Nassau County remembers Sept. 11, 2001

It has been 11 years since the attacks on the World Trade Center rattled New Yorkers; a day when families and friends unexpectedly lost loved ones. Time has elapsed and fond memories are still shared, but a deep sorrow remains.

To honor the thousands who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and ease the grief still felt by many, Nassau County held a Sunset Candlelight and Remembrance Ceremony on Sept. 6 near the 9/11 Memorial in Eisenhower Park.

“Tonight, we pause as a community and forever remember those who perished on that day,” said Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano. “As Americans, we stand united.”

Following the East Meadow Fire Department Color Guard entrance, the National Anthem led by Legislator Francis Becker Jr. and an opening prayer by Father Kevin Smith of St. Dominic’s in Oyster Bay, family members read the names of each Nassau County resident who died that day, ending with the one they loved.

While some name readers held up pictures to put a face with a name, others shared kind words. “Thank you for the wonderful memories. We love you more than we can say,” said Rosemary Cain after reading the name George Cain, her son.

In the standing room only audience, two women clutched hands across rows, a mother kissed her toddler on the cheek before brushing away a tear and many sat stoically, lost in their own memories as each name was read.

To end the evening, candles were lit and the Nassau County Pipe and Drum performed Amazing Grace before families headed over to the remembrance wall to leave flags and flowers near the names carved in stone.

“Sept. 11 will forever be etched in our minds and hearts,” said Rabbi Barry Dov Schwartz of the Nassau County Police Department, “In our tears we look for inspiration and we’ve found it. We’ve found it in heroic acts and we’ve found it in each other.”

For coverage of East Meadow’s 9/11 ceremony, see next week’s issue.