The solemn 9-11 Memorial and Candlelight Vigil was “something we must do to get through this tragic day.” Peter Parente President of the United Veterans Memorial & Patriotic Association and moderator continued, “We must never forget where we came from.” He cited the importance of the New Rochelle Armory which was supposed to be the original site for this event but instead was held at the American Legion Post 8 in New Rochelle because of inclement weather.
Parente reinforced the significance of the New Rochelle Armory since it was used to store needed medical supplies and food for use by the 9-11 rescue workers. He reflected further on those people who had lost their lives on 9-11 and those who went into the trenches to go through the rubble. Urging that we keep these people in our prayers, Parente continued, these are the people protecting us so we can be safe here.” Suggesting that everyone should buy a flag and display it proudly, he added that on Stevenson Boulevard it was gratifying to see “two dozen flags in a row.”
The huge crowd applauded loudly and even gave a standing ovation as the various groups there: Cub Scouts and Daisy Scouts, Iona College Bagpipes, New Rochelle Fire and Police Departments, Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Armed Forces units and others were introduced. Parente stated that this is the “best country in the world.”
Ronald Tocci, former Deputy Commissioner of New York State Veterans Affairs, in his welcoming stated this ceremony was a “tribute to the spirit of this community.” There were all kinds of heroism by so many people in the course of a few hours on 9-11. Citing those contacting loved ones from the Twin Towers he said they only had a few minutes to say what their lives stood for. This tragedy paralleled Pearl Harbor. The American public was the first to respond with humanitarian aid. “Thank God America is still around,” he said. While Congress debates we should always remember the sacrifices made by so many. Further, he stated, “The spirit of 9-11 should be instilled in young people.
The dignitaries attending were announced: Westchester County Clerk Tim Idoni,
Republican candidate for Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, New Rochelle City Council members Marianne Sussman, Albert Tarantino and Lou Trangucci, Westchester County Legislators Jim Maisano and Vito Pinto and New Rochelle Commissioners Ray Kiernan and Patrick Carroll. A proclamation from Congresswoman Nita Lowey was read.
Stating, “Songs help us heal,” guitarist Bob Lebensold led a musical interlude of “America the Beautiful.”
Saving the Armory was a priority for Jim Killoran, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, because it was “holy ground” and more soldiers came through it than any other Westchester location. His mission now is to make sure veterans returning from Iraq have a place to live.
The New Rochelle Fire Commissioner, Ray Kiernan, and the New Rochelle Police Commissioner, Patrick Carroll, both addressed the contributions of members of their departments who aided in 9-1l. The Iona Bagpipers played “Amazing Grace,” and this was followed by a moment of silence for all those who perished. John D’Alois read the names of the New Rochelle residents who perished: Alex Cicone and Donald Silver. Then Lorraine Pierce read names of Iona Alumni who died: Thomas Hohlweck, Joseph Kellett, Michael Lepore, Laura Longing, Michael Lynch, Francis McGuinn, Dennis and Michael McHugh, Robert McPadden, Diana O’Connor, Joseph Riverso, Edward Ryan, Joseph Spor, Sean Tallon and Joanna Vidal.
Parente asked everyone to pray for the families of the victims and continued that there are more problems to come since the workers who were in the area were breathing polluted air and this could still impact their health. He drew attention to the program which had pictures of a bald eagle crying and a face of the Statue of Liberty also crying. These were both reminders in Parente’s view that while some people do not like us, we do in this country love one another. The program ended with the singing of God Bless America.
