The crowd had gathered on the eleventh anniversary of the 9/11 attack on our World Trade Center and Pentagon. The moderator for the evening at the American Legion Post 8 was Peter Parente, President of the United Veterans Memorial and Patriotic Association. He recalled last year’s celebration when 2,997 flags were placed on the front lawn of New Rochelle City Hall. This year he said was a closer and more intimate setting for the ceremony. Candles were distributed and lit by the people present.
A honor guard of four members of the United Veterans and Memorial Association wearing fatigue uniforms led the group of Boy and Cub Scouts and New Rochelle Firemen in uniform to the front of the hall. Commander Jim Lasser stood with these groups paying attention while the Boy and Cub Scouts of Troops 1, 11 and 40 led the salute and Pledge of Allegiance. In the opening prayer, the new Pastor of St. Joseph’s Church, Rev. Father Edward O”Halloran sought the blessings of God especially for “our brothers and sisters” who died in 2001 in the World Trade Center, Pentagon and in a field in Pennsylvania. He prayed for the armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, both those that have lost their lives and those still engaged there, concluding,”our prayer strengthens us as a Nation under God.”
The sweet, lilting voice of Andrea Milligram was heard as she sang the Star Spangled Banner. First responders, especially the Fire Department, Parente continued, were unforgettable for their losses. “Terrorists robbed our Country of more than 3,000 people and “since the shock of Pearl Harbor, this day ranks as the most devastating day of our times. We will never forget. Survivors live in pain every single day.” It is our men in uniform that are protecting us. Children must be educated. “We are the home of the free.” For eleven long years we have been safe, he continued, because of our “first responders, police, firemen and troops overseas.”
“This Country was founded with the idea of liberty,” former State Assemblyman and State Commissioner of Veteran Affairs Ron Tocci stated. The families of people lost face tremendous sacrifices without their loved ones. ” First responders knew they may not come out alive. Now veterans are returning home to no jobs.” Our nation is always the first to give relief and to volunteer to help others, he stated, ending with if “we believe in freedom…we are going to be fine.” Characterizing himself as “unworthy to speak,” Jim Killoran, Executive Director of Westchester Habitat for Humanity, praised the guts of the firemen, policemen and veterans. His organization is working to bring foreclosed homes to veterans. Alluding to the two proposals for the New Rochelle Armory, he said “Maybe the two groups can work together.” The Armory’s use as a place to store supplies for the cleanup after 9/11 at the World Trade Center was recalled.
John D’Alois then read off the names of New Rochelle residents and Iona graduates who had died on 9/11. Two New Rochelle residents’ names who died, Alez Ciccone and David Silver, along with the Iona Graduates: Thomas W. Hohlweck, Joseph P. Kellett, Michael A. Lepore, Laura M. Longing, Michael F. Lynch, Francis N. Mc Guinn, Dennis P. Mc Hugh, Michael E. Mc Hugh, Robert Mc Padden, Diana J. O’Connor, Joseph R. Riverso, Edward Ryan. Joseph Spor, Sean P. Tallon and Joanna Vidal were recited. D’Alois concluded: We will always remember “how these people lived their lives.” People in the audience were then given an opportunity to state the names of any other loved ones who perished.
After Amazing Grace was sung by those assembled, the candles were extinguished and Father Martin Biglin, Chaplin of the New Rochelle Fire Department and Vicar of the Sound Shore Vicariate, stated he was “privileged to give the blessing.” He felt that the work ahead is for “peace and justice…We will honor September ll today. Each of us…remembers those in heaven and on earth…We give service to you our God and pray for a true and lasting peace.”
