Groundbreaking Ceremony For 9/11 Responders Remembered Park

By Pat Biancaniello

Legislator John Kennedy speaking at groundbreaking ceremonyNesconset - Sunday April 3, 2011 was the site of a fundraising event and the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the 911 Responders Remembered Park.  The 911 Responders Remembered Park is being created as a tribute to the memories of the men and women who were the first responders at the devastation of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2011.  The memorial park is recognition for those who sacrificed their health and too often their lives as a result of illnesses they contracted as first responders on 911. 

Over 500 people were in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony, some to volunteer, some to raise funds, and some came to show support.  Also present were families and children of some of the heroes.  They came to pay tribute to their loved ones.  This Remembrance Park is the first of its kind. It is a living “Wall” with names to be added as people succumb to their illnesses. The committee, in its mission statement states: “Since that dark day in history, hundreds and soon to be thousands have lost their lives to 9/11 related illnesses; giants amongst heroes taken from us too soon. The 9/11 Responder Remembrance Park is being dedicated to those brave souls to show their loved ones and families that their heroic actions will never be forgotten.” The first responders came from all walks of life they are police, firefighters, medical and trades people. They are the people who answered the call for help.  John Feal - Founder of FealGood Foundation

With elected officials looking on, the children of some of the deceased first responders, held the shovels representing the first step in recognizing their relative who died not on September 11th but died from illnesses contracted from their actions on 911. People from the community looked on in solemn remembrance as did people who came from much farther distances some as far as Pennsylvania, Delaware and California.

Errol Toulon, president of the 911 Responders Remembered Park Committee, was a Captain in the NYCPD on September 1, 2011.  On duty at the time his responsibility was to protect the millions of rounds of ammunition and thousands of firearms,  “When the attacks occurred, no one knew what target would be next, so the men and women assigned to the Firearms & Tactics Unit had to remain on the compound to protect the millions of rounds of munitions and thousands of firearms secured at the unit in case anyone tried to take it over.” 

According to its website the goal of the 911 Responders Remembered Park is to recognize the heroes who have died, and continue to die since September 11, 2001.  “While we respect the rectitude of all who proudly ran toward the flames on September 11th, our unique and one-of-a-kind wall will only let the heroes we’ve described herein because we do believe they too need individual recognition.”

Legislator John Kennedy formed the 911 Responders Remembered Park Committee over sixteen months ago.  The plan is for a dedication ceremony to be held on September 11, 2011.  The designer, Joe Yacobellis of Mancini Architecture PLLC, is very optimistic that this will come to fruition as scheduled.  “There has been a lot of support from individuals in the community as well as businesses in and outside of Nesconset.   Volunteers will play a big role in this project as it is being funded solely through donations.  I am very proud to be a part of this project.”

The April 3 fundraiser (the second for the project) raised $21,000 bringing the committee closer to its goal of $150,000.  It is not too late to donate and if you wish to do so donations can be made to 911 Responders Remembered Park, Inc.  PO Box 81, Nesconset, NY 11767 - 0372 or www.respondersremembered.com.9/11 Responder Trustees Vincent Puleo John Feal Anthony Flammia Glen Klein Errol Toulon, Jr. James T. Ryder 9/11 Widow Trustees Greta Helmke Eileen Ryan Rita Brophy Therese Quibell Tracy Zane Judi Simmons Trustees Leg. John M. Kennedy Steven Grossman Peter Hanson Vincent Monaco Architect Mark Mancini Joe Yacobellis Web Designer Bryan Spano (Not all present in photo) 

“The most poignant moment for me during Sunday’s ground breaking ceremony for the 911 Responders Remembered Memorial Park was when the parents, widows and children of the fallen were at the podium. It was terribly sad to see the young families who have been harmed by the continuing effects of the 911 terrorists attacks. But even against that backdrop it was uplifting and heartwarming to see the community and our elected officials working together to not only have this memorial erected but to also make sure that these families continue to have the resources they need. Everyone involved with the 911 Responders Remembered Memorial and with the ground breaking event should be applauded for their hard work and commended for the result.” Ed Maher, Chairperson, Smithtown Democratic Committee