During a candlelight vigil on Sunday evening, more than 200 Rockville Centre residents gathered at the Village Green with family members and friends to remember the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. Those who lost loved ones shared their stories with the crowd and took part in the unveiling of a new 9/11 monument — created from World Trade Center beams — which will be erected on North Forest Avenue.
After South Side Middle School students read the names of the 48 RVC residents who died during the Sept. 11 attacks, the crowd listened intently as community members Theresa Cove and Russ Siller addressed the crowd. Both Cove and Siller lost their spouses in the World Trade Center.
“As we remember and honor to legacy of those who’s voices were silenced and unveil this beautiful memorial, we remember the courage it took to lift ourselves to a higher level rather than letting extremists bring us down,” Cove said. “We will continue to feel strong and resilient throughout our lives if we continue to move forward with positive hope for the future.”
As Siller took the microphone, he expressed his appreciation for the support the RVC community has provided him over the past ten years. “We’ve all been engaged in a ten-year attack that was as sudden as it was brutal,” he said. “Although the past ten years have been difficult, I’ve made some dear and very beloved friends in this town.”
At the end of the ceremony, the St. Agnes Choir performed God Bless America as members of the RVC and New York City police and fire departments uncovered the steel monument.
“We hope all of those who gathered here tonight will never forget what happened in New York City, Washington D.C., and Shanksville, PA,” said Larry Quinn, who presented the monument. “But especially and most importantly, we hope they won’t forget the residents of the village of Rockville Centre who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.”
