23 years later, but remembered all the same

Community members gathered with local officials on the 23rd anniversary of Sept. 11 Wednesday. The beach at Town Park in Lido Beach was packed, and speakers, songs and moments of silence all added to the weight of the day.

Flags and flowers were placed across the sand and by the memorial, which states the names of those we’ve lost. People came to remember not only their loved ones, but also everyone who gave their lives. The memorial also features a 30-foot steel beam from the towers.

Supervisor Don Clavin joined many from around the county; several fire departments, and many speakers, including Rev. Michael Duffy, of Rockville Centre, Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, of Yeshiva of South Shore, and Rev. Dr. Eric Mallette, of Freeport. Dawn Kirchner, who lost her husband, Richard, in the attacks, also spoke.

Flags were proudly flown, filling the sky with red, white and blue. It may be 23 years since, but the impact will always be felt the same.