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“Sunday’s ceremony was a collaboration of the World Trade Center health clinic run by Dr. Luft, the FealGood Foundation and the 9/11 Responders Remembered Park. The message was, we stand in solidarity with the victims of terrorism in Paris and around the world.” Martin Aponte
Terrorism was on the minds of the people who attended the ceremony at 9/11 Responders Remembered Park in Nesconset Sunday morning. The park is dedicated to first responders who lost their lives as a result of their responding to 9/11 sites.
The ceremony was organized by Dr. Benjamen Luft, director of the Stony Brook World Trade Center Wellness Program. The goal of the ceremony was to show support for the most recent victims of terrorism in Paris and Mali.
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9/11 First Responder Glenn Klein and son Evan;)
Dignitaries included County Executive Steve Bellone, NYS Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick, Legislator Leslie Kennedy and Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy.
John Feal, founder of the FealGood Foundation and Martin Aponte, president of the 9/11 Responders Remembered Park stood with the dignitaries. John talking about how precious life is. Martin, quietly wearing his angst in the furrow of his brow.
Many in the audience of approximately seventy people had been to the park ;)
before. Some were remembering 9/11 and others were remembering the ceremonies where names of recent deceased responders were added to the granite walls. Sunday’s ceremony was a solemn but necessary ceremony for those who wanted the people in France and Mali to know that Americans were hurting for them and with them.
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Smithtown student singing God Bless AmericaAccording to one attendee, John Feal’s reminder that everyone will die but people need to get on with living was a strong reminder of how precious and short life is.
The ceremony was an opportunity to stand in unity with those who have suffered at the hands of terrorist. A chance to show empathy and compassion.
“They are us and we are them” said County Executive Steve Bellone.