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Commack School District hosted its annual 9/11 Remembrance Memorial Service on Sunday, September 11. This year’s event billed as “A Day Of Remembrance” was dedicated to the men and women who died on September 11, 2001 and to first responders who helped in the recovery effort.
Once again the Commack community showed its willingness to keep the memory of those who were victims of 9/11 alive. Once again the community opened its heart and sent a message of love, unity and appreciation to the families who have suffered the unimaginable.
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Sunday’s event was Commack’s fifteenth annual 9/11 event. It was also Congressman Steve Israel and NYS Senator John Flanagan’s 15th appearance. Both men spoke about the horror of the day and how Americans came together after 9/11. Congressman Israel spoke of the uncertainty he felt immediately after the attacks. He drew applause from the audience when he spoke of the legislation passed by both houses allowing victims and families to sue Saudi Arabia, holding them responsible for the acts of terrorism. This will be Congressman Israel’s last official appearance since he is not seeking re-election. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone attended but did not speak.
The hour and a half ceremony included the Commack Fire Department, Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corp, Huntington Detachment #792, NYPD Color Guard. Bag Pipes were played by Mike Molloy and Chris Toomey.
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Debbie Virga, the force behind the past fifteen years, was recognized for her unwavering commitment to keeping the memory of 9/11 alive. She was presented with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol Bldg. in Washington D.C.. The flag was presented by John Feal and Martin Aponte of the FealGood Foundation and 9/11 Responders Remembered Park.
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The 2016 Day of Remeberance ended with the reading of names and placing of wreaths followed by a flyover by a Suffolk County Police Helicopter.
For the fifteenth year attendees left a piece of their hearts at Commack HS.