Village of Lynbrook Remembers 9/11 Victims

Smoke raised, dust fell and lives were forever changed.

Ten years ago the tragedy that struck the United States still resonates with us today — and on the 10th anniversary Sunday evening, the Village of Lynbrook held a 9/11 memorial ceremony at Memorial Park to honor those who lost their lives.

The hour-long ceremony, which featured the dedication of , began with the pledge of allegiance followed by the national anthem and welcome address from Mayor William Hendrick.

“It seems like only yesterday that we watched two [buildings] fall to the ground,” Hendrick said. “As with Pearl Harbor, our land had been attacked ... never again will our lives be the same. ... We must remember and teach our children to remember, not only on our 10th anniversary, but our 50th and 100th.”

Nineteen names were read aloud by Deputy Mayor Alan Beach, Trustee Hilary Becker, Trustee Michael Hawxhurst and Trustee Thomas Atkinson in remembrance, as family members received a white flower from the Lynbrook Junior Fire Department and placed it on a memorial stone.

“What words could ever explain the day that commends with such heinous acts of cruelty? [The day] that demonstrated the worst side of mankind, but ended with the most selfless acts of heroism that reflected the best of all humanity," New York State Assemblyman Brian Curran said.

“It is, and always will be, my core belief that someday, you will again see your father or your mother, your brother or your sister, your spouse or your child sitting on the steps of heaven where they have been patiently waiting,” Curran added.

After a moment of silence, "Amazing Grace" was played by the Glor Na nGael Pipes and Drums Band, followed by closing prayers and the singing of "God Bless America" by a young Mr. John DiCaro.

In near closing, Deputy Mayor Beach stood before those in attendance and discussed America's true character, which he said was on full display on 9/11 despite all that had happened. He also told the crowd what he learned most from that day.

"What I’ve come to realize over the years is that we should never take our loved ones for granted," Beach said. "The greatest and only valuable we have in life are the people we love and the ones that love us back.”

Hendrick ended the ceremony with the following words: “We must quietly, but safely, protect the American way — we must never forget."