Photos: Coastal Communities Gather For Candlelight Vigil On Sandy Anniversary

Members of Sandy-affected communities along the East Coast paid respect to what was lost during the storm, lighting candles and wielding flashlights to “light up the shore” on the first anniversary of the flooding.

Light Up the Shore events were held in Gerritsen Beach, Sheepshead Bay and Brighton Beach, joining others in all five boroughs, New Jersey and elsewhere. Candles were lit and a moment of silence held for those who perished from the superstorm at 7:45 p.m., the time when Sandy made landfall.

About 35 neighbors attended the Sheepshead Bay event, held on Emmons Avenue and organized by Empower Sheepshead, a long-term recovery group. In Brighton Beach, at the event organized by the Shorefront Y, approximately 60 people held candles on the boardwalk.

Prior to the candle lighting, organizers and speakers remarked of the importance of coming together as a community during tragedy, and on the unity that emerged in Sandy’s wake. Prayers were said and white roses were tossed into Sheepshead Bay to commemorate those who died in the storm.

Representatives of various organizations, including Red Cross and Project Hope, attended the events and provided counseling for those still suffering.

Photos of the Sheepshead Bay event by Ned Berke. Photos of the Brighton Beach event by Max Bolotov.