Cedarhurst Remembers: Ceremony for the Anniversary of 9/11

Published on September 12, 2017
Chief Dave Campbell of the Lawrence Cedarhurst Fire Department reading the names of the 7 community members who lost their lives. Thomas E. Jurgens, Neil D. Levin, Kevin O’Rourke, Joseph Rivelli Jr., Bettina Browne Radburn, Ira Zaslow, and Howard Selwyn.

On Sunday, the Village of Cedarhurst commemorated the tragic events of September 11, 2001 at its annual Memorial Ceremony at the Memorial Plaza in Andrew J. Parise Park.  The Village honored the memories of seven members of our community who were murdered in the attack on the World Trade Center 16 years ago.  We also paid tribute to the first responders and survivors of that fateful day.

“We gather here today to remember, to pause, to reflect and to never, ever, forget, those members of our community who we honor in our 9/11 Memorial Plaza and on our Monument, and all victims, first responders, firefighters, police and court officers.  It is our small way of honoring and cherishing their memory” said Mayor Benjamin Weinstock in his heartfelt remarks.

Village officials, religious leaders, first responders and elected officials attended the ceremony to offer words of wisdom, healing and hope.  The vocal ensemble of LHS added inspiring songs to the solemn atmosphere.  Taps were played after memorializing those names from our community, and a bell rung as each name was pronounced.

The audience was riveted as keynote speaker and Cedarhurst resident, Ari Schonbrun, powerfully delivered his memories of escaping the burning towers that day and his heroic efforts to save his co-workers.   His message of courage, love and helping a friend in need was extremely moving and emotional.

Mayor, Benjamin Weinstock and the Board of Trustees gratefully thanked the Lawrence Cedarhurst Fire Department, Rabbi Shay Schachter, of Rosh Bais Medrash Young Israel of Woodmere, Senator Todd Kaminsky, Lawrence Cedarhurst American Legion Post #339, Chief Dave Campbell and the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department, Deputy Inspector Danny Gluck of the Nassau County Auxiliary Police, Commander Syd Mandelbaum of the Lawrence-Cedarhurst American Legion Post #339 and Pam Gallopini and Thomas Riley of Lawrence Public School District No. 15.

The Village acknowledged with appreciation the large turnout of Five Town residents for bringing dignity, grace and honor to a day that will forever be etched in American history.