Hempstead Town Remembers Those Lost on 9/11

Calm weather greeted hundreds of Long Island residents early Saturday morning in Point Lookout for the Town of Hempstead's 9/11 Memorial Service, which honored the 190 residents killed on Sept. 11, 2001.

"Despite the passage of time, the images remain vivid," said Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray. "The pain is still overwhelming and we continue to wonder whether wounds so deep can ever really heal."

The patriotic ceremony included flags at half-mast, the Pledge of Allegiance led by FDNY firefighter John Guarino, the National Anthem by Fred McFarland of the Levittown Fire Department; and "Amazing Grace," performed by bagpiper Andy McDicken of the Clan Gordon Highlanders of Locust Valley.

Lynbrook resident Barbara Stern was called upon to share the memory of losing her son, Andrew, who was working for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower when the first plane hit.

"These nine years have been very difficult for this family, and although we will probably never be the same, we've come a long way since our world, along with the World Trade Center, collapsed around us," Stern said, pausing several times to fight back emotion. "Thankfully, we had each other, and have only grown stronger with our shared grief."

Several guest speakers took the opportunity to encourage people to take a stand against bigotry and hatred, and to come together as Americans.

"The tragedy of 9/11 has taught us that we are one in the eyes of God, that we are Americans — white, black, young, old, rich and poor," said The Rev. Eric Mallette of Freeport's Greater Second Baptist Church. "America is our home. America is our family … America, love it or leave it, for red, for white, and for blue, God bless America. We love you."

The ceremony concluded with the releasing of white doves, followed by "God Bless America." Residents were invited to place white carnations and messages attached to small American flags at the 9/11 memorial, a reflecting pool with two chrome towers.