Rockville Centre honors its heroes

Drivers on Maple Avenue will know the heroes of Rockville Centre.

On June 14, the village unveiled a new Avenue of Heroes street sign. Maple Avenue is home to the Fire Department, the Police Department, American Legion Post 303 and the village’s memorial for those who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

Mayor Francis X. Murray said the idea for the new name came from one of his heroes — his father, former Mayor Gene Murray.

“Tonight, we pay tribute to Rockville Centre’s heroes,” said the current mayor. “Those who have put the needs of others before their own. The ones who instinctively run into dangerous situations while others flee. The ones who have sacrificed their lives to protect this great country. And the ones who leave their homes and families at all hours of the day and night to serve their neighbors … When residents and visitors drive down this street today and for generations to come, it will serve as a reminder of the sacrifice the men and women of Rockville Centre have made to the greater good.”

About 250 people attended the ceremony, including police, firefighters, veterans, local politicians, and Girl and Boy Scouts. Lynbrook and Rockville Centre fire department trucks displayed a giant American flag over Maple Avenue. The St. Agnes choir sang, and Rabbi Howard Diamond of B’Nai Sholom Beth David led an invocation.

There was also a moment of silence for the victims of the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., on June 12.

Russ Siller, whose brother, New York City firefighter Stephen Siller, died on Sept. 11, 2001, was the first to speak. “I picture that each time we drive down this beautiful Avenue of Heroes, we’ll have an opportunity to pause and remember,” he said. “Remember the courage of someone like my brother, Stephen Siller, who ran into the tunnels and laid down his life for others … In particular, I hope driving down the Avenue of Heroes we would remember the incredible love and support that the Rockville Centre community showed to the families who were directly affected by 9/11.”

Frank Colon Jr., the recently installed commander of the American Legion post, said he hoped the Avenue of Heroes would symbolize the dedication of those who served, but he reminded the crowd that the true heroes are those who died while they were serving.

Police Commissioner Charles Gennario said the new street sign was a welcome symbol. “At a time when you turn on the nightly news and you see mobs screaming about frying cops like bacon, or calling for the death of police officers, or even administration officials denigrating the police profession … what does this great village say to us?” he said. “They honor the Police Department. They’re here honoring us. While the rest of the nation takes time out to crucify the police, this great village takes the time out to thank us.”

Fire Chief Robert Seaman thanked the village and the attendees, as well as the all-volunteer Fire Department.

The Rev. Robert Grimm of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church ended the ceremony with a benediction and prayers for the people of Orlando. “Recent events have made us even more cognizant — more than ever before — how large a debt of gratitude we owe to those who serve and safeguard our common dream,” he said.