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“We light the tree for the town and the kids. We don’t need to light it for the park for it is lit by the resolve of those who have their names on the walls. This is a testament to them.” John Feal, FealGood Foundation.
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Hauppauge HS Chamber ChoirSunday evening’s tree lighting ceremony at the 9/11 Responders Remembered Park was a wonderful reminder of how the Smithtown community comes together to support and memorialize 9/11 responders. The 100 or so people who attended the ceremony were treated to the melodic voice of Caitlin Beirne, 13, a student at St. Patricks School in Smithtown. Caitlin sang Hallelujah and Silent Night. Also singing;)
Caitlin Beirne was the wonderful Hauppauge HS Chamber Choir. Hauppauge has a long history of having an outstanding music program with students excelling in both instrument and voice. The students who performed Sunday evening were a credit to the Hauppauge School District and the Hauppauge community. Their first song Auld Lang Syne brought tears to the eyes and their rendition of Hark the Herald Angel was heavenly.
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Martin Aponte, president of the 9/11 Responders Remembered Park, John Feal, president of the FealGood Foundation, Legislator Leslie Kennedy and County Comptroller John Kennedy, Reverend Bill Minson all participated in the ceremony. They were place holders for the main event Santa Claus lighting the Star on the tree. Santa showed up via Nesconset Fire Department to the delight of the young children who waited patiently.
9/11 Responders Remembered Park is located at 316 Smithtown Blvd, Nesconset, NY 11767