Malverne, West Hempstead honor 9/11

Each year, Malverne and West Hempstead join together to remember the lives of those lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks that occurred 23 years ago.

The candlelit ceremony in Malverne was held at the village’s Gazebo Park. Each community has a custom memorial with a recovered piece of the World Trade Center, with inscribed names of those lost in the attacks.

Malverne and West Hempstead lost a total of 15 residents. Some were firefighters who are also honored by their respective New York City firehouses each year at the vigils.

Since 2002, Malverne has held a remembrance ceremony. Tim Sullivan, who is now the village’s mayor, is one person who always attends. Families, including children who aren’t old enough to remember the tragedy fill the space with love to honor the memories of the fallen annually.

Event organizers emphasized the importance of educating kids on wehat happened in Sept. 11, 2001, when 3,000 lives were lost in New York, Washington D.C., and in Shanksville, Pa. The village ceremony was broadcasted live for those who could not make it in person.

Sullivan spoke touchingly about the loss of life. A group prayer, residents bringing candles up to the altar and a song were all part of the remembrance. Village trustees, Malverne police and members of the armed forces were present and paid their respects to the fallen.

Sullivan said that even his young daughter understood the value of the memorial, without personally knowing someone who passed during the tragedy.

“Your loved ones, our community, your children and grandchildren live through my daughter,” he said. “The only way we will never forget, is to keep teaching the next generation about what happened that day, who we are as a country, a community and how to make this world a better place.”

West Hempstead had its own remembrance ceremony, complete with candle lighting, laying down carnations and a wreath for their own fallen community members. Malverne had a violinist. West Hempstead had trumpeter Daniel Wagner. It was estimated that up to 300 people attended the West Hempstead ceremony. Malverne had a bit smaller turnout of roughly 125.

Pastor Ray Lorthioir did the invocation at West Hempstead; Joe Mahoney sang the national anthem. Maureen Greenberg-Mahoney led the WH services at Halls Pond.

“It went very well,” she said. “We will never forget, these events are the only way to ensure that.”