Number of Participants: 100
Hours Donated: 1
Value of Time Served: $845
Event Type: Veterans & Military Families
Sport: Other
Date: September 11, 2024
Location:
Seaford
NY, USA
About:
It was an “iconic night of remembrance,” Seaford School District Superintendent Dr. Adele Pecora noted, as one of the largest crowds in recent memory gathered in front of Seaford High School for the 23rd annual 9/11 Memorial Candle Lighting Ceremony. A gathering of educators, students, first responders, community leaders, residents, and current and former elected officials paid tribute to all who died as a result of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Five Seaford High School graduates lost their lives at the World Trade Center – Timothy Haskell (Class of 1985), Thomas Haskell (1982), John Perry (1982), Robert Sliwak (1977) and Michael Wittenstein (1985). Their loved ones lined the bench in front of the 9/11 memorial, while thousands of others filled out the front lawn on both sides of the front walkway.
Retired Principal Raymond J. Buckley opened the ceremony by welcoming everyone on behalf of the four families and thanking the community for its continued support of the Seaford 9/11 Memorial Committee, which hosted the program. Flags were presented by the Nassau County Police Department Color Guard, accompanied by the Nasau County Police Pipe and Drum band. After Dr. Pecora led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, the Seaford High School marching band, under the direction of Dr. Anthony Romeo and Chris Coniglio, played the national anthem.
Dr. Pecora noted that the continued large gathering of residents at the 9/11 every year reflects the civic-mindedness of the Seaford community. Later, past recipients of the Patriot Award presented Dr. Pecora with more than 2,500 signed commitments to service from students, teachers and community members. The annual tradition is a visible representation of the 9/11 Memorial Committee’s motto, “Service, Character and Commitment.”
Former Congressman Peter King, a Seaford resident, described Sept. 11, 2001, as both the country’s darkest day and its finest hour, as people demonstrated that the American spirit could not be put down. Having attended 9/11 ceremonies across the country, he said few are close to the magnitude of Seaford’s.
Kenneth Haskell, brother of Timothy and Thomas, said it was a day to remember all those who were lost in the attacks, the war on terror and from 9/11-related illnesses. Sept. 11 is a “painful reminder of what we’ve lost” but the Seaford community never forgets its obligation to come to the school every year and pay tribute.
“Each and every one of them had a name, a story and someone who loved them,” Mr. Haskell said of those who lost their lives. “The best thing we can do for all of those who left before us is to tell their stories.”
Retired educator Steve Bongiovi, who was a teacher when the five departed alumni were students, spoke about them individually. He shared their high school involvement, career accomplishments, families, hobbies and talents.
From one end of the lawn to the other, candles were lit as a bell tolled for Timothy, Thomas, John, Robert and Michael, as well as all victims of the attacks and other special intentions. The ceremony closed out with the high school’s honor chorale, led by Yvonne Bendzlowicz, singing “God Bless America.”
