By Hank Russell
The Towns of Oyster Bay and Riverhead will host ceremonies to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Oyster Bay will host its annual September 11th Memorial Ceremony scheduled for September 9th at 7:00 p.m. at TOBAY Beach. As part of the ceremony, the town will unveil the latest list of names added to both its memorial and its “Walls of Honor.” The new list recognizes local residents who have passed away from 9/11-related illnesses.
“This year marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, and to honor those we have lost, we invite all residents to join us at our annual September 11th Memorial Ceremony,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “This remembrance ceremony features music, religious readings, a light tribute, and a reading of the names inscribed on the Town’s 9/11 wall.”
The town’s 9/11 Memorial — featuring a steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center — is inscribed with the names of residents lost on September 11, 2001. The Walls of Honor monument expands each year with newly inscribed names of those who lost their battle with 9/11-illness caused by exposure at Ground Zero.
The Town of Riverhead, meanwhile, will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks with a memorial ceremony on September 11 at 10:00 a.m. at the Calverton 9/11 Memorial, located at the corner of Edwards Avenue and Riley Avenue in Calverton.
Hosted by Town Clerk Jim Wooten, the ceremony will honor the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, recognize the heroism and sacrifices of first responders and recovery personnel, and reflect on the resilience, strength, and unity demonstrated by communities across the nation in the years since that historic day.
The ceremony is open to the public and residents are encouraged to join town officials, employees, first responders, veterans, and community members in paying tribute to those affected by the events of September 11, 2001.
In recognition of the importance of this anniversary, Supervisor Jerry Halpin has authorized a delayed opening of Town Hall until 11:30 a.m. to allow town employees the opportunity to attend the memorial service.
For more information on the Oyster Bay event, visit www.oysterbaytown.com or contact the town’s Department of Community & Youth Services at (516) 797-7925. For the Riverhead event, call (631) 727-3200.