Thursday, October 1, 2026
The annual Valley Stream 9/11 remembrance ceremony Arthur J. Hendrickson Park took on a renewed significance this year as the first responders, neighbors and officials reflected on one of America’s darkest days, a quarter of a century later.
“As I stand here before you on the 25th anniversary of the horror that was 9/11, we are yet again reminded of the lives lost, families broken and milestones missed,” said Valley Stream Mayor Ed Fare said last Friday. “Twenty-five years … so much has happened. To so many of us, it seems like yesterday. These memories are seared deeply into us.”
Honoring the country’s colors were presented by American Legion Post 854 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1790, the reflections on the terrorist attacks began with words from Nassau County Judge Robert G. Bogle.
“We continue to build an America based on courage and trust and justice, and we renew that purpose once again today in honor of those who made an ultimate sacrifice to keep our country just, and generous, and to affirm the dignity of our everyday life,” Bogle said.
Valley Stream Central High School’s Leah Cabreja performed the National Anthem. The invocation was led by Valley Stream Fire Department Chaplain Paul Coppola.
“A lot of heroes were lost in the towers, and a lot of them on the pile, and first responders are still paying the price from this cowardly act,” Coppola said. “The people of this great country stood up and showed the world that we'll never cower, and we will always stand up to terrorism, both here and abroad.”
Unity as a theme ran strong throughout the ceremony. It seemed that no matter the demographic, ag, or career, the Valley Stream community stands united to pick each other up in the face of adversity and tragedy.
“Take a look at each other… the wonderful neighbors of our community,” Fare said. “Each of you are special in your own way, committed to the ideals that we are here for each other, want the best for each other, and will rush to the aid of each other.”
Along with honoring the 2,977 people who died on Sept. 11, 2001, the Valley Stream ceremony also recognized the victims of 9/11 related illnesses.
“Our hearts break for each and every life that has been touched by this tragedy, for the first responders, and for the survivors of the attacks, many of whom struggle this day with 9-11 health issues,” Fare said. “These are the citizens who bear the brunt of the physical and emotional scars. Let us also remember the many thousands who have since succumbed to those very illnesses related to their 9/11 heroism.”
Wreaths were placed in front of the memorial by the Valley Stream Fire Department, Boys and Girls Scouts of Valley Stream and village trustees.
“No matter who you are, today is a day for remembrance,” said Trustee Sharon Daly. “It's such a tragedy that pulls people together, and it’s something we'll never forget.”
For some, the memories of that fateful day are just as unshakable.
“I was teaching at Valley Stream Central High School when we heard about the plane strikes,” Fare said. “When the second plane hit, that's when we realized it wasn't an accident. The class period ended, I went up to the third floor window looking towards the city, and you could watch the smoke billowing up from the Twin Towers.”
Many many placed flowers at the base of the memorial, as the event concluded with a bagpipe rendition of “Amazing Grace,” performed by Valley Stream Fire Department Engine 4’s Tom McAleer.
