By:Nicole Falco
Many call on faith to get through tragedy
Almost five weeks after the nation was devastated by terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, Valley Stream residents gathered at the Village Green for a candlelight vigil of prayer and reflection.
Residents joined their hearts, minds and voices to express their faith in God and confidence in their own safety. Hundreds of Valley Streamers and numerous religious leaders gathered at the bandshell on the Village Green for the "candlelight service of healing and hope" sponsored by the Valley Stream Religious Council and the village Sunday evening.
They were led in prayer by the Rev. Robert Howard and in song by the Keynote Chorale. Also at the service was Mayor Edward Cahill and members of the Valley Stream Fire Department.
Cahill reflected on the past month, saying, "We must go on, we must move forward to reconstruct our lives with hope and compassion just as we must reconstruct our buildings with steel, brick and mortar."
The mayor went on to praise not only the thousands of rescue workers and volunteers, but also the many people in Valley Stream who have performed untold acts of kindness.
"I wish, in the names of those who have lost their lives that day, that we do not allow the spirit that rose from the ruins to be diminished," Cahill said.
"I feel safer with all the security in place. I just worry about the poor women and children who have lost a loved one," said Edda Davanzo, 65, of Valley Stream.
Vigil-goers also heard readings from the Koran, Bible and Torah before lighting candles. The candelighting ceremony was a symbol of unity in itself as gatherers were asked to light their candles from the flame of their neighbor.
Suzanne Zenkowich, a member of the Unity Church of Christianity in Valley Stream, attended the vigil with her husband, John. Zenkowich was one of many who professed a strong belief in God and safety.
"I am not afraid because I have a strong belief in God [but] I'm still shocked. It's like a bad movie that never leaves you," Zenkowich said. "I have noticed that people have gotten a lot more faithful."
Isabel Garcia, 65, said she, too, has relied on her faith to help her get through these trying times. She credits God with helping diverse groups of people come together. "I've never seen Valley Stream like this before in my life...I've been here over 20 years."
Zenkowich's husband, John, 45, said he will be flying to Missouri this week and is not afraid. "It's the safest time to fly," he said.
John works on Long Island, but often travels into Manhattan for business. He said, "I feel fine. It bothers me to see the soldiers in Penn Station. I don't think we need them, we are safe. The police are doing a fine job."
One young man, Jason Ratto, 18, said the recent tragedy may just have been a wake-up call for today's youth.
"Our generation needed to see something like this to set our priorities straight," the college freshman said.
Ratto added that he is not scared and it's his faith that keeps him that way.
Ratto's friend and fellow church member, Peter Fowley, 17, said although he feels safe, he still believes there is always a possibility of something bad happening.
Ratto is a member of the Assembly of God Church led by Rev. Stephen Milazzo. Milazzo initiated plans for the candlelight vigil.
The evening's experience seemed to be just what those who came to the Village Green needed: a sharing of faith and a sense of unity.
