bellmore-Merrick Interfaith Clergy Association at Mepham High School. Backed and aided with money from fundraising events partly by Bellmore and Merrick Kiwanis clubs, Bellmore Lions, a grant from New York State Sen. Charles Fuschillo Jr. and cooperation by a myriad of religious leaders, the event is intended to commemorate the day, memorialize the dead and offer hope for the future.
The service will feature two videos, music, a brief interdenominational prayer, remembrance of the victims, and a joint-choir performance, including original songs and music.
All groups and elected officials are welcome, but only as community members. There will be no sermons and no political messages whatsoever.
All members of the police and fire departments are invited and asked to come in uniform, though they will not be a part of the presentation itself. Tickets were distributed at police stations and firehouses.
The event is to start at 7:30 p.m. at Mepham High School on Sept. 11, and run about one hour.
"United in a Vision for a Better World," reads the Mepham student designed banner that issues the message of the event.
"Sept. 11 was a common tragedy that affected us all," said Pastor Laurie Cline, clergywoman at St. John's Lutheran Church in Bellmore and head of the Interfaith Association Committee handling the Sept. 11 event.
"This is not a religious event per se," said Cline. "The only religious component will be two interdenominational prayers that no one is compelled to participate in. It is a community-wide event, appropriate for everybody, that remembers all the victims, particularly those in the community. And it is looking forward to the future."
The Interfaith Clergy Association, an interdenominational civic group, sent out invitations to join in the event months ago. According to Cline, every religious institution in Bellmore-Merrick for which the association had an address was invited to become involved.
"Everyone is welcome to come to the actual event, and all faiths and denominations are always welcome at the Interfaith Clergy Association," said Cline, "but unfortunately, we did not have the time or resources to seek out houses of worship that we didn't have info. on. "So some houses of worship did not get a formal invitation, not because we wanted to exclude them, but just because we did not know how to reach them."
There is also a limit on tickets to the event. "We wish the whole community could attend," said Rev. Thomas Taylor of the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bellmore, who also helped coordinate the event.
Mepham auditorium was the largest indoor venue that could be found locally, seating about 1,400. The event cannot be held outside owing to complications that would arise with media equipment.
"Our media volunteers have requested an indoor venue. It would be too difficult to manage the video and effects we have planned from outside," said Taylor.
The two videos will commemorate the dead and demonstrate the courage and hope of survivors.
Pastor Cline stresses that the videos are not designed to reopen the flood gates of terror and despair. "The videos are appropriate for everyone. There is no footage of the actual attack, or scenes of violence and death," she asserted.
Composing the interdenominational prayers, Rabbi Charles Klein of the Merrick Jewish Center seeks to write that which will properly convey the message of the occasion.
"It is the responsibility of Americans of different faiths to join together in celebration of what unites us on the common path, and walk it together, so that the future can be better. These are the prayers of our community," Klein said.
Chamber musical groups from Mepham, Calhoun and Kennedy high schools will join choirs from any house of worship that sent one, into a joint community choir.
The choir will sing a range of songs about remembrance, solidarity, courage and hope, as well as an original song with music and lyrics written by James Rullo.
Rullo has done the music for a number of school productions, including the pre-school video "Stranger Danger," and was asked by Taylor to help with the Sept. 11 commemoration.
Rullo, who also composed the music and sound tracks of the videos, has written "Connected" as a tribute to Sept. 11 victims and the ties that bind us together as a community.
"The event connected us all, on every level. Maybe there was someone you saw on the subway every day, but never spoke to, who died in the attack. Or your sons Little League coach who lost a family member. We were connected by the attack, but it stresses the hope that the connection of compassion, empathy and caring will continue without a tragedy," he said.
The song will be sung as a solo by cantor John Riolo of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church of Merrick.
Mepham students participated in an effort to create an original banner. The chosen banner, with the theme of United in a Vision for a Better World, has also been made into smaller banners to be sold.
All proceeds from banners and tickets go toward event costs. Any surplus will be divided among the three high schools and awarded as a scholarship to a graduate who demonstrates civic leadership.
"Some people were concerned where the extra money would go," said Cline. "Every penny goes to the high schools," adding "We want to extend our deep thanks for the help and support from Sen. Fuschillo, the Bellmore Lions, and Bellmore and Merrick Kiwanis."
"We're hoping to do something outside as well," said Cline.
"The more people can be involved, the better. This is about our highest ideals and celebrating both our diversity and solidarity as Americans. Sept. 11 has changed us, but not our visions of hope."
Memorials in the Merricks, Sept. 11
Civic sponsoring
Sept. 11 vigil
The North Merrick Community Association is to host a candlelight vigil in to remember victims of last year's terrorist attacks. The service is to take place at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11.
Church Bells will ring and fire whistles will blow as
community members place their candles curbside. Community members purchased their candles before the event for a suggested donation of $20 for a set of 10 candles per home. Proceeds from the event will be given to the families who lost someone in the attacks.
Chamber plans Sept. 11 service
On Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m. in the Merrick train station gazebo, the Merrick Chamber of Commerce is to host a short memorial service to pay homage to victims of last year's terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.
Merrick area fire departments and local clergy are to attend the service. Merrick chamber President Julie Marchesella said, "This
will be a brief memorial service before everyone starts their day."
"Sept. 11 was a common tragedy that affected us all."
Laurie Cline
Lutheran pastor, of Bellmore
