On Sept. 14, the Annual 9/11 Naming Ceremony took place at the 9/11 Responders Remembered Park in Nesconset, NY, under a brilliant blue sky so reminiscent of that dark day in our nation’s history of the September 11 attacks in 2001.
With more than 400 elected officials, first responders, families, and community volunteers in attendance, this solemn ceremony honored and recognized the heroes who have died and continue to die since 9/11. Sadly, 303 names were added to the Memorial Wall who have passed away this past year alone from 9/11-related illnesses.
The Nassau County Firefighters Pipes & Drums opened the ceremony, followed by speeches, inspirational songs and the reading of the names.
The crowd sat in silence for 40 minutes as only the sound of the names and the ringing of the bell could be heard to respectfully honor the 303 heroes added to the 2,289 heroes already named on the Memorial Wall.
“It’s a day to remember. A harsh reminder of why we lost our loved ones and a stark reminder of the pain we all faced on 9/11,” said John Feal, Founder & President of the FealGood Foundation.
The FealGood Foundation is dedicated to assisting those affected by 9/11 and advocating for first responder rights. In the 23 years since the 9/11 attacks, Feal has helped pass 19 separate pieces of legislation and is actively involved with the World Trade Center Health Program that needs $3 billion in additional funding.
“Today is a reminder that as soon as we stop talking about our loved ones on the wall, we have died twice,” Feal emphasized. “We are not going to let that happen. We are going to continue to add names to this wall.”
There are plans to add another granite slab to the Memorial Wall and that will require $80,000 through donations that can be made at www.respondersremembered.com.
The 9/11 Responders Remembered Park, which had its groundbreaking ceremony on April 3, 2011, is the first of its kind for those who sacrificed their health and lives as a result of their duties on 9/11.
“Courage, Honor, and Sacrifice” are etched at the top of the 6-foot granite walls … words that embrace and reflect the character and story of these true heroes.
“I pray you will all come back to show your support next year when the family members are crying,” Feal concluded.
True heroes are never forgotten, and while they will always have a special place in our hearts, it is comforting for first responders and families to have this special Memorial Park to go to honor and remember their loved ones.
