Never forget: Lynbrook residents reflect on 9/11 at annual ceremony

Lynbrook Mayor William Hendrick stood at the podium at Memorial Park and delivered an impassioned speech to the many residents, elected officials, police officers and firefighters who gathered to honor those who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

“This is the 16th year and we’re looking around and people are saying, ‘We’re so glad that you’re doing this again,’” Hendrick said about the annual ceremony, which was held Monday. “Well, we’re all so glad. You don’t forget that simply. This was an attack on our brothers, our sisters and our way of life. You never forget that.”

The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Lynbrook Police Chief Joseph Neve and Fire Chief Carl Lengel. Daniel Mendelson sang the National Anthem and later, “God Bless America.”

Father Richard Stelter of Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church delivered the Invocation. “We remember Sept. 11, 2001, and pray for all those who were affected by the terrible events of that day,” Stelter said. “We remember with love and respect all those who went tragically to their death.”

Deputy Mayor Alan Beach and Trustees Hilary Becker, Michael Hawxhurst and Ann Marie Reardon then read all of the names of those with ties to Lynbrook who died that day. As the names were announced, family members of many of the victims placed a flower on memorials that bear their loved ones’ name.

The sounds of the bells and taps played and Mac na hEireann Pipes and Drums played “Amazing Grace.” Rabbi Sandra Bellush of Temple Am Echad and Rabbi Howard Diamond of Congregation B’nai Sholom Beth David delivered the closing prayer.

“The years pass, but the memories of those we lost on Sept. 11 remain strong in our hearts,” Bellush said. “We ask you God to allow their memories to continue to inspire us and help us make this world a better, safer and more loving place.”