A poignant tribute to those who perished while seeking a better life took place at the Bristol and Mexico Monument, which marks the mass grave of 139 of these victims.
The Oct. 19 ceremony honored the 215 victims, primarily Irish immigrants, who tragically lost their lives in two shipwrecks off the south shore of Hempstead in the winter of 1836.
The dual tragedies of the Bristol and Mexico occurred just within sight of the shore, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by immigrants in the 19th century. The monument at 45 Merrick Road in Lynbrook stands as a testament to these lives lost, ensuring their memory endures.
“We gather not only to remember the lives lost but to acknowledge the collective efforts of our community to help ensure the memory and stories are not forgotten,” organizers said.
The hour-long ceremony included remarks from Ancient Order of Hibernians officials, reflecting on the lives of those affected by the shipwrecks and the historical significance of the tragic event.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians is an Irish Catholic fraternal organization established in New York City, the same year the shipwrecks occurred.