Long Islanders take time to reflect on 9/11 anniversary

From the shores of Point Lookout at dawn to the village windmill at East Hampton at dusk, Long Islanders marked the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks with somber tributes, prayers, readings and memorial gatherings.

Fire companies across the Island led many of the ceremonies, while those who lost a loved one or were otherwise touched by the tragedy attended to pay tribute. The resounding message of each: Never forget the lost, the heroes, of that terrible day.

With waves crashing at Point Lookout, hundreds gathered on the beach at 7:30 a.m. for the Town of Hempstead's 9/11 memorial.

The centerpiece of this year's event was a chrome replica of the World Trade Center.

A trickling waterfall was added to the monument this year. It glimmered under the sun as Supervisor Kate Murray urged attendees to never forget the heroes of 9/11 who rushed into burning buildings, but didn't make it out alive.

"Terrorists may have killed our loved ones, but they never will destroy their legacy," Murray said. About 900 people attended the ceremony, said town spokesman Mike Deery.

SEE PHOTOS9/11/2001 in photos

At close of the hourlong ceremony, doves were released and people crowded around the monument, tossing white carnations into a pool at its base.

Some, like Charles Cox, 52, of Long Beach, stuck small American flags in the sand around the monument. Cox said he left a note on the flag in the memory of his brother-in-law, Kenny Phelan, a New York City firefighter lieutenant who perished nine years ago yesterday at 39.

"He's always in our hearts and we miss him," Cox said of Phelan, whose four children are now ages 17 to 25. -KEITH HERBERT

Among the bustle of preparations for a street fair along Larkfield Road, the East Northport Fire Department held a solemn ceremony honoring those killed in the Sept. 11 attacks.

The two soundings of the fire siren to recognize the falling of the two towers, a four-gun salute and the release of 21 white doves symbolizing the spirits of the victims were among the moments honoring those who died.

Some of the 100 spectators attending the event covered their heart with their right hand as "Taps" was played, and Alison Day sang a somber version of "God Bless America." Dozens of firefighters in dress uniforms saluted under a huge American flag supported by two fire ladder trucks across the avenue. Bagpipers played "Amazing Grace" as tears welled up in the eyes of the onlookers.

"In a matter of moments, the world as we knew it came tumbling down and was forever changed," said Frank Giovinco of the East Northport FD on a beautifully sunny, crisp day, reminiscent of the day when the buildings came tumbling down nine years earlier. -STACEY ALTHERR

Donna Angelini, wife of New York City firefighter Joseph Angelini Jr., stood beside a memorial to her husband at a park in Lindenhurst, describing the pain she still feels over her loss. He and his father, Joseph Angelini Sr., also a city firefighter, were killed Sept 11.

"It doesn't get any easier," she said in the shade beside a small brook at the park, dedicated to eight people from Lindenhurst who perished in the attacks. "The phone calls from people, the ceremonies, it's all so nice, but the reality is he's still not going to come in the door, and I feel that every day."

Two of the couple's children could not come to the ceremony yesterday, Angelini said, because of the emotional pain. "It seems to be getting worse for them," she said. Their only solace: "I can hold them."

Angelini was given keys to the small, tranquil park, after locks were put on the gates to keep out vandals. She comes here often, she said, to walk the curved brick walk and sit on a bench across from an engraving of her husband. "It's very tranquil and peaceful." -MARK HARRINGTON

At the Islamic Center of Long Island in Westbury, a peace garden commemorating 9/11 included marigolds, petunias - and tomato plants.

About 150 people dedicated a peace garden following an interfaith ceremony yesterday.

The peace garden, which also features roses and chrysanthemums, is in front of the Islamic Center's main entrance and was created "to commemorate the lives that we lost," said Seemi Habeeb, of Searingtown, a member of the center's board of trustees.

"We must therefore, on this somber anniversary of a monumental tragedy, resolve that we will reclaim the original spirit of community, humility and grace," Habeeb said.

The Rev. Mark Lukens of the Long Island Interfaith Alliance said that terrorists hoped their crimes would tear Americans apart.

"We proclaim that we will stand together, arm in arm," Lukens said.

Rabbi Meir Feldman, of Temple Beth El in Great Neck, said the rising of America's star depends on how we relate to each other, starting at Ground Zero, which should be a "sacred place" and "rededicated to the faces of God."

Another speaker, Hofstra University professor Michael D'Innocenzo, said many people in America suffer from Islamophobia, which can spawn bigotry.

"It needs to be addressed," said D'Innocenzo, who teaches nonviolent social change. -KEITH HERBERT