Town of Hempstead marks anniversary of 9/11 attacks with solemn service

White carnations, personal messages dedicated to lost loved ones and inspiring words of hope marked the Town of Hempstead’s 9/11 memorial service in Point Lookout on Tuesday.

Hundreds turned out for the annual service at Point Lookout Beach — the largest on Long Island — that featured two 15-foot-tall chrome towers and the release of white doves as a symbol of reflection, healing and hope.

On Sept. 11, 2001, hundreds of Long Islanders came to Point Lookout in the wake of the terrorist attacks and looked west, where they observed the plumes of smoke emanating from where the Twin Towers once stood.

Since that day, each year, Town Supervisor Kate Murray has invited residents back to the Point Lookout to reflect and pay tribute to those who were killed. This year included a program meant to facilitate a connection between the victims of 9/11 and those attending the ceremony by writing the names of victims and messages on a “Heroes of 9/11 Panorama.”

Residents wrote messages, prayers and the names of 9/11 victims on the town’s 35-foot long mural of the New York City skyline, set beside a 15-foot tall shadow box image of the Twin Towers. Participants also cast white carnations into a reflecting pool, located at the base of a 30-foot piece of steel from the World Trade Center. A viewing bridge traversed the pool and beam.

“This morning, we remember those Americans who were killed on that fateful day 11 years ago, honoring their memory and the legacy they left behind,” stated Murray. “Today is also an opportunity to reflect, pay tribute and honor the heroes who died that day. It is also an appropriate occasion to celebrate the legacy of love left to us by the victims of the terrorist attacks.”

Families of the victims, as well as clergy and firefighters joined Murray.