Hundreds Gather At Marine Park To Honor Lives Lost On 9/11

On a mellow summer evening, while the sun gathered below the leafy trees, hundreds of people assembled at Marine Park Friday to light candles, wave the American flag, and remember the lives lost 14 years earlier when two planes smashed into the Twin Towers.

State Senator Martin Golden hosted the service, which included a 21 gun salute, a moment of silence, and several ballads sung by retired police sergeant Louis Licalzi.

“We are more united than ever. We will continue to honor the memories of those who served and lost their lives on September 11,” Golden told the crowd. “Our sadness on this solemn day will never cease. And for that, we shall never forget.”

Marine Park resident Sandra Gilmour said it was important to honor those lost and to understand that the tremors of September 11 are still being felt around the world.

“It’s hard to figure out what to say when remembering 9/11. In a sense, it’s still continuing with what’s going on in the world,” she said. “Look at the refugees coming from the Middle East.”

Disabled corrections officer Christopher Iengo said he came to remember the sacrifice of his friend, Michael Ragusa, one of the firefighters killed when the towers collapsed.

“I come out every year no matter where the ceremonies are. It’s a promise I made,” he said. “It’s important to remind people what happened and to do what we can to make the world a safer place.”