Bellmore-Merrick communities mark 23rd anniversary of Sept. 11

23 years ago, the attacks on Sept. 11 changed the Bellmore-Merrick community forever — and every year since, residents come together to mourn and remember those who perished. 

The Bellmore memorial service was held at the Bellmore Fire Department to honor first responders and civilian community members who died on Sept. 11.. Two of the department’s firefighters, Kevin Prior and Adam Rand, died during rescue operations, and a third member, Sean McCarthy, died in 2008 from cancer caused by exposure to hazardous substances on the day of the attacks.

Chaplain Dennis Rich, Chief of the Department Michael Oakes and the Rev. James Barnum spoke to attendees about bravery, sacrifice and the importance of remembering those who gave their lives to help others.

“They made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty for the city of New York, and for this, they will be remembered,” Oakes said.

Family members of the deceased laid bouquets of flowers on wreaths, bearing the names of their loved ones next to the station’s steel girder memorial recovered from ground zero.

In Merrick, the ceremony is perhaps best known for the massive American Flag, that is hung parallel to Sunrise Highway, often grabbing the attention of many passersby, who honk in support of the department.

The Merrick memorial is at the corner of Sunrise and Merrick Avenue, alongside a steel girder from one of the towers. A portion of Merrick Avenue was closed, so ceremony attendees could gather in the street for the service.

Each year, wreathes are laid for ex-chief Ronnie Gies, and ex-captain Bryan Sweeney, who gave their lives that day. Gies’s three sons are all members of the department.

“The Merrick Fire Department proudly joined with community members and families to honor our Sept. 11 heroes,” the department wrote on Facebook. “The fallen are forever in our hearts. Together we will never forget.”