Remembering those lost on 9/11

The Five Towns came together at Andrew J. Parise Cedarhurst Park on Sept. 11 to mark the 12th anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11.  

Village Mayor Andrew Parise’s opening remarks recounted the events of that day. Deputy Mayor Benjamin Weinstock led the Pledge of Allegiance.

“It is important to commemorate such a tragic attack on our country, and it’s devastating to think about the events that occurred on that day,” Parise said, noting the privately-funded 9/11 memorial in the park, which pays tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims, as well as local residents who died that day.  

Rabbi Kenneth Hain of Temple Beth Shalom in Lawrence gave the invocation, while Msgr. Paul Rahilly of Saint Joachim R.C. Church in Cedarhurst gave the benediction.

Bells tolled solemnly for each local resident who died on 9/11, including Kevin O’Rourke, an FDNY firefighter. “It’s important to teach our children about the tragic events of 9/11 and to never forget the victims,” said Rockville Centre resident Kathleen O’Rourke-Russo, O’Rourke’s cousin.

Bruce Blakeman, a former Nassau County legislator and Port Authority commissioner spoke about the importance of remembering 9/11. “It is important that we remember and educate the public about the lives we lost,” he said. Blakeman’s nephew, Thomas Jurgens, was one of three state court officers to die on 9/11.

Members of the local fire departments posted and retired the colors, and the Lawrence High School Jazz Ensemble played “Amazing Grace” and “Taps.”

“It’s a matter of remembering those who went to work that morning, whether in the Towers or as a police officer or firefighter and lost their lives,” said Luke Magliaro, Jr., the chaplain of the Inwood Fire Department.