Hundreds Gather In Nesconset To Honor 9/11 First Responders

Hundreds of people attended a ceremony at the 911 Responders Remembered Park Saturday. The September 12th ceremony, an annual event, honors the memory of those who have passed away during the last year from causes directly related to their activity at ground zero. The memorial wall now contains the names of almost 1,700 people of different backgrounds, occupations, religions, gender, ethnicity with one thing in common, they were at ground zero when it was dangerous.

The ceremony was emotional as the names of 170 people who died this year from 9/11 health related illnesses were read. The reading was followed by the ringing of a bell. Sobbing could be heard and heartbreak could be seen in the faces of the attendees.

Nesconset resident John Feal is the person responsible for the creation of the 911 Responders Remembered Park. Feal was injured while working at ground zero. After recovering from his injury he committed himself to recognizing the efforts of the people who worked at the site whether they acted in an official capacity or as a volunteer. John perservered and the help of others the park officially opened in 2011.

The park considered by John Feal  to be his “legacy”  is so much more, it is a place for remembering the lives of loved ones. 

Visitors often trace the name of a special person, others leave photos and some leave flowers. “Everyone leaves a piece of their heart ” said one attendee who preferred not to give her name.

911 Responders Remembered Park is located at Smithtown Blvd. and Gibbs Pond Rd, Nesconset.