Long Island events will honor the lives lost on 9/11
Attendees touch the names of loved ones after the 2017 ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial in Eisenhower Park. Credit: Jeff Bachner
Ceremonies will be held throughout this week as Long Islanders stop and pause to remember the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
While some events were canceled or will be held remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic, some annual remembrances will continue to mark the somber 19th anniversary. Here is a sampling of the events.
Wednesday, Sept. 9
Wednesday, Sept. 9
A piper from the Nassau County Emerald Society plays during a 2017 remembrance at Tobay Beach. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony
Where: Tobay Beach, Ocean Parkway east of Jones Beach, off Wantagh Parkway, Massapequa
When: 7 p.m.
For more info: oysterbaytown.com
Ceremony includes a light tribute, bagpipe music and religious readings. In addition, new names of residents who lost their battle to a 9/11-related illness will be added to the town's Walls of Honor.
Thursday, Sept. 10
Thursday, Sept. 10
A scene from the 10-year anniversary remembrance at Eisenhower Park in 2011. Credit: Thomas A. Ferrara
Sept. 11 candlelight vigil
Where: 9/11 Memorial at Eisenhower Park, Hempstead Turnpike and Merrick Avenue, East Meadow
When: 4:30 p.m.
For more info: Nassaucountyny.gov
A sunset remembrance ceremony marks the 19th anniversary and includes a reading of the Nassau County victims' names beside two semitransparent aluminum structures representing the towers. Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, residents are encouraged to attend this year’s ceremony virtually by watching live on the county’s website. During the ceremony, access to the memorial will be prioritized for victims' family members and first responders.
Friday, Sept. 11
Friday, Sept. 11
Firefighters line up at the 9/11 Memorial at Point Lookout Town Park during 2018 ceremony to honor the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Credit: Howard Schnapp
Sept. 11 memorial service
Where: Town Park Point Lookout, 1300 Lido Blvd., Point Lookout
When: 7:30 a.m.
For more info: https://www.hempsteadny.gov
The drive-in ceremony will be by the Atlantic Ocean at the town's permanent 9/11 memorial park. There will be speeches, prayers and music.
Towers of Freedom 9/11 military monument ceremony
Where: John J. Burns Park, 4990 Merrick Rd., Massapequa
When: 8:30 a.m.
Ceremony honoring 9/11 victims will include a musical performance of "Amazing Grace." A bell will ring at 8:46 a.m. and 9:03 a.m. Rose petals will be dropped by helicopter during the closing ceremony.
9/11 Survivor Tree Planting Ceremony
Where: Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, 100 Center Dr., Riverhead, and on Facebook Live.
When: 10 a.m.
A Callery pear tree became known as the “Survivor Tree” after enduring the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center. Each year, the 9/11 Memorial gives seedlings from the tree to three communities so they can nurture them for future generations as a symbol of survival and the triumph over tragedy. The planting will be in front of the Sheriff's Office, and current and retired members who responded to the recovery effort after 9/11 will attend. Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. and John Feal of the FealGood Foundation will speak.
Remembrance ceremony
Where: Smithtown 9/11 memorial at north side of Main Street between Bank Street and Landing Avenue
When: 11 a.m.
The ceremony will include prayers from local clergy members, the reading of the names and a wreath laying at the memorial. It will also be livestreamed via Facebook Live. Messages or prayers emailed to SPIO@smithtownny.gov. will be included as part of the edited production of the ceremony. All attendees must observe social distancing guidelines.
Virtual memorial ceremony
Where: Islip 9/11 memorial at town hall, 655 Main St.
When: 5 p.m.
The town will livestream the ceremony from the town board room. A television monitor will be at the memorial site for remote viewing. The event will also be carried live on the town’s YouTube channel. Visitors are asked to socially distance and wear a face covering.
9/11 memorial service
Where: Memorial Garden at Village Hall; 1 Columbus Drive, Lynbrook
When: 7:30 p.m.
Attendees are expected to wear masks and keep appropriate social distance.
Saturday, Sept. 12
Saturday, Sept. 12
Members of the U.S. Army hold a flag during a service to mark the adding of new names to the wall in Nesconset in 2016. Credit: Ed Betz
Annual 9/11 Naming Ceremony
Where: 9/11 Responders Remembered Memorial Park, 316 Smithtown Blvd, Nesconset,
When: 10 a.m.
For more info: https://fealgoodfoundation.com/events_custom/annual-9-11-naming-ceremony/
The FealGood Foundation ceremony will remember first responders who have died from a 9/11-related illness. Occupancy will be limited to 50% capacity; masks and social distancing required. Hand sanitizer, tissues and water bottles will be distributed. Viewing of the wall will be limited to one family at a time.
Robert Brodsky is a breaking news reporter who has worked at Newsday since 2011. He is a Queens College and American University alum.
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