Huntington Ceremony Honors 9/11 Victims

Ten years removed from the terrorist attacks of 9/11, hundreds were on hand at Heckscher Park Saturday to reflect and pay tribute to those lost that tragic day.

“Today is not a celebration, it’s a ceremony,” said event emcee and Huntington Veterans Advisory Council Chair Mario Buonpone. "Today is a day of reflection. We hope that we bring forth a little hope.”

The event, sponsored by the in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs, included contributions from elected officials, veterans organizations and volunteers who offered speeches, prayers and tributes to 43 Huntington residents lost during the attacks.

The names of local victims were read by Huntington Town Board members. A bell tolled for each as family members and friends of victims sat nearby.

Speaking to those in attendance, Rep. Steve Israel, D-Huntington, said the best way to honor Huntingtonians lost is to trample over evil, help first responders still suffering from physical aftereffects and to remember military veterans each day.

"We cannot begin to comprehend for a moment the pain that families felt," said Israel. "As we remember those we lost, I hope we will consider what we found.

Calling it a difficult week, Town Board member Susan Berland remembered her close friend, Glen Winnick, a volunteer with the Jericho Fire Department who perished when the second World Trade Center tower came down as he attempted to help people evacuate the building.

"It's very tough for all of us. It's good that we are all here together to give each other hope and give each other camaraderie," Berland said. "Let us keep hope alive and let us try to be the best people that we can be so we can pay the honor that is deserved to all of the people that were lost that day."

Town Board member Mark Cuthbertson said the memorial service commemorated one of the darkest days in U.S. history.

"The fact is that our routines in so many of our lives were shattered on that day, today no monument, no memorial, no words can adequately reflect the hole that was ripped in our nation and our community on that day," Cuthbertson said.

People should remember those that perished, said Town Board member Mark Mayoka. "And honor the legacy of fortitude and courage that makes our nation great."

Mayoka, in Manhattan on Sept. 11, reflected on the events of the day.

“Women were crying in the streets and business paper fell like snow. I try to block out what took place in that time period," Mayoka said. "A few hours later, I found myself walking over the Williamsburg Bridge grateful to be alive and given a second chance.”

Kind acts demonstrated in the days following 9/11 should be continued always, according to Town Board member Glenda Jackson.

"Today, each one reach one and teach one," Jackson said. "Continue to assist in reaching those common goals of the greater good."

Veterans groups, including the Huntington Detachment of the Marine Corps League, Greenlawn American Legion, Northport American Legion, Jewish War Veterans, American Ex-POWs and Disabled American Veterans, were well represented at the event, which began at 10 a.m.

Bill Ober, commandant of the Huntington Chapter of the Marine Corps League, placed roses at the park 9/11 memorial for each of the victims lost in the attacks. A rifle salute was presented by a detachment of former Marines to honor military members lost in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Music tributes were provided by The Huntington Men's Choir, directed by Thomas Jones, which sang the "National Anthem," "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America." The Northport Pipe and Drum Band played "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes. Two buglers played "Taps."

The Rev. Andrew Hart of Old First Presbyterian Church in Huntington gave the benediction. An invocation was made by Msgr. Thomas Colgan from St. Philip Neri Roman Catholic Church in Northport.

David Mckell recited the poem "Remembrance" to honor victims.

Conner Murphy of Northport High School recited the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone, visiting his daughter who is serving as an officer in the U.S. Air Force in Biloxi, Miss., was not present at the ceremony. Cuthbertson said the supervisor sent his regrets for missing the event.

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